The review presented and discussed in this paper explores the theoretical underpinnings and research findings of the washback of high-stakes tests in the field of language teaching and testing as well general education and suggests areas and ways of researching the phenomenon in the future. (Contains 1 figure and 1 table.)

Describes the nature of recent changes in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and provides a rationale for their introduction. Notes that IELTS is widely accepted as a reliable means of assessing whether candidates are ready to study or train in the medium of English. (five references) (Author/CK)

Questions the removal of a link between reading and writing tasks in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examinations on two grounds: that this removal is prejudicial to those students whose native cultures may not provide the appropriate schemata to effectively write; and that it is unrealistic in terms of the measurement of…