Celik S 2017 Common National and Interna
Celik S 2017 Common National and Interna
in
Language
Teaching
Servet Çelik
Karadeniz Technical University
pelikan
Chapter
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Many learners of English as a foreign language (EFL) will need to take a language proiciency
exam at some point, whether for academic, professional or even personal aims. One of the
primary reasons for taking an English language proiciency test is as a requirement for university
admission and placement. Furthermore, for students who plan to study abroad in an English-
speaking country, foreign institutions typically stipulate that applicants must achieve satisfactory
scores on a speciic English language exam as a condition of acceptance. Many businesses and
government institutions also refer to standardized exam scores during the recruitment process as
an objective measure of a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in English, as individuals
who have high-level English skills are often viewed as more valuable employees. On the other
hand, some language learners may opt to take a standardized exam for personal reasons; for
instance, as a means to evaluate their own achievement and identify any problem areas.
A large number of standardized English language exams exist; these may focus either on
overall achievement or on a speciic set of language skills (e.g., listening, speaking, reading,
writing). Each exam differs at least somewhat in terms of the competences measured, as well as
the context in which it is administered and in how the scores are used. The goal of this chapter
is to support Turkish EFL students and English Language Teaching (ELT) teacher candidates in
understanding the testing types that are available, and, in the cases where testing is optional,
what to consider when deciding which exam(s) to take. With this in mind, in the following sections,
some of the most common national and international language proiciency exams are discussed
in terms of their purposes, the institutions that recognize them, and the competences they are
designed to assess.
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
introduced Foreign Language Exam for Higher Education Institutions (YÖKDİL), which may be
taken by candidates seeking positions in Turkish universities.
Foreign Language Proiency Test (“Yabancı Dil Bilgisi Seviye Tespit Sınavı“) (YDS)
Purpose and focus of the exam. The YDS (Yabancı Dil Bilgisi Seviye Tespit Sınavı) is
a language proiciency test administered by the Measuring, Placement and Selection Center
(Ölçme, Seçme ve Yerleştirme Merkezi, or ÖSYM) to measure the foreign language proiciency
levels of prospective government employees and of those planning to pursue graduate studies
or seeking an academic position. Scores on the exam are used to determine eligibility for
employment and pay grades. Individuals with higher scores may also be given preference in job
placement in some cases.
The YDS focuses heavily on grammar, vocabulary, reading comprehension and translation;
speaking, listening and writing are not considered. Because of this, the exam has been frequently
criticized (Külekçi, 2016) as inadequate for measuring true language proiciency. Currently, the
exam is given twice yearly, in the spring and fall. In the spring, candidates can register for testing
in more than twenty foreign languages, including Chinese, English, French, Greek, German,
Japanese, Persian and Spanish, among others. In the fall, only Arabic, French, German and
Russian are offered in addition to English.
Who takes the YDS? Candidates who are seeking government employment in Turkey,
whether for civil or military service, will need to take the YDS. This includes prospective teachers
and individuals who are applying for academic positions at state-run universities for graduate
(masters or doctoral) study or research assistantships, as well as promotion from the level of
assistant to associate professor (Külekçi¸ 2016).
Exam format. The YDS consists of eighty items relating to grammar, vocabulary, reading
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comprehension and translation. Question types generally include reading passages and
accompanying comprehension questions; Cloze sentences and paragraphs; translation; dialogue
completion; and so on. Candidates take the YDS in a designated testing center; both paper and
electronic versions of the exam may be given.
How to register. Test-takers may register for the YDS at either an application center or on
the ÖSYM website at http://www.osym.gov.tr/. Those completing registration on the internet will
be required to submit a photograph with the application.
Who takes the YÖKDİL? Candidates for the YÖKDİL are individuals who are either applying
to a doctoral program or seeking promotion to an associate professorship at a Turkish university.
Additionally, universities may consider scores on the YÖKDİL exam for undergraduate admission
and placement. For entrance to a doctoral program, a minimum score of 55 is required; while a
score of 65 or higher is needed when applying for associate professorship (CoHE, 2017).
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
Who takes the TOEFL? Applicants to undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral level programs
at universities in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and
the United States, or at institutions where English is the medium of instruction, may be required
to provide TOEFL scores as a condition for acceptance. A satisfactory TOEFL score may also
be needed for approval of a student or travel visa in some instances; or, in countries such as
Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, as a condition for immigration (ETS, 2017a).
Exam format. Although a pencil and paper test is still available in some testing centers, the
majority of candidates will take an updated Internet version of the TOEFL, known as the TOEFL
iBT. This version of the exam was launched by the ETS in 2005 in order to simplify the process
of administering and scoring the exam, as well as allowing for simulation of a real communicative
environment (ETS, 2008).
The TOEFL iBT tests all four language skills via computer; for speaking and listening portions,
noise-canceling headphones and a microphone are used. Instructions are given on-screen before
each portion of the exam. Three basic question formats are included:
➢ Read, listen, and then speak in response to a question;
➢ Listen and then speak in response to a question;
➢ Read, listen, and then write in response to a question (ETS, 2008, p. 7).
For the reading sections of the test, candidates will be asked to demonstrate their ability to
comprehend academic texts through summarizing, paraphrasing, expressing the main idea of a
passage, identifying the organization type, and so on. Similarly, the listening portions examine
skills such as basic comprehension, recognizing a speaker’s attitude and purpose, synthesizing
information, and making connections between ideas (such as in a lecture).
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The speaking items on the TOEFL are designed to test an individual’s ability to answer
questions, express his or her ideas, participate in a class discussion, take part in a casual
conversation, and so on. In terms of writing skills, two separate writing tasks are given. One
asks test-takers to respond to information given in a reading and a lecture-type format; another
requires them to write an essay by drawing on their general knowledge.
Scores. Test takers must answer at least 1 question each in the Reading and Listening
sections, write at least 1 essay, and complete at least 1 Speaking task to receive an oficial score.
For the TOEFL iBT test, administered via the internet, you will receive 4 scaled section scores and
a total score. There is no passing or failing TOEFL score; individual higher education institutions
and agencies set their own score requirements. TOEFL scores are valid for 2 years after the test
date and there is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you cannot take it
more than once in a 12-day period. If you already have a test appointment, you cannot register
for another test within 12 days of your existing appointment (ETS, 2017b).
Although the score range for each of the 4 test sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and
Writing) is from 0 to 30, each section is a separate measure and each measure has its own scale.
Therefore, scores obtained on a section can be compared to other scores from the same section,
but it is not appropriate to compare scores across different sections. The Reading and Listening
sections are scored by computer with a score range from 0 to 30. The Reading section has 36–56
tasks based on reading passages from academic texts and answering questions. The Listening
section has 34–51 tasks based on listening to lectures, classroom discussions and conversati-
ons, then answering questions. In the Speaking section, each of 6 tasks is rated from 0 to 4. The
sum is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30. In the Writing section, 2 tasks are rated from 0 to
5. The sum is converted to a scaled score of 0 to 30 (ETS, 2017c).
High (22–30)
Reading 0–30 Intermediate (15–21)
Low (0–14)
High (22–30)
Listening 0–30 Intermediate (14–21)
Low (0–13)
Good (26–30)
Fair (18–25)
Speaking 0–30
Limited (10–17)
Weak (0–9)
Good (24–30)
Fair (17–23)
Writing 0–30
Limited (1–16)
Score of zero (0)
Total Score 0–120
Available at https://www.ets.org/toel/ibt/scores/understand/
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
How to register. Registration for the TOEFL must be completed online at https://www.ets.
org/toel/ibt/register at least seven days before the desired testing date. Walk-in registration at
a testing center is not permitted. Test-takers will be required to provide photographic identiication
during the registration process, as well as on the day of testing; payment for the exam is made
online using a credit card or PayPal.
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Who takes the IELTS? Non-native speakers of English who are seeking university admission
or employment in an English-speaking country may take the IELTS as part of the application
process. Furthermore, some countries will request scores on the IELTS or another English
language proiciency exam for approval of travel, study or work visas. Additionally, in countries
such as Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, where language ability is considered as part
of the immigration process, may accept IELTS scores as documentation of an applicant’s English
language proiciency level.
Exam format. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams each include four main
sections for listening, speaking, reading and writing, respectively. The listening, reading and
writing portions of the exam are taken on the same day. However, the speaking portion may be
scheduled on a different date, either before or after completing the other sections (IELTS, 2017a).
The listening and speaking portions are the same on both versions of the test; however, the
reading and writing sections vary between the Academic and General Training types.
On the listening portion of the exam, test-takers are examined in terms of their ability to
understand the basic ideas in everyday conversations, as well as their comprehension of speciic
points. Items in the reading sections, whether on the Academic or General Training versions,
consist of reading passages that should be accessible to the average reader. The Academic
reading texts may be taken from journals, magazines, newspapers, and other informational
sources, while General Training texts may include notices, advertisements, employment ads,
and so on.
For the writing portion of the Academic test, candidates may be asked to summarize visual
information in writing, as well as to produce a short response to a prompt in an academic/formal
style. On the General Training version, test-takers may encounter items asking them to respond
to a request for information or to write a formal or informal letter or essay. Finally, in terms of
speaking skills, test-takers will work directly with an examiner, who may ask them personal or
general-knowledge questions. A general topic may also be given wherein the candidate will be
asked to talk for a given period of time (e.g., two minutes) on a particular subject and then to
support his/her views.
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
How to register. The IELTS is administered at more than 1100 locations worldwide, in 140
different countries. Candidates can register and pay for the exam online by locating a testing
center at https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/ind-a-test-location, and then completing the
online application; or as an alternative, downloading a registration form and submitting it directly
to the testing center. Photo identiication must be provided during the registration process, and
the same ID must be presented at the testing location on exam day.
Scores. The IELTS has a 9-band scoring scale.Test takers are given a score from 1 to 9 for
each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The average produces the ove-
rall band score. Test takers can score whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (e.g., 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands
in each part of the test (IELTS, 2017b)
Available at http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ind-out-about-results/understand-your-ielts-scores
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Who takes the TOEIC? Candidates for the TOEIC are generally individuals applying for positions
at companies who require employees to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively in
English with co-workers, clients and other businesses on an international level.
Exam format. The TOEIC offers two different exam types. The Listening and Reading version
tests candidates’ ability to listen effectively and to participate in meetings, teleconferencing,
telephone conversations, and so on; while the Speaking and Writing version involves skills such
as face-to-face communication, giving presentations and written correspondence.
How to register. For candidates who plan to take a public test, registration can be made online at
https://www.ets.org/toeic/test_takers/listening_reading/register. For individuals who will take an
institutional version of the exam, registration is arranged by the university, employer or language
school.
The PTE Academic exam may be considered for university application or employment.
However, the PTE General is given mainly for personal assessment. It can be taken at various
levels corresponding to the CEFR levels A1-C2 and serves as a means for test-takers to evaluate
their progress.
Who takes the Pearson Test of English? Candidates for the PTE are primarily students applying
for study abroad and individuals seeking international employment. The PTE Academic version of
the test may also be used as a qualiier for visa approval in countries such as Australia and the
United Kingdom; however, the PTE General is not accepted for this purpose.
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
Exam format. Administration of the PTE Academic test is provided electronically and consists
of three sections: speaking and writing; listening; and reading. The speaking and writing section
environment. The items such as introductions, reading aloud, describing an object, re-telling
a lecture, summarizing a written work, and so on. On the other hand, the reading section
environment. The reading a passage and then responding to items involving comprehension and
organization of the text. For the listening portion of the exam, test-takers are asked to respond to
questions concerning the content of a spoken text, to summarize the main ideas, and so on. The
PTE General exam involves similar question types. However, as previously mentioned, it is given
in person at speciied testing centers only.
How to register. In order to register for the PTE Academic exam, it is necessary to open an
online account at environment. The and then follow the instructions for locating a testing center
and submitting a registration form. For the PTE General, candidates can register online by inding
a testing center at http://pearsonpte.com/test-takers/test-centres
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Chapter
A detailed description of individual exams is beyond the scope of this chapter; however, an
overview of the most common is given here.
Key English Test (KET). The KET is an elementary-level exam for beginning learners of
English. It is administered in three sections, consisting of reading and writing; listening; and
speaking. Candidates who pass the KET will receive an A2-level certiicate according to the
CEFR. Individuals who do not pass, but who still perform fairly well, may be awarded
Preliminary English Test (PET). The PET test is given for intermediate, school-age learners. As
with the KET, it consists of three sections: reading and writing; listening; and speaking. Passing
this exam leads to B1 certiication.
First Certiicate in English (FCE). The FCE is the most important of the Cambridge English
exams, relating to the CEFR B2 proiciency level. The test consists of four sections: reading,
writing, listening, and speaking (generally carried out as an interview with another test-taker). An
A-level pass of the FCE is accepted for admission to some universities, particularly in the United
Kingdom.
Certiicate of Advanced English (CAE). Advanced learners of English who can communicate
with conidence in a variety of situations may be qualiied to take the CAE. This exam includes
four sections: reading and use of English; writing; listening; and speaking. A high-level pass on
this exam leads to C1-level certiication and may be accepted for university admission.
Certiicate of Proiciency in English (CPE). This exam is given for advanced learners who
are proicient enough to communicate luently on any subject in English, and to teach English to
others. The CPE includes ive main sections: reading; composition; use of English; listening; and
interview. Candidates who pass this exam with a high score will receive C2-level certiication.
Business English Certiicates (BEC). There are three Business English Certiicate tests,
corresponding to CEFR levels B1, B2 and C1. Each of these exams relates to candidates’ general
knowledge of business English, rather than specialized terminology relating to a particular sector.
All three exams include four sections for reading, writing, listening and speaking (Cambridge
English, n.d.).
How to register. All of the Cambridge English exams are held in testing centers; both paper
and computer-based tests are available, although some centers may only offer one version.
Registration should be made by locating a testing center online athttp://www.cambridgeenglish.
org/ind-a-centre/ and then following the process described for that center (Cambridge English, n.d.).
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
YÖKDİL
➢ http://yokdil.yok.gov.tr
TOEFL
➢ https://www.ets.org/toel
➢ https://www.ets.org/toel/ibt
IELTS
➢ https://www.ielts.org/
➢ http://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/en/ielts
TOEIC
➢ https://www.ets.org/toeic/
PTE
➢ http://pearsonpte.com/
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REFERENCES
Council of Higher Education (CoHE). (2017, January 26). YÖKDİL exam to be implemented.
Retrieved from http://yok.gov.tr/en/web/cohe/detail/-/asset_publisher/5RbPUkPMffYu/content/
yokdil-exam-to-be-implemented
Educational Testing Service (ETS). (2008). TOEFL iBT tips: How to prepare for the TOEFL iBT.
Princeton, NJ: Author.
Educational Testing Service (ETS). (2017b). TOEFL iBT Test Scores. Retrieved from https://www.
ets.org/toel/ibt/scores
Educational Testing Service (ETS). (2017c). Understanding Your TOEFL iBT Test Scores.
Retrieved from https://www.ets.org/toel/ibt/scores/understand/
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS). (2017a). IELTS. Retrieved from https://
www.ielts.org/
International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS). (2017b). Understand how to calculate
your IELTS scores. Retrieved from htp://takeielts.briishcouncil.org/ind-out-about-
results/understand-your-ielts-scores
Külekçi, E. (2016). A concise analysis of the foreign language exam (YDS) in Turkey and its
possible washback effects. International Online Journal of Education and Teaching, 3(4), 303-
315.
Yükseköğretim Kurulu [Council of Higher Education] (YÖK). (n.d.). Yükseköğretim kurumları dil
sınavı [Foreign language exam for higher education institutions]. Retrieved from http://www.yok.
gov.tr/
Image Credits
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Chapter XII COMMON NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE EXAMS
Dr. Servet Çelik is an assistant professor and chair of the Department of Foreign Language
Education at Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey. He holds a bachelor’s degree in ELT
from Gazi University, Turkey; a master of education degree in TESOL from the University of
Pennsylvania, USA, and a doctoral degree in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education
from Indiana University-Bloomington, USA. Dr. Çelik has extensive experience as an English
language teacher educator and has participated in national and international projects relating to
curriculum design and teacher professional development. Some of his research interests include
teaching for diversity; intercultural awareness; and the issues surrounding multilingualism and
multiculturalism in pluralistic societies.
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