Table 3 Background information of the four interviewees
|  | Washback | Gender | Year of study | Major | Spoken English proficiency (Band 1–9) | Principal test purpose | Familiarity with ASE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Case 1-Ge | Positive | Male | 1st year | Information Technology (Computer Science) | Band 4 | For international exchange programmes | Very familiar |
Case 2-Yan | Positive | Female | 4th year | Social Science (International Studies) | Band 6 | For presenting test result to potential employers | Neutral |
Case 3-Ling | Negative | Female | 2nd year | Arts & Humanities (English Language & Literature) | Band 8 | For evaluating spoken English proficiency | Very unfamiliar |
Case 4- Kun | Negative | Male | 4th year | Natural Science (Biology) | Band 5 | For studying abroad for further degrees | Unfamiliar |