OUP’s new English test to “address skills gap”

Oxford University Press has waded into the advanced English language space by launching a new online test for language learners.

The Oxford Test of English Advanced for CEFR B2 to C1 learners is certified and recognised by the University of Oxford and will be available to “unlock global opportunities”.

The test aims to prepare those taking it for success in higher education and in later careers.

OUP claims it differs from others on the market because it assesses “today’s language needs in real-life contexts”, like mediation and debate.

“We need to make sure that international students won’t be left behind because they haven’t had the opportunity to demonstrate certain skills that academic life expects of them,” said Andrew Nye, OUP English Language Teaching’s director of assessment.

The new exam follows on from the release of its flagship Oxford Test of English the year before the pandemic.

As a companion to the release of the test, OUP also surveyed teachers in the English language sector, finding that at least 85% anticipate “an increase in students seeking English certification” in the next year.

It also found that at least nine out of 10 of the teachers surveyed “recognise the significance” of the language to employment and professional development skills.

“Our aim [with the OTE] is to address this gap and give test takers the confidence in their ability and in pursuit of their ambitions – not just when they get their results but whatever they choose to do next,” Nye added.

Some 88% of those surveyed also noted that English learning in their native country will also become more important as time goes on.

“We need to make sure that international students won’t be left behind”

In another survey conducted by the organisation, 56% of English learners asked use their skills in the language to “take part in global topics and debates”, showcasing that English proficiency isn’t just used in the higher education classroom or in employment contexts.

As well as the new OTE advanced being released in late April, competition has begun to heat up in the assessment sphere, with Password releasing new “flexibility” tools for its at-home test.

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