Exploring a Feasibility of a Large-Scale Computer-Based Speaking Test of English: Focusing on the Validity

The high demand for speaking tests of English has led to the materialization of large-scale speaking tests. However, this speaking test that requires the use of a computer has an inherent limitation in validity, in that it is difficult to assess satisfactorily the interactional use of language in speaking. This paper attempts to explore the feasibility of a large-scale computer-based speaking test of English in Korea, focusing on the issue of test validity. For this research, 100 test-takers of the OPIc, a large-scale internet-based speaking test of English conducted in Korea, were surveyed about their perceptions of the validity of the test. The survey results demonstrated that a large-scale computer-based speaking test of English is feasible and sufficiently valid.