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Development of the Redesigned TOEIC Bridge Tests TOEIC ECD CEFR

Author(s):
Everson, Philip; Duke, Trina; Garcia Gomez, Pablo; Carter Grissom, Elizabeth; Park, Elizabeth; Schmidgall, Jonathan
Publication Year:
2019
Report Number:
RM-19-10
Source:
ETS Research Memorandum
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
58
Subject/Key Words:
Test Design, Redesign, TOEIC Bridge Test, English Language Proficiency, Listening Skills, Reading Skills, Speaking Skills, Writing Skills, Task Design, Evidence-Centered Design (ECD), Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), Pilot Test, Field Tests, Usability Studies, Raters, Proficiency Level Definitions

Abstract

The suite of TOEIC assessments measures the English language proficiency of nonnative speakers in the international workplace and everyday life. The TOEIC tests focus on measuring intermediate to advanced workplace English proficiency. The TOEIC Bridge test focuses on measuring beginning to intermediate everyday English proficiency. The TOEIC Listening and Reading test has been in use since 1979. In response to market needs for direct measures of speaking and writing skills, the TOEIC Speaking and Writing tests were added in 2006 to the suite of TOEIC assessments. The TOEIC Bridge test was introduced in 2001 as a measure of the listening and reading abilities of beginning to intermediate English learners. In 2017, in order to bring the TOEIC Bridge test into alignment with the TOEIC tests and to more fully meet test taker and score user needs, the TOEIC program initiated the design of a 4-skills suite of TOEIC Bridge assessments. Because the TOEIC program recognizes the evolving nature of international English communication, the decision was made to not simply add speaking and writing assessments to the existing two-skill TOEIC Bridge test but also design new assessments for all 4 skills.

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