|
Korean Job Discussion Forums
"The Internet's Meeting Place for ESL/EFL Teachers from Around the World!"
|
| View previous topic :: View next topic |
| Author |
Message |
Real Reality
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Location: Seoul
|
 Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:50 am Post subject: TOEIC to Adopt Speaking and Writing Sections |
 |
|
TOEIC to Adopt Speaking, Writing Options in December
Beginning in December, optional speaking and writing tests will be adopted in the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), the worldwide standard for workplace English language proficiency.
"The introduction of the speaking and writing tests will enhance the product line into a four-skill assessment -- listening, reading, speaking and writing -- and provide learners with opportunities to improve their overall communication skills," Paul A. Ramsey, senior vice president of ETS's Global Division, said.
The tests will be tentatively offered in two forms in Korea -- a speaking test and a combined speaking and writing test. The speaking test will measure applicant's ability to use spoken English. ETS's raters will evaluate exam-takers' ability in pronunciation, intonation, grammar, vocabulary, relevance and completeness of response. Test time will be about 20 minutes for 11 questions.
The writing test will evaluate test-takers' ability to use written English. Raters will check overall organization, appropriate and precise use of grammar and vocabulary. About an hour will be provided for eight questions.
By Kim Rahn, Korea Times (July 25, 2006)
http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/200607/kt2006072517473010440.htm |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
sjrm
Joined: 27 Jul 2005
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 3:23 am Post subject: |
|
|
| this is a step in the right direction. this'll show peoples' actual proficiency in the language. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
matthews_world
Joined: 15 Feb 2003
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 4:30 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| These Korean TOEIC teachers in these big chain hagwons pulling millions of won per month now have something to fear. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Woland
Joined: 10 May 2006
Location: Seoul
|
| Posted: Tue Jul 25, 2006 11:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
| sjrm wrote: |
| this is a step in the right direction. this'll show peoples' actual proficiency in the language. |
I agree with this comment, but I'm not so sure about this one:
| matthews_world wrote: |
| These Korean TOEIC teachers in these big chain hagwons pulling millions of won per month now have something to fear. |
The writing/speaking portions of the test will be optional at this point, and unless Korean companies start linking promotions or particular jobs to performance on the new optional tests, it shouldn't affect the current training regime.
Even if it does, the effect is not necessarily going to be a diminishment of their opportunities (especially if overall result is what is important), but the expansion of other opportunities, some of which they may be able to take advantage of if they can produce results.
If the use of these portions of the test becomes valuable in some ways, I predict these effects:
There will be an expansion of hogwan courses focused on these portions of the tests. An increased number of native speakers will be hired to teach these courses on the assumption that only native speakers can teach productive skills. Some of these people will succced, some because they are qualified, some out of luck and inspration. Others will fail because they are not qualified to teach at all, taking the good money of their students while they are at it.
There won't be enough native speakers to meet the demand in all places and Korean teachers will teach some of these classes. Some of them will succeed because they are qualified, some out of luck and inspiration. Others will fail because they are not qualified to teach at all, taking the good money of their students while they are at it.
I would hope that evidence like this would suggest to people that being qualified is more important than being a native speaker, but I won't bet on that. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
|
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
