The Test of Professional English (TOPE), a new test product developed by the US-based Educational Test Service, will be given as a trial test on Nov. 16 at the Beijing Foreign Studies University and the Beijing Language and Culture University.
One thousand applicants from colleges and universities, governmental administrations and multinational companies have registered to take the test. In addition, English training services and relevant institutions throughout the country are applying for franchise status in order to promote the TOPE.
According to Topeak Co. Ltd., a Beijing-based company collaborating with ETS in promoting the TOPE in China, the TOPE is designed to test the English proficiency of those whose mother tongue is not English. The test, which includes listening, speaking, reading and writing components, employs the vocabulary most frequently used in business and daily life.
ETS will launch the TOPE in China next year, and then continue its expansion throughout the Asia-Pacific region and the world at large. ETS plans to give the test four or five times a year.
The first official test will be given in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dalian and Chengdu.
Experts say that the TOPE is useful as a human resources tool, especially given the fact that many local enterprises, companies and government administrations must comply with the WTO's international standards.
(Xinhua News Agency November 12, 2002)
