PTE Academic: Why is there a new English language test?

In October 2009 Pearson launched their new Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) a university entrance English test, like IELTS or TOEFL

. Students may ask why there needs to be another test and this is a good question. In this article I will look at the current discussions regarding English language tests and university entrance.The need for an academic English testUniversities in the English speaking countries in the world rely on international students for both revenue and prestige. However, it is important that these students are able to study in English. This means that they should be able manage the large amount of reading required on university courses, speak fluently in academic and non academic situations and write effectively in a range of styles, depending on their subject of study. This is why universities use tests such as IELTS; these tests have been specially designed to test the skills needed for university study in English. Just knowing grammar is not enough so traditional grammar tests are not useful for universities to decide if a student will be able to manage their university course in English.

Current discussions about English tests

Recently there has been a lot of discussion about what level of English is necessary for university study. Universities have been criticized for allowing students to enrol on courses with IELTS 5.5, for example. And academics have criticised the main tests for not reflecting the skills required at university such as understanding plagiarism and taking part in group discussions. One of the issues of English language tests is that they can be formulaic. This means that there are certain techniques, strategies and individual words or phrases that you can learn to improve your test score without really improving your ability to communicate. In other words you can "learn" or try to "memorise" the test.

The new English test

The PTE Academic test aims to remove some of these issues. The test is completely computer based and computer marked with questions produced randomly so no student does the same test. This increases test security because it means that candidates do not benefit from trying to memorise questions. The skills which are tested are also integrated, which means that each question tests more than one of the four skills, reading, writing, listening and reading. This makes it more difficult for students to learn specific words or phrases to improve their score because they do not know exactly how the question will be marked. It is hope that this test will give a more real test score which reflects students' English language and skills ability rather than just their ability to take a test.

For more information on the test visit the Pearson website: http://www.pearsonpte.com/pteacademic/Pages/home.aspx

If you would like to try some practice exercises for the test have a look at the Target English free test practice on our website: www.target-english.co.uk

Target English is a Pearson professional partner.

PTE Academic: Why is there a new English language test?

By: Fiona Aish

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