Using Examples to Support Arguments in an English Language Assessment

EasyChair Preprint 3780

Abstract

In this project, we evaluated the quality of written arguments through analyzing examples in test takers’ essays in an English language assessment. Altogether we identified 168 examples used to support arguments in 99 essays. Raters were able to recognize various characteristics of the examples in a relatively consistent manner. The results indicated that the number of examples and clarity were significant predictors of the essay quality. Here, we present our analysis approach, results, and implications.

Keyphrases: English language assessment, Evaluating examples, argument, writing

@booklet{EasyChair:3780,
  author    = {Yi Song and Patrick Houghton and Szu-Fu Chao and Beata Beigman Klebanov},
  title     = {Using Examples to Support Arguments in an English Language Assessment},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 3780},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2020}}