Class Time Reflections (Language Assessment: Principles and Issues/Dec1./Week15)

This week the discussion about TOEFL was really interesting for me and I think it is worth to write for this week class time reflection. So I want to share my opinions about TOEFL here. To understand TOEFL first of all we need to clarify its purpose. Although this exam is used for various purposes the most known purpose is to measure the proficiency of English for students who want to study at the USA colleges. TOEFL has used three kinds of test throughout its history the first version was Paper Based which mainly concentrated on grammar, reading and writing abilities. The second version was a Computer -Based Test (CBT) here besides the previous skills listening skill is intended to be measured finally current version of it is Internet Based Test (IBT)which is based on communicative approach here four skills -integrated-are intended to be measured. In terms of wash back it is aimed to be a useful test especially in terms of communication but especially the speaking part of this test seems insane because instead of communication students desperately have to use some formulas for 45 seconds speaking questions. Last but not least there is a saying they say "In the blinds country someone who has got one eye is king" Among all other tests this test seems the best but it still needs to be developed.