TOEFL Improves Test of Spoken English
Posted Feb 28, 2003

MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin readers familiar with our articles, Nursing as a Route to the Green Card (October 11, 2002) and New English Tests for Nurses (February 21, 2003) are aware that the Test of Spoken English (TSE) is a required component of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of English in International Communication (TOEIC). Traditionally, the TSE has been the most difficult section of these English exams for many foreign national applicants. However, the TSE testing format is being revised in an effort to better measure applicants' verbal language communication abilities.

Previously, the exam included questions regarding maps. These questions will be eliminated and replaced with questions that require applicants to listen to a message or conversation and respond verbally. Sample questions may be found on the TOEFL WebSite.

We at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C., applaud the efforts of the TOEFL administrators to revise TSE exams. The previous format, historically, eliminated qualified health care professionals from the pool of much needed, available workers. We look forward to a less onerous exam for future applicants.