Using Language Proficiency Standards to Interpret Test Scores R&D TOEFL TOEIC CEFR CSE

Author(s):

Sandberg, Hans

Publication Year:

2019

Source:

Focus on ETS R&D, n13, May 2019

Document Type:

Periodical

Page Count:

7

Subject/Key Words:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC), Test Scores, Non-Native Speakers, Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), China’s Standards of English Language Ability (CSE), Educational Standards, Curriculum Alignment, Language of Instruction, English Language Proficiency, Proficiency Standards

Abstract

Does a test score of, let’s say, 70 mean that a nonnative English speaker is ready for a university where English is the primary language of instruction? How about participating in a business meeting conducted in English? Focus on ETS R&D talked to four ETS experts (Richard Tannenbaum, Veronika Laughlin, Ching-Ni Hsieh, and Spiros Papageorgiou) involved with research on how tests in the TOEFL and TOEIC families of English-language assessments align with curricula and educational standards, such as the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages and China’s Standards of English (CSE) http://cse.neea.edu.cn/html1/folder/1505/249-1.htm.