Aptis writing in real-life conditions: the impact of allowing access to spelling and grammar checking

This study examined the impact of allowing access to editing tools on the test-taker performance and their test-taking experience. Data was collected from 40 test-takers, half at B1 and half at B2 proficiency, as they completed the Aptis Writing task 4. To assess differences in performance, the written answers were analysed in terms of linguistic complexity, accuracy and scores. To investigate test-taker experiences, questionnaires asking about test-takers' perceptions of completing the test in the two different conditions were completed, along with a questionnaire investigating the benefits and drawbacks of having access to the editing tools. A subset of participants completed stimulated recall sessions to add further insight into the considerations, processes and concerns of test-takers completing the task.