Is a Test of Spoken English Necessary?

　　A test of spoken English will be included as an optional component of College English Test (CET). Some people argue that it is absolutely necessary to hold a test of spoken English in China because we have been informed frequently that a Chinese student who has been learning English for over ten years cannot even communicate with a native speaker. A test of spoken English will bring the college students an awareness of the importance of oral English, and will thus help them with their communicating skills.

　　On the other hand, some others still maintain that a good command of reading and writing skills will be enough for the English learners. To some extent their opinion derives from the fact that students are already under considerable pressure from their coursework. Another required test will only add to their burden.

　　In my opinion, a test of spoken English will do more good than harm. Since China will continue its policy of opening and reform, the ability to speak English fluently is a must for anyone who wants to surpass others in a highly competitive society. Whether I take the test or not, I shall spare no efforts to practice oral English in the remaining years of my college study.

　　reform [ri'fɔ:m] v. 改革，改造，革新

　　communicate [kə'mju:nikeit] v. 交流，传达，沟通

　　awareness [ə'wɛənis] n. 认识，意识，了解

　　pressure ['preʃə] n. 压力，压强，压迫

　　command [kə'mɑ:nd] n. 命令，指挥，控制

　　spare [spɛə] adj. 多余的，闲置的，备用的，简陋的

　　informed [in'fɔ:md] adj. 见多识广的 v. 通告，告发 vbl. 通告，

　　considerable [kən'sidərəbl] adj. 相当大的，可观的，重要的

　　component [kəm'pəunənt] n. 元件，组件，成份

　　competitive [kəm'petitiv] adj. 竞争的，比赛的