The Washback Effect of English Tests on Language Learning Strategies - a Comparative Case Study Based on the Data Analysis of the English and Non-English Majors in China

This present study attempted to investigate the washback effect of English tests on language learning strategies. To obtain convincing results, a comparative case study was employed. A modified version 7.0 of Oxford's (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language learning (SILL) was administrated. The collected data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 11.5 (SPSS). The findings revealed that there was a significant difference in the overall learning strategies use by English majors and non-English majors. Moreover, the use of cognitive, metacognitive, affective and social strategies was also found to have significant differences between English and non-English majors.