Trivia about Examination of PETS

Today (Saturday, 8, Sep, 2007), I attend the PETS 4(Public English Test System Level 4), which is a National-Level English examination for adult to test the examinee’s ability of using English, including reading, written, spoken and listening.

The whole test is separated into parts of written examination and oral test. Last year I failed written examination; I only got the mark of 40, but pass on the oral test. This means that I must pass the examination test this year, or I’ve to retest both the written and oral examination from next year on.

I’ve prepared it for 1 month. But yet it’s quite difficult for me, and I don’t have enough time to finish the entire items. Especially for written, I’ve only make a brief startup and no argument and example for it. For listen part, I guest it’s wouldn’t have a good result.

On the way to examination college school, I see 2 students, who seem to be from senior high school, are chatting in English on the bus. Undoubtedly, they are practicing in order to use it well when examine. They talk topics of English, living in school, family, sport, etc. Their oral level is so perfect that I think they would pass the test.

When I reach there, I was fully surprised at the scene of a large group of high school students to join in PETS 4, which is only for adult. It’s at least 70% such students. From the examinee list pined on the wall, I found I’m the eldest; the youngest is only 18 years old. Why, it must be that, the talent series effect, which their parents want their children to be an English specialist, or on another hand, students themselves want to get more certificate, to cater to further need.

However, as for as I’m concerned, those youngsters don’t know, by a long way, their action reinforce the workloads of the interlocutors, and bring less effect than they expected. Nowadays, company doesn’t employ a person who has only certificates; they like those candidates develop in all aspect, including abilities of skill and management. English is only a tool for them to use in environments between China and English country. Moreover, will all these students have opportunity to go into international company?

(Created and posted on 9/9/2007)