Speaking, Writing Tests Added to TOEIC Next Year (2008)

The TOEIC test is one of the key international English proficiency tests to examine one's English level in the business setting. Most people regard a TOEIC certificate with the equivalence of the intermediate or even high-intermediate level of the GEPT test (General English Proficiency Test, a local English proficiency test in Taiwan) as the concrete proof of one's English ability when it comes to job hunting. Even since the TOEIC test was introduced to the market, there has been the listening and reading comprehension tests. However, due to the greater demand of speaking and writing skills at work, some changes will be made to the TOEIC test.

According to the press release by ETS' representative in Taiwan, the speaking and writing tests are slated to be launched in the TOEIC test next year. But they are optional and separated from the "reading and listening" modules. For those who want to proof their proficiency in those two abilitilies, please note that the two modules will be held on the Internet, just like the TOEFL tests. What's more, starting from January, 2008, the two tests will only accept applications on the group basis. In other words, only institutions or schools can apply for the two tests. Individuals can't sign up for the two modules until next September.

The TOEIC test is adopted by most companies in Taiwan as a threshold for evaluating the English abilities of potential employees. I took the exam almost two years ago and I was lucky enough to get a total score of 945. However, as a teacher, I might have to retake the test again after the two modules come out so that I can be more au fait with the test and share more experiences with my students. Most people may think of the changes as a hard work. However, from my point of view, this can change or correct the way people study English.

For more information, you can click on the following website hyperlinks. If you have any questions about the TOEIC test, just feel free to make your comments here.

http://www.toeic.com.tw/campaign/sw/press_release.html

http://tw.news.yahoo.com/article/url/d/a/071212/1/pt5r.html