52
5
10
15
20
0
5
0
S
upplemental Reading
S
tudents all over the world want to attend university in America. When
students apply, universities need a reliable way to assess their English
skills. Most universities use a test called
TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language.
Businesses use a test called TOEIC:
Test of English for
International Communication. Today, however, many
universities are also using TOEIC. This test measures
English listening, reading, writing, and speaking. But
is it a true indicator of English ability?
Many people
do not think it is.
Students know they must get a high score on the
TOEIC to attend university or get a good job. They
often spend several years and lots of money studying
for it. Several students achieve very high TOEIC scores.
When universities and
employers see those scores, they think the applicants must have very good English
skills. As soon as the high scorers
begin studying or working, however, it quickly
becomes apparent that they do not. They have learned how to pass English tests
but do not know how to use English in everyday life.
This causes frustration for
both the English learners and the teachers or bosses who must work with them.
In Korea, major companies have started to use a new test to measure
employees’ English, called the Oral Proficiency Interview Computer system, or OPlC.
They have not
completely abandoned the TOEIC, however. Even though it may be
imperfect, the TOEIC remains the best path to success for English learners.
