Developing And Validating The Rating Scale Of Networking Oral Task In ETIC Preliminary

Rating the oral proficiency tests is a complex process,in which rating scale plays a crucial role.Research on rating scale is an important aspect of oral proficiency test research.Currently,most studies on rating scale for oral proficiency tests,both domestically and internationally,are focused on implications for teaching,impact on the construct validity of oral proficiency tests,effect on the test taker’s response.There is relatively little research on the development and validation of rating scale for oral proficiency tests.The English Test for International Communication(ETIC)is a recently developed English proficiency test system in China that focuses on oral and written communication skills.One of the speaking tasks in the ETIC is networking oral task,which is selected as the target for the development and validation of a rating scale in this study.Based on Bachman and Palmer’s(2010)model of communicative language ability and the framework of EBB rating criteria,as well as referencing some of the existing rating scales for English oral proficiency tests domestically and internationally,a rating scale is developed for the networking oral task.Two validity studies were conducted to validate the rating scales.A mixed-method research approach was adopted,combining quantitative and qualitative analysis.Winsteps and other data analysis software were used to conduct a multifacet Rasch model analysis,which aimed to improve the initial rating scale and the revised one based on the comparative analysis of the data.The results of the study indicate that the rating scale,based on the EBB rating framework,can be used effectively for the networking oral task.It has the advantages of clear classification of criteria and ease of use.The study also suggests that the rating scale for the task of establishing contact should focus on multiple dimensions of language ability,especially the importance of meaning negotiation.This study provided important insights for the development and validation studies of rating scale for other related oral proficiency tasks.