Collana | SAIL
Monografia | Rethinking English Language Certification
Capitolo | A Critique of the Sample Material on TOEFL, IELTS and PTE Websites
A Critique of the Sample Material on TOEFL, IELTS and PTE Websites
Abstract
This chapter provides an in-depth look at the free sample material posted on their websites by the examining boards of their main academic exams, and highlights a number of problems. Firstly, much of the material presented is fragmented, (whereas, typically, complete practice tests are only available to be purchased). Secondly, some of the material appears to be outdated or problematic for other reasons, with a number of poor items or inadvertent language errors, which we note. This is surprising, given the desire to project a positive image of tests which we noted in chapter two, and the financial resources available to the major boards. Overall, however, the sample material examined can give potential test takers useful insights into the scope, but also the limitations, of each certification.
Presentato: 02 Ottobre 2017 | Pubblicato 06 Novembre 2017 | Lingua: en
Copyright © 2017 David Newbold. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.14277/6969-195-9/SAIL-12-3
