Variables Influencing the Validity of the Reading Test

Abstract

The paper analyzes the variables that can influence the validity of the reading part in the standardized test of CET (College English Test). They refer to the test methods and test content. As for the test method, the widely used are multiple-choice questions and short answer questions which can influence the test takers’ performance and therefore the validity of the reading part. For the test content, this paper analyzes from the perspectives of text forms and types of questions. It shows that these variables do have some influence on the validity of the reading test.