IELTS Washback in Context

The study explores the impact of the IELTS Writing test on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) programs, focusing on how test preparation may affect international students' development of essential academic literacy skills. It examines the potential negative consequences, or washback, that the test may have on students' readiness for university study, highlighting the importance of aligning EAP instruction with the demands of the IELTS assessment.