Are formal language tests a waste of time?

 金曜のLingQディスカッションのテーマは”Are formal language tests a waste of time?”。英検やTOEICを受けることの是非については色々意見が分かれるところなので、参加をと～っても楽しみにしていたのですが、今回イギリスでサマータイムが始まったことをすっかり失念してしまい･･･時間を間違えてすっぽかしてしまいました～　残念すぎる！

　私は英検を受けるまでは、”英語のテストなんて受けなくても、しゃべれればそれでいいの！”とテスト反対派でした。年１回実力評価のためTOEICは受けていましたが、テストのための勉強はしない！と反発してみたり。ところがLingQの英語仲間が英検に挑戦する姿をみているうちにその一生懸命な頑張りがうらやましくなりました。実際自分も英検を受けてみると、ただ単に合格のためのつまらない勉強ではなくて、目標に向かっていろいろ工夫するということに意味があるんだなぁと気づきました。二次試験準備中のストレスは半端なかったですが、そういうストレスの部分だけを取り上げて”試験は苦痛だ”というのはもったいないと思います。あまり試験のために思いつめるのは良くないけど、自分の実力を試したり、目標を掲げて自分に少し負荷をかけてみることで何か得られることがあると思います。

Are formal language tests a waste of time?

　There is controversy as to whether taking formal language tests improves students' ability　language proficiency. I don't think taking the formal language tests is a waste of time as it has two main benefits for students.

   Firstly, the their ability to use the language will improve by preparing for the tests. Language tests impose evaluate various kinds of skills. It will be good for the students to cover practice all the skills needed because it will give the students them the opportunity to overcome their weaknesses.

   Second ly, it enables us to evaluate our skills objectively. It is difficult to know what our weak points are. To use foreign languages properly, speaking, writing, grammar, pronunciation and reading skills will be needed. To analyse Analysing the test results will help students to realise what to do to strengthen their language abilities.

   Thirdly, it having to sit a language test on a given date helps students to keep motivated. To impose Imposing deadline and assignments will stir increase student's incentive to study. To pass Passing the language exams gives students the joy of learning. Even if they fail, these tests will give them aspirations to study more.

  In conclusion, formal language tests help students to improve their language abilities by devoting a certain amount of time to prepare, analyzing students' skills and  generating motivation. Although to take the language exams seems ordeal feels like an ordeal, take taking ittry as a good opportunity to improve and trying to make the best of it is a good attitude to learn learning.