The use of engagement resources in IGCSE EFL and ESL reading exams: A practical application of appraisal theory

مقال فى مجلة

2024

This paper illustrates the value of Engagement as a subsystem of Martin

and White’s (2005) Appraisal framework in studies on IGCSE English

reading assessments. The study focused on how IGCSE exam authors

engage with their readers and how they construct and negotiate stances using

evaluative language. The study used a mixed-method research design to

examine engagement resources in four IGCSE EFL/ESL reading tests.

Analysis of four IGCSE EFL and ESL reading tests using the Engagement

system revealed that there are some different linguistic preferences among

EFL and ESL exam makers. While both tests had a higher number of

heteroglossic and ‘contractive’ resources, the manner in which these

elements were distributed made a difference in serving each exam’s purpose

and type of evaluation, i.e. the engagement feature was used in EFL texts to

present a more challenging text while ESL texts were considered clearer. A

thorough understanding of the underlying features of engagement can help

learners distinguish creative positioning, assess the impact of linguistic

choices, identify the goal of writing, and comprehend underlying ideologies

and values. The comparison between ESL and EFL texts indicates that closer

attention to authorial presence and to problems of voice negotiation through

the study of engagement resources can help in preparing EFL and ESL

IGCSE exam takers to solve more effectively and can enhance their text

understanding and sharpen their critical reading skills.

• نوع عمل المنشور: Research Article