Random Synapses

If I was talking about English a week ago, now I have proof that practicing English pays off.

A month ago I went on a short trip to Bucharest to take the TOEFL test. The test was computer-based, had 4 sections (listening, structure, reading and writing), and it was adaptative — answering correctly a question brings up a question with greater difficulty and more points, while an incorrect answer is followed by an easier question worth fewer points. This makes the evaluation more accurate. Essay writing was a test for grammar, vocabulary and ease of communication in written English on a given topic, under time constraints.

The test results have arrived in mail yesterday:

• Listening — 30 points out of 30;
• Structure — 30 points out of 30;
• Reading — 28 points out of 30;
• Essay writing — 6 points out of 6.

Overall score is computed only on the first three sections, so my TOEFL score is 293 points out of 300. That’s 97.7%!!! I probably missed one question worth two points, but making a single mistake in an exam is a reasonable expectation after a night on the train. I am extremely pleased with this result. Back in 1997 my score was 87%, but the structure and grading method were somewhat different. As a comparison, a result of 87% meant that I scored better than 93% of the Americans in my age group taking the same test. With a 97.7% accuracy I could probably become an English professor in any American university in a snap of fingers! That would certainly be fun, haha!

Starting this year, the TOEFL test will also include a speaking section. My test will be valid for two years, then I’ll have to take it again. The reason for this limitation is that most people continue to learn and practice English and 2 years later they will most likely get better results in tests. By then, I am considering taking University of Cambridge’s exam for at least the Certificate of Advanced English if not directly the Certificate of Proficiency in English. Cambridge tests are more difficult, they take longer to complete and require intensive preparation for them. A broad English vocabulary is a requirement, conversational English is insufficient to pass the test. But, the certificate has a lifetime validity, unless it is replaced by a newer one.

This entry was posted on Friday, January 14th, 2005 at 5:04 pm and is filed under General. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.