I’ve had to write this exam called Test of English as a Foreign Language once upon a time, and my continued response to it was a big “WHY”! When Americans come to study in Nigeria, we never make them take UME or WAEC or even a simple test of Nigerian English proficiency, even though we probably should 
. Why then do we need to take a standardized test verifying our ability to speak like Americans? I got one of the highest score of the test, but I still don’t think I would ever learn to speak good enough for America, except for occasional comments of “You speak very well.” Neither do I intend to speak like Americans.
The class discussion on standardized test has brought the issues back to my mind. I doubt that British students get to take TOEFL so I don’t think that students from former British colonies should. I don’t know whether American students get to take German or Spanish proficiency examinations before studying in German or Spanish universities in Europe, but it would be fun to research that.
1
Temite at http://YourWebsite
HA…TOEFL tests your ability to speak ENGLISH…not American English…The fact that American’s speak English is merely a coincidence.
Posted at August 26, 2010 on 9:45pm.
2
Kola at http://www.ktravula.com
Do we take TOEFL if we want to study in England, Scotland or Wales?
Posted at August 26, 2010 on 11:20pm.
3
3ish at http://YourWebsite
TOEFL is still easy, try the GRE
Posted at August 27, 2010 on 3:17am.
4
kiibaati at http://kiibaati.wordpress.com
I think a similar proficiency test is about to become compulsory in the UK for most foreign students.
Posted at August 27, 2010 on 5:37am.
5
Clarissa at http://clarissasbox.blogspot.com/
I had to take TOEFL after getting two degrees in an English speakimng university in Canada. Part of one of those degrees was a Minor in English lit.
I thought I would fall asleep during TOEFL.
I think the main point of requiring it was to make some money oof students, that’s all.
Posted at August 27, 2010 on 5:49pm.
6
Bola at http://YourWebsite
Did I ever tell you that I met an American during International Welcome Week (or whatever they called that week before term again in which international students got an introduction to the UK) who had been required to take the TOEFL test as well?
Posted at March 5, 2011 on 2:17am.
7
Kola at http://www.ktravula.com
No you didn’t. Was this in Germany or in the UK?
Posted at March 5, 2011 on 3:02am.