Have you ever met a student with very good TOEFL, IELTS, BEC, etc scores who can't stand a simple dialogue in English? Or the opposite, a student who can speak English really well but won't make a good score in these official exams? It's one of those things that baffles me especially here in China.
Is it the preparation for these exams that is too mechanical leading to the acquiring of good scores without no real improvement in language skills or the standards of the exams that have fallen?
With the numerous centres, text books and tutors available nowadays for examination preparation, more and more students memorise ready-made answers to possible questions and take examination rehearsals at training centres. These techniques and coachings get them the required scores but the question that remains in mind is: Are these students really able to use English (the actual purpose of the exam)?
