Validity and Fairness of TOEFL iBT Reading Test

Abstract

The validity of the TOEFL, a large-scale worldwide test and a high-stake test, is the most concern for test-takers. The validity of TOEFL scores has been found positive as a whole but in reading comprehension. Four aspects are analyzed to study the validity of fairness of TOEFL iBT reading test. Results show that reading score are under-represented, with some cognitive validity issue, negative washback, and unfairness.