The General English Proficiency Test (GEPT), developed and administered 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 million examinees. It is not only administered at over 100 different venues in major cities of Taiwan, 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 launched the GEPT Outstanding Essay Award in 2009. A Collection of Winning Essays from 2009 has been published.
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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