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The General English Proficiency
Test (GEPT), developed and administers by the LTTC, targets English
learners at all levels in Taiwan. This test corresponds to Taiwan's
English education framework, meets the specific needs of English
learners in Taiwan for self-assessment, and provides institutions or
schools with a reference for evaluating the English proficiency levels
of their job applicants, employees, or students. The GEPT promotes a
balanced English learning process, covering the four language skills of
listening, reading, writing, and speaking with the goal of improving the
general English proficiency level of Taiwanese learners.
In 1997, the LTTC invited scholars and experts in English language
teaching and testing from tertiary institutions around Taiwan to form a
Testing Research Committee and a Testing Advisory Committee. In 1999,
the project received support from the MOE, which recognized that the
LTTC's work on the GEPT was in accord with its goal of promoting
lifelong learning and encouraging the study of English. With the MOE's
support, guidance from consultants and research committee members, and
the administration of multiple pilot tests, the GEPT development project
came to completion in July 2002.
During the past decade, the GEPT reliably tested the English proficiency
of 4.6 million examinees. It is not only administered at over 100
different venues in Taiwanˇ¦s major cities, but also on the outlying
islands of Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, thus allowing test-takers to
choose the most convenient test location for themselves. The GEPT has
also generated positive washback effects on English learning and
teaching in Taiwan and resulted in more emphasis on communication skills
and the nurturing of speaking and listening skills. To further promote
learners' writing ability, the LTTC began offering the GEPT Outstanding
Essay Award in 2009. A Collection of Winning Essays is published
annually.
The LTTC has also organized a series of teachers' workshops to assist
teachers in gaining a better understanding of the GEPT, and to share
with them tips for designing effective class activities.
A website for
English teachers that contains information on class activity design
and test preparation was created in 2007. Additionally, featured
speeches and workshops are held on a regular basis to inform teachers of
the latest trends and issues in language teaching and testing so as to
expand teachers' professional knowledge.
Acknowledging the GEPT's excellent quality and service, more than 300
junior high schools or high schools, and hundreds of universities,
private enterprises, and government agencies in Taiwan recognize GEPT
scores.
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