A test of spoken English will be included as an optional component of the College English Test (CET). Some people argue that it is absolutely necessary to hold a test of spoken English in China because we have been informed frequently that a Chinese student who has been learning English for over ten years cannot even communicate with a native speaker. Sometimes even those top students who excel in grammar and writing skills find their English inadequate to express their thoughts freely. A test of English will bring the college students an awareness of the importance of oral English, and will thus help them with their communicating skills.

    On the other hand, some others still maintain that a good command of reading and writing skills will be enough for the English learners. To some extent their opinion derives from the fact that students are already under considerable pressure from their coursework. Another required test will only add to their burden. Moreover, some students may take the shortcut by focusing on several guessed questions according to the fixed format of the test, hoping for a coincidence to bring them good luck.

    In my opinion, a test of spoken English will do more good than harm. Since China will continue its policy of opening and reform, the ability to speak English fluently is a must for anyone who wants to surpass others in a highly competitive society. Whether I take the test or not, I shall spare no efforts to practice oral English in the remaining years of my college study.