The Washback Effects of Task-based and Non-Task-based Language Assessment on English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Students’ Reading Comprehension Ability

Background: The present study set out to examine the washback effects of task-based (TBLA) and non-task-based language assessment (NTBLA) on nursing students’ reading comprehension ability.Method: First, 60 students studying nursing in Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences took part in the study. Second, they were homogenized in terms of English language proficiency and were later non-randomly assigned to two experimental groups each comprising 30 learners. In Group1, task-based reading assessment was provided while in Group 2, non-task-based traditional reading assessment was administered.Results: The results of the study pointed to a statistically significant difference between the washback effects of the two assessment types. In other words, the participants in TBLA group outperformed those in NTBLA group.Conclusion: Complementing EAP courses for medical students with TBLA sounds an auspicious move towards enhancing academic reading ability of medical students. The findings have certain pedagogical and research implications as well.