Internet-based testing (IBT), a new system from Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL), has been dealing with technical setbacks, inconveniencing Korean test takers.
Unlike TOEFL's previous computer-based testing (CBT) models, IBT requires test takers to connect to a U.S.-based Internet server to download questions. The testing system was adopted in Korea last September.
People who took the test at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies on Sept. 15 could not leave the test room until midnight because Internet connection jams delayed the test for an hour. The same day, other test takers at Inha Universtiy also had trouble. They couldn't enter the testing center for two hours because of server shutdowns.
On Sept. 10, the test was cancelled because of problems downloading the test.
People who want to study in North America or other English- speaking countries need to take TOEFL. During the last three years, 269,418 Koreans took the test, paying a total of 40.8 billion won ($42.5 million).
10-02-2006 21:08
- Why do most Koreans take the TOEFL test?
- Have you taken the TOEFL test? If so, what can you say about it? If not, do you think it's difficult?
- What should the government do to prevent problems in taking the IBT?
- Should the computer-based test be retained or should the internet-based test be improved instead?
- Why do Korean students prefer to study English abroad?