Four-level English Test Reform in 2022
The Four-level English Test (CET) has undergone several reforms since its establishment in 1989. As one of the most important language tests in China, CET has played a significant role in evaluating the English proficiency of Chinese college students. With the development of society, the demand for English proficiency has increased significantly. Therefore, the Ministry of Education is planning a new reform for the CET.
What are the changes in the 2022 CET?
The 2022 CET will consist of two levels: basic and advanced. The basic level will be similar to the current CET-4, while the advanced level is designed to test students' proficiency in English at a higher level. The time limit for the new CET basic level is set to 120 minutes, and the advanced level will have a 180-minute time limit. The total scores for the CET basic and advanced levels will be 600 and 700, respectively.
What impacts will the reform have?
The reform will help students to better measure their English proficiency and easily identify their strengths and weaknesses. The change in the time limit of the CET may put pressure on students to improve their time management skills. Students will also have to adjust their study methods to adapt to the new CET. The reform may also affect language training institutions, which will need to modify their teaching strategies to better guide students' learning and adapt to the updated test format.
What opportunities and challenges will the reform bring?
The new CET reform will provide opportunities for students to improve their English proficiency. The advanced level of the new CET will serve as a stepping-stone for students to take other language proficiency tests. The reform may also promote the development of English teaching materials and improve English education in middle and high schools. However, the challenges that come with the reform should not be ignored. The increased difficulty of the CET may lead to a decrease in students' motivation to study English. Also, the reform may create pressure on teachers as they have to deal with more complicated exam preparation and teaching.
In summary, the new reform of the CET in 2022 reflects a more integrated and comprehensive approach to evaluating students' English proficiency. Whether the reform will succeed or not, we cannot tell right now. However, what we can expect is that the reform will provide a reference for future language proficiency tests and bring more opportunities to students who want to improve their language skills.