The effectiveness of the general aptitude test in Saudi Arabia in predicting performance of English as a foreign language

Abstract

Purpose – This study examines the test's predictive validity of English language performance and compares test constructs to identify the most effective predictors of English language performance. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected and analysed from test scores of students enrolled in the foundation year (N = 84) and level 2 (N = 127) in the faculty of English at a Saudi university using correlation and regression tests. Findings – The findings revealed that the General Aptitude Test (GAT) is effective in predicting English performance for students in level 2 and that the error detection task is the most effective predictor of performance in English reading. Practical implications – The study provides support for the validity of the GAT as a university admission requirement for English language courses in the Arabic-speaking world. Originality/value – This study examines the GAT's power using a fine-grained approach by deriving scores from its breakdown constructs to predict the performance of English skills at the university level.

Keywords

• University admission tests
• The general aptitude test
• Cross-linguistic influence
• Interdependence and threshold hypotheses
• Transfer in reading
• Language aptitude