【Abstract】This paper presents the definitions of washback effect， the studies of the positive， negative washback effect， the recommendations to develop positive washback effect. It is found that the bountiful studies of language testing washback effect have been on the increase， but there is still much to be done with the width and depth of these studies.
　　【Key words】washback effect； direction； recommendations
　　1. Introduction
　　By reviewing the former research results， this paper makes a systemic and through study of its definitions， directions， the proposals to improve positive washback effect. It is hoped that this research could develop teachers’ language teaching and stimulate students’ language learning interest.
　　2. The Definitions of Washback Effect
　　Aldesron and Wall’s（1993） definition is that the extent to which the instruction and utilization of tests affect language teachers and learners to do something they wouldn’t otherwise do that develop or impede foreign language learning. Bachman and Palmer（1996） have put forwarded that the term “washback effect” is similar to the term “impact”. In general， the definition of the term “washback effect” refers to the effect of a test both on teaching and learning.
　　3. Studies of the Direction of Washback Effect
　　Li Ming（2005） pointed out that negative backwash affects the teachers’ choice of textbooks， teaching contents， teaching methods and their attitudes towards students. In the meantime， it impacts the students’ learning goals， learning contents， classroom performance and choice of extracurricular reading materials.
　　Not a little researches have introduced that a language test could bring about both positive and negative washback effect. （Alderson