TY - JOUR AU - García Laborda, Jesús AU - Martín-Monje, Elena PY - 2013/12/01 Y2 - 2024/03/29 TI - Item and test construct definition for the new Spanish Baccalaureate final evaluation: A proposal JF - International Journal of English Studies JA - Int. j. Engl. stud. VL - 13 IS - 2 SE - DO - 10.6018/ijes.13.2.185921 UR - https://revistas.um.es/ijes/article/view/ijes.13.2.185921 SP - 69-88 AB - The current English section of the University Entrance Examination (PAU) has kept the same format for twenty years. The Bologna process has provided new reasons to vary its current format, since the majority of international reputed tests usually include oral sections with both listening and speaking tasks. Recently the Universidad de Alcalá (Madrid) was granted the funds to suggest and experiment the new format through the OPENPAU project. This paper justifies the introduction of the Spanish Baccalaureate Final Evaluation in terms of a re-design of the tasks in line with the Communicative Approach and the Common European Framework of Reference and also taking into account the distinctive features of a language test in order to be valid and useful (construct validity, reliability, impact, practicality and quality management). Furthermore, it provides sound suggestions for a computer-based delivery which could be done through the use of mobile devices. The article concludes with the belief that the new diploma may serve to overcome the deficiencies of the current exam if rigorous studies are undertaken and research-based decisions are reached. ER -