A Systematic Review of Washback Research in China (2005–2025)

Authors

  • Lingxiao Li

    School of Foreign Languages, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan 250353, China
  • Tianhao Li

    Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.11215
Received: 29 July 2025 | Revised: 13 August 2025 | Accepted: 9 September 2025 | Published Online: 22 September 2025

Abstract

Washback refers to the impact of language tests on language teaching and learning. Though numerous empirical studies have been done on this topic, there is a lack of systematic reviews of these studies. In light of this, this study presents a review of washback research in the Chinese mainland over the past two decades. Specifically, 66 studies were included and analyzed in terms of the following aspects: test type, participant, research methodology, and research foci. The results showed that while the majority of the reviewed studies examined the washback of English tests, especially large-scale high-stakes ones, including the College English Test (CET), the National Matriculation English Test (NMET), and the Test for English Majors (TEM). Meanwhile, a few studies investigated the washback of non-English language tests, such as the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK). The reviewed studies primarily recruited university students and teachers as participants, while only a few studies included other stakeholders, like school leaders and test constructors. Quantitative and mixed-methods approaches, along with cross-sectional designs, were predominantly adopted, while qualitative research methods and longitudinal research designs were comparatively less used. Moreover, three major research themes were identified: washback effects on language learning, washback effects on language teaching, and the factors influencing these effects. This review maps the current state of washback research in the Chinese mainland and offers directions for future research.

Keywords:

Washback; Language Testing and Assessment; Systematic Review

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How to Cite

Li, L., & Li, T. (2025). A Systematic Review of Washback Research in China (2005–2025). Forum for Linguistic Studies, 7(10), 71–84. https://doi.org/10.30564/fls.v7i10.11215

Issue

Vol. 7 , Iss. 10 (October 2025): In progress

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Review

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Copyright © 2025 Lingxiao Li, Tianhao Li

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