Predictability of IELTS in a high-stakes context: a mixed methods study of Chinese students’ perspectives on test preparation

Language Testing in Asia

Table 1 Elements of test predictability based on Baird et al. (2014)

Feature	Description and possible impacts	It is predictable when...
Test format	Description	• Nature of the test (e.g. written, oral) is known in advance. • Weighting of the test components is known. • Question format and topics are known in advance.
Test format	Possible impacts	• The phrasing and structure of test items can be explained to students in advance and they can be taught test-wiseness.
Performance format	Description	• The way students will be required to respond to test items is known in advance.
Performance format	Possible impacts	• Teachers can teach students how to produce the kinds of performances required.
Examination support materials	Description	• Past papers are publicly available . • Model answers can be accessed.
Examination support materials	Possible impacts	• There is a lopsided focus on the test itself. • Students may gain marks from superficial approaches to learning.
Test conditions	Description	• Information about test administration is known in advance.
Test conditions	Possible impacts	• Test performances can be practised.
Scope of language skills	Description	• Topics that will be assessed are known in advance.
Scope of language skills	Possible impacts	• Students may not need to study the full scope of language skills intended. • Teachers may narrow the focus of language skills to be taught.