How Do Test Takers Prepare for Computerized Speaking Tests - Comparative Study of PTE Academic and CET-SET - Final Report May 2021

Sep 30, 2026

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This final report investigates how test takers prepare for computerized speaking tests through a comparative study of the PTE Academic (PTE-A) and the CET-SET4. It synthesizes insights from interviews, focus groups, and questionnaire surveys, examining participants’ backgrounds, preparation activities and strategies, and perceptions of each speaking subtest. The research details methodology, data collection, and data analysis procedures, then presents results across qualitative and survey findings, concluding with cross-test preparation practices and strategy patterns.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages85

Reading Time3 h 34 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

1. Introduction

2. Literature review

2.1 Preparing for language tests: Test takers’preparation practices and strategies

2.2 The speaking subtest of the PTE-A and the CET-SET4

3. Methodology

3.1 Participants

3.2 Instruments

3.3 Data collection

3.4 Data analysis

4. Results

4.1 Findings from interviews and focus groups (PTE-A)

4.2 Findings from questionnaire survey (PTE-A)

4.3 Findings from interviews and focus groups (CET-SET4)

4.4 Findings from questionnaire survey (CET-SET4)

5. Summary and conclusions

5.1 Test takers’ preparation practices and strategies on the PTE-A speaking subtest and the CET-SET4

How do test takers prepare for computerized speaking tests? A comparative study of the PTE Academic and the CET-SET Jason Fan, University of Melbourne Yan Jin, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Xiaoxiao Kong, University of Melbourne Xiaoyi Zhang, Fudan University Language Testing Research Centre, University of Melbourne Final report-May 2021 Table of Contents Abstract........................................................................................................................................................ 3 1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4 2. Literature review .................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1 Preparing for language tests: Test takers’preparation practices and strategies ..................... 5 2.2 The speaking subtest of the PTE-A and the CET-SET4 ............................................................... 7 2.2.1 The PTE-A speaking subtest .................................................................................................... 7 2.2.2 The CET-SET4............................................................................................................................. 8 3. Methodology........................................................................................................................................... 9 3.1 Participants ...................................................................................................................................... 10 3.1.1 interview and focus group participants ............................................................................... 10 3.1.2 Questionnaire participants ..................................................................................................... 11 3.2 Instruments ..................................................................................................................................... 14 3.2.1 Interview protocols.................................................................................................................. 14 3.2.2 Questionnaires ......................................................................................................................... 14 3.3 Data collection................................................................................................................................. 15 3.3.1 Interview and focus group data collection........................................................................... 15 3.3.2 Questionnaire data collection................................................................................................. 15 3.4 Data analysis ................................................................................................................................... 16 3.4.1 Analysis of interview and focus group data ........................................................................ 16 3.4.2 Analysis of questionnaire data............................................................................................... 16 4. Results.................................................................................................................................................... 17 4.1 Findings from interviews and focus groups (PTE-A) ............................................................... 17 4.1.1 Participants’ background........................................................................................................ 19 4.1.2 Participants’preparation activities and strategies .......................................................... 20 4.1.3 Participants’ perceptions of the PTE-A speaking subtest .................................................. 28 4.2 Findings from questionnaire survey (PTE-A) ........................................

FAQs

What is the purpose of this comparative study?

The study compares how test takers prepare for computerized speaking tests in the PTE Academic and the CET-SET4, focusing on preparation practices, strategies, and perceptions.

How were data collected in the research?

Data were collected through interviews and focus groups, as well as a questionnaire survey, covering both the PTE-A and the CET-SET4 speaking subtests.

What does the report analyze in the results section?

The results analyze participants’ preparation activities and strategies and their perceptions, presenting findings from both qualitative (interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (questionnaire) sources.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by McQueen