Adaptation of the EPT specification to a Ukrainian argumentative writing test within the contrastive rhetoric approach

Kostenko, Olexandra

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/44168 Copy

Description

Title

Adaptation of the EPT specification to a Ukrainian argumentative writing test within the contrastive rhetoric approach

Author(s)

Kostenko, Olexandra

Issue Date

2013-05-24T21:53:12Z

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Davidson, Frederick G.

Department of Study

English as an Intl Language

Discipline

Teaching of English Sec Lang

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.A.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Argumentative writing
• test specification
• test adaptation
• contrastive rhetoric
• United States of America
• Ukraine

Abstract

This study investigates adaptation of the University of Illinois (at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, USA) English Placement Test (EPT) Specification (spec) to the Ukrainian argumentative writing test taken by Ukrainian high-school graduates as a part of the obligatory Unified State Examination (USE) within the contrastive rhetoric approach. Never before has any argumentative writing test spec been adapted with a consideration of contrastive rhetoric findings in English and Ukrainian. The purpose of the research is to develop the Ukrainian language argumentative test potentially applicable to the Ukrainian system of education and to provide some methodology and guidance for future test adapters and developers. The procedure of the study implies cooperation with eight Ukrainian language teachers from Ukraine and USA whose task is to review the adapted Ukrainian test spec and answer twelve questions on its applicability. In the study the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the feedback is applied. The results suggest that EPT spec cannot be adapted to the argumentative writing test in the Ukrainian language and literature currently held as a part of USE without congruent changes in the Ukrainian language curriculum of high-schools. Provided corresponding changes are implemented, the adapted test could be used as a test analogous to USE for high-school graduates. In addition, provided the similar changes in the Ukrainian language curriculum of Universities are introduced, the test could be applied in Ukrainian Universities and in non-public education sectors. The adapted test can be used as an exam for Ukrainian or international college students who take the elective course analogous to US Academic Writing and as an argumentative writing test for the Ukrainian native-speakers who serve as public employees undergoing the state attestation program.

Graduation Semester

2013-05

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/44168

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Copyright 2013 Olexandra Kostenko

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