Metacognitive awareness is essential in regulating second language (L2) listening and has been predominantly assessed by a multidimensional instrument named the Metacognitive Awareness Listening Questionnaire (MALQ). Since previous studies have yielded inconclusive evidence concerning the generalization of MALQ, it is important to examine the…

Studies have shown that raising L2 learners' metaphor awareness contributes to the acquisition of figurative language, which fosters students' development of language skills. However, the instruments measuring metaphor awareness, in the majority of relevant research, did not seem to have undergone proper methodological procedures for checking…

An increasing number of language testing companies are developing and deploying deep learning-based automated essay scoring systems (AES) to replace traditional approaches that rely on handcrafted feature extraction. However, there is hesitation to accept neural network approaches to automated essay scoring because the features are automatically…

This paper discusses the challenges of defining coherence in the context of oral language assessment literacy and proposes that better understanding of the construct can be achieved through a systemic-functional linguistic lens. Coherence is taken to be a foundational quality of written and spoken discourse and is a standard feature in the…

Scoring rubrics are known to be effective for assessing writing for both testing and classroom teaching purposes. How raters interpret the descriptors in a rubric can significantly impact the subsequent final score, and further, the descriptors may also color a rater's judgment of a student's writing quality. Little is known, however, about how…

Learner autonomy has been considered an essential goal of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. This capacity empowers students to actively engage in learning activities and gives them greater control over their learning environment. Existing research on learner autonomy has proposed six conceptual models, yet these frameworks have…

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a high-stakes exam where Writing Task 2 significantly influences the overall scores, requiring reliable evaluation. While trained human raters perform this task, concerns about subjectivity and inconsistency have led to growing interest in artificial intelligence (AI)-based assessment…

Foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA) is a popular construct in applied linguistics research, traditionally measured with the 33-item Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS). However, recent studies have started utilizing the eight-item Short-Form FLCAS (S-FLCAS). There is therefore a need, which this study addressed in five…

This article proposes a conceptual and measurement framework for postpubertal, L2 speech learning aptitude that is centered around domain-general auditory processing (i.e., representing spectral and temporal characteristics of sounds). To this end, we examine the construct and reliability of a battery of auditory processing tests by presenting the…

This experimental study explores how source use features impact raters' judgment of argumentation in a second language (L2) integrated writing test. One hundred four experienced and novice raters were recruited to complete a rating task that simulated the scoring assignment of a local English Placement Test (EPT). Sixty written responses were…

This study introduces the "ChatGPT Usage Scale for Foreign Language Learners," designed to evaluate the usage of AI chatbots in language learning. The scale was developed based on a comprehensive literature review and expert evaluations, ensuring a strong theoretical foundation and content validity. It comprises three sub-dimensions…

Lexical diversity (LD) is an important indicator of second language lexical development. Much research has investigated LD indices, with a focus on learners of English. However, further research is needed in languages that are typologically distinct from English, such as Korean. In this study, we evaluated the reliability and validity of LD…

The study seeks to conceptualise foreign language learning burnout and provide its corresponding measurement. The 15-item "Maslach Burnout Inventory-Student Survey" (MBI-SS) was rephrased to fit an English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) learning context. The modified MBI-SS was then assessed among 1718 Chinese secondary EFL students. A…

Learner autonomy has received growing interest from researchers and educators since the 1980s. Autonomous learners are supposed to monitor their progress and assess their performance. The present study investigated the effects of learner factors on the scorer reliability of self- and peer-assessment of EFL (English as foreign language) writing…

This technical manual describes the purpose and intended uses of the TOEFL iBT test, its target test-taker population, and relevant language use domains. The test design and scoring procedures are presented first, followed by a research agenda intended to support the interpretation and use of test scores. Given the updates to the test starting…