Achieving high scores on the English section of the Korean University
Aptitude Examination (KUAE) is very important for Korean high school students
because the scores can determine admission to Korean universities and
students' future social, political, and financial success in the society. To
achieve desired English scores, the students spend tremendous time and
energy studying the language. However, this test preparation does not seem
to improve their English proficiency. Why do not students develop their
English proficiency effectively with hard-working test preparation? To answer
this question, this book analyzes the high-stakes testing system, English
education, test, and examinees' attitudes toward the test. The analysis
focuses students' opinions about the relationship between the KUAE English
test preparation and their English proficiency development. This book also
includes the procedure of how to design survey items and analyze them by
using an Item Response Theory model. This study suggests some possible
solutions for the Korean English education system. This book is addressed to
professionals in ESL educators, researchers, and policy makers in Korea. It is
also directed toward scholars in Korean studies.