Annexure 10: English Language Tests

Test of English As A Foreign Languages (TOEFL): The TOEFL test which used to be administered in paper-and-pencil mode in now available only as Computer-Based Test (CBT). The CBT uses a multiple choice format and combines many of the same question types as the paper-based test along with new types of questions that can be offered only on the computer. The CBT is given in individual testing stations containing a computer and headphones. The test has four sections, all of which are mandatory:

1.  Listening which measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America,

2.  Structure which measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English. The language tested is formal, rather than conversational

3.  Reading which measures the ability to understand short passages similar in topic and style to academic texts used in north American colleges and universities, and

4.  Writing which measures the ability to write in English on an assigned topic. For this, the candidates are required to compose an essay. Detailed information along with application form is available in TOEFL Bulletin for Computer-Based Testing obtainable free of cost from the Institute of Psychological and Educational Measurement (IPEM) (Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Allahabad-211001).

Prometirc, a Division of the Thompson Learning, administers the CBT round the year at permanent testing centres throughout the world. In India the test is conducted by the Sylvan Testing Services (P) Ltd., at nine centres located at Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Calcutta, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai (two centres), New Delhi, and Thiruvananthapuram, IPEM also conducts the test in Allahabad. Candidates are required to register for an examination through the sylvan’s Regional Registration Centre (Senior Plaza, 180-A Goutam Nagar, Yusuf Nagar, Behind Indian Oil Bhawan, New Delhi-110049).

The Test of Spoken English (TSE): It is designed to evaluate the general oral language proficiency of non-native speakers of English. The examinees are asked to give oral answers to questions that are presented in written and oral form. The spoken answers are recorded on tape. The detailed information on the TSE are given in the Information Bulletin for the Test of Spoken English, also obtainable from IPEM.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS): IELTS is readily available at test centres around the world which arrange test administrations according to local demand.

Business English Certificate (BEC): It needs no emphasis that effective business communication can make a big difference in the functioning of an organization. Business English skills therefore, contribute to the success of an organization. In India also, the appropriate and effective use of English language in reading, writing, listening, and speaking is crucial to growth and success. The BEC examination offers an English language qualification for learners wishing to use English for the purposes of International business. The examinations focus on the application of language in dealing with real world business situations. There are three BEC levels. Each level has three components: Reading, Writing and Speaking.

BEC 1: is aimed at people with an elementary and lower intermediate levels of competence and is intended for people working in business or preparing for a career in business; BEC 2; is aimed at people with intermediate level of competence. It aims to be accessible even to those who have limited business experience but who see this as a necessary step towards personal growth; and BEC 3: is aimed at people with an advanced level of competence.

At all three levels, the materials and tasks are accessible to candidates who have experience of, or are interested in entering a range of business fields, including marketing, production, financial services and general office work. Contact Addresses: As in IELTS.

National English Language Test (NELTS): This is the first national-level proficiency test in English introduced by the Central Institute of English and Foreign Languages (Hyderabad-500007) in association with Orient Longman Limited (Hyderabad-500034). It is not based on any prescribed syllabus or course, but is intended to assess the ability of a person to use English in real-life, academic or workplace situations. The test is in two parts. Part 1 has five sections and the part 2 has three: Part 1: Section 1-ability to read fast and find specific items, descriptions or products, places, persons, contents pages of books, etc. Section 2 – ability to read fast and may include items as section one. Section 3 – knowledge of grammar and vocabulary; Sections 4 and 5 – ability to read longer texts, and understand facts, ideas, view points, and opinions found in them. Part 2: Section 1 – ability to write short notes or message based on visuals, such as, tables, graphs, charts, dialogues, reports, etc; Section 2 – ability to write a letter; Section 3 – ability to produce a long piece of writing.