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Arab World English Journal (AWEJ) Volume 17. Number 2, June 2026 Pp.78-93
Faculty of Education, The National University of Malaysia.
The C-Test is an integrative language assessment technique in which test takers restore systematically deleted parts of words in short texts, and it has been widely used to measure overall language proficiency across different languages and educational contexts. The main question guiding this review is how methodological approaches in C-Test research have been designed, analysed, and validated across different educational and linguistic contexts. The primary aim of the study is to synthesise existing empirical evidence on the construction, scoring, and psychometric evaluation of the C-Test, with particular attention to issues of reliability, validity, and analytical rigor. The review is important because clearer methodological guidance is needed to strengthen the credibility and interpretability of C-Test findings in language assessment research. Guided by established reporting standards, this review identified and screened empirical quantitative studies and applied a structured quality appraisal process. It then employed thematic synthesis to extract and analyse recurring methodological patterns and trends. The findings indicate that most studies report strong reliability and construct validity of the C-Test, supported by both classical and modern measurement approaches. However, studies vary considerably in scoring methods, model selection, and reporting practices. The review concludes by recommending clearer methodological guidelines and more transparent reporting standards to support the consistent and effective use of the C-Test in future language assessment research.
Shamshir, S. S. M., Yusoff, N. M. R. N. & Baharudin, H. (2026). Toward Methodological Coherence in C-Test Studies: A Systematic Review of Scoring, Validation, and Measurement Practices. Arab World English Journal, 17(2): 78-93
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Siti Samihah Mohd Shamshir is a PhD candidate in Arabic Language Education at National University of Malaysia (UKM). Her research interests include syntactic complexity, T-unit analysis, Arabic textbook evaluation, and language assessment.
ORCHID ID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-7340-0916
Prof. Dr. Nik Rahimi Nik Yusoff is a Professor at the Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia (UKM). His academic expertise and research interests include Arabic language education, curriculum development, language pedagogy, and educational assessment. He has been extensively involved in research and supervision related to the teaching and learning of Arabic in Malaysian educational contexts.ORCHID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0605-4010
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Baharudin is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Education, National University of Malaysia (UKM). His research interests focus on Arabic language pedagogy, applied linguistics, instructional strategies, and the evaluation of Arabic language teaching materials. His scholarly work contributes to improving Arabic language education in Malaysia.
ORCHID ID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6729-0044