Abstract The objectives of this study w_~ to explore the washback effect of first semester grade 9 English mid-tests and final examination at Tana Haik senior secondary school; and to.see whether a match or mismatch exists between curricular aims and goals with that of classroom tests. 156 grade 9 students through simple random sampling and 6 grade 9 English teachers through comprehensive or available sampling technique were chosen. Questionnaires for teachers and students and document analysis of the first seven chapters of grade 9 English. text book against grade 9 first semester midterm test and final examination have been used to gather data. The data collected through the questionnaires were presented, . . ... analyzed, and interpreted via percentage; on the other hand, the data gained from the document analysis has been interpreted qualitatively, through descriptive explanations. The findings of the study indicated that teachers and students do not cover every section in thf! text book instead they skip some contents which are less likely to appear .in classroom tests and examinattons. The study pointed out that there is a mismatch between curriculum aims and goals with that of classroom tests and examinations. In the study, it was also found that dassroom test and examination affect teachers' and students' perception to different content areas /skills. The study showed that classroom tests and examinations .do not encourage students as well as teachers to concentrate on all language skills. Consequently, it is more ,~~~~ . . - likely that classroom tests and examinations exert a negative washback effect on the teaching