Introduction
English proficiency has become a paramount skill in today's world. As a result, the English test for non-native speakers, namely the College English Test or CET, has become a widely recognized measure of English proficiency in China. In this article, we will explore the authenticity of CET-4 exam questions and how they impact students' English proficiency.
Authenticity of CET-4 exam questions
Firstly, it is essential to acknowledge that the authenticity of CET-4 exam questions has been a subject of debate. CET-4 exam questions are designed to test students' reading, listening, and writing abilities in English. However, some argue that the questions do not reflect real-life situations and that the syntax and vocabulary utilized in the questions are not representative of casual English conversation.
Furthermore, CET-4 exam questions have continuously been criticized for being too formulaic and predictable. A significant proportion of the exam questions follow the same format and testing conventions year after year. As a result, students who prepare intensively for the exam may focus on memorizing the exam's structure and question types rather than developing their English proficiency.
The impact of CET-4 exam questions on students' English proficiency
The authenticity of CET-4 exam questions can significantly impact students' English proficiency. If a student solely focuses on preparing for the exam, they may not develop the necessary skills for real-life situations. In particular, they might not be able to understand colloquial English speech, which is prevalent in English-speaking countries. Additionally, they might not be able to express themselves effectively in everyday conversations, as the language used in CET-4 exam questions might not reflect casual English.
Furthermore, the predictability of the exam questions can also negatively impact students' English proficiency. Students might overlook the importance of improving their grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills if they believe that they can solely rely on past exam questions. This can result in students performing poorly in real-life situations where English proficiency is required, such as job interviews, presentations, and academic discussions.
How to improve students' English proficiency beyond CET-4 exam questions
It is crucial to provide students with opportunities to practice English in different settings to improve their ability to communicate in diverse environments. English teachers can incorporate authentic and diverse materials into their lessons, such as TV shows, podcasts, and online discussions. Additionally, language schools and universities can arrange cultural exchange programs, where students can interact with native English speakers and learn about different cultures while practicing English.
Moreover, it is vital to improve teachers' training to design better and more authentic CET exam questions. Teachers can create exam questions that reflect real-life situations and use colloquial language that is prevalent in English-speaking countries. These exam questions should also provide students with diverse, challenging, and original content to avoid predictability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the authenticity of CET-4 exam questions plays a crucial role in students' English proficiency, and there is a need to improve the exam's design to better reflect real-life situations. English teachers should provide students with diverse and authentic materials to practice English, and language schools should arrange cultural exchange programs to enrich students' learning experience. Ultimately, students should focus on improving their English proficiency holistically and beyond the scope of CET exams to succeed in real-life situations that require English language skills.
