“Ah yes”, said the old man. “If I'd had time I ____________ the world.”

Unit 8

Evaluation and Testing

General external examinations TOEFL – Test of English as a Foreign Language

This is an American English exam that is required by most US universities for admission purposes if the prospective student is a non-native speaker of English. This test is virtually all multiple choice (writing paper excepted) and covers grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing and listening. The TOEFL has recently added a speaking element.

The TOEFL exam is one test for all levels, either on paper or computer-based. A student doesn't pass or fail, but gets a final score, which equates to his/her level.

IELTS – International English Language Testing System

The ideal test if a student needs to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS scores are recognised by universities and colleges, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.

TOEIC

TOEIC, the Test Of English for International Communication, is probably the most widely recognised test of work-place English proficiency in Japan and Korea, and now becoming more popular in Europe. It measures the ability of non-native English-speaking examinees to use English in everyday work activities.

Originally examining only two communication skills, reading and listening, TOEIC was originally based on the TOEFL test. The test lasted for two and a half hours and had 200 multiple choice questions; 100 questions for listening comprehension and 100 questions for reading comprehension. More recently, writing and speaking components have been added.

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