Assessing the Evolution of Thinking Qualities in the Essay Prompts of College English Test Band 4: Trends and Future Implications

Abstract

This paper provides an analysis of the essay prompts in the College English Test Band 4 from 2011 to June 2023, based on Bloom-Krathwohl’s taxonomy of educational objectives. The study explores the changes in the assessment of thinking qualities and predicts future trends in question formulation for the examination. The findings indicate a shift towards greater emphasis on critical and creative thinking abilities, aligning with national education goals. The examination has evolved to incorporate diverse prompts and question formats, moving away from traditional essay prompts towards more specialized reports and prompts that require in-depth analysis and reflection. It is anticipated that future iterations of the examination will continue to prioritize critical and creative thinking skills and may involve new question formats. Overall, the evolving nature of writing in the College English Test Band 4 reflects the recognition of the significance of nurturing students’ critical and creative thinking abilities, which ultimately promotes effective teaching and learning of English language skills.