What term describes the effect of the format of a test on teaching, often negative when it leads to teaching to the exam?

What term describes the effect of the format of a test on teaching, often negative when it leads to teaching to the exam?

• A. Washback/Backwash
• B. Connotation
• C. Phonology
• D. Practicality

Answer: (A)

Washback is the effect of assessment on teaching and learning. When a test’s format and content shape what happens in the classroom, teachers may tailor instruction to fit the exam—drilling specific item types, formats, or content at the expense of broader skills. This is often negative when it leads to teaching to the exam, narrowing the curriculum and prioritizing test-taking strategies over genuine understanding. The other terms don’t describe this phenomenon: connotation is about implied meaning of words, phonology is the study of sound systems, and practicality concerns feasibility.