Section 10: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 39 to 45.
Think about the last test you took. How much of what you learned for the test do you still remember? Many people take tests to pass a course or get a promotion, but they often forget the information afterward. This is especially the case for people taking large international tests like TOEFL or IELTS. These tests usually involve multiple-choice questions, and people often study to increase their scores, not to learn important information. In fact, educators are divided on whether these kinds of tests are the most effective way to assess a person's abilities.
Those who support such tests say they are the only way for educators and employers to compare people based on their test scores. However, there are people trying to reform this system. They believe that standard tests aren't the best way to measure a person's ability. These reformers also believe that intelligent people are not always good at taking tests or memorizing facts. A multiple-choice test cannot always tell what people have learned, or whether they can apply that knowledge in the future.
Reformers believe that other types of evaluation achieve better results. Tests that contain a mix of written and spoken questions give a more complete assessment of what the person is capable of. A portfolio, or a collection of work done throughout a course, can show how much the student has improved individually. Group interview, where a group of people are interviewed at the same time, can also be useful for employers, since they show how people interact with others.
Alternative educational institutions such as Montessori and Waldorf schools don't believe that education should be focused on testing. At these schools, the classroom is very relaxed and "free" with students learning from each other as much as they learn from teachers. Some of these schools even allow students to choose what they study. Teachers create activities designed to let students show their abilities or knowledge of a certain subject. In these schools, the focus is on learning by experiencing and doing things.
The debate on testing continues, and educators have yet to find a perfect method of evaluating learning. Until that day comes, old test methods will be used and new test methods will continue to develop. But one thing's for sure, testing will continue to play an important part in our lives - so study hard!
Question 39: What is the passage mainly about?
A. How useful test scores are
B. Whether testing is an effective method to assess learners.
C. The importance of taking TOEFL or IELTS.
D. Different methods of evaluation
Question 40: What is NOT the reason why reformers want to change the current testing system?
A. Some intelligent people aren't good at memorizing facts.
B. Some kinds of tests cannot always tell what a person has learnt.
C. Testing will no longer play an important role in people’s life.
D. There are other kinds of assessment that produce better results.
Question 41: The word "divided" in last paragraph is closest in meaning to ______________
A. in disagreement B. in agreement C. misunderstood D. calculated
Question 42: The word "They" in paragraph 5 refers to _______
A. Tests B. Test scores C. Reformers D. Employers
Question 43: What is happening at Montessori schools?
A. Students and teachers focus on formal teaching and learning.
B. Students are taking multiple choice tests after courses.
C. Students take more tests than those in other schools.
D. Students can choose what they study.
Question 44: The word "Alternative" in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to ___________
A. Urban B. Non-traditional C. Renewable D. Similar
Question 45: What can be inferred from the last paragraph?
A. Educationists have already invented a perfect method to assess students' performances.
B. Discussions on testing methods are still ongoing.
C. Methods of evaluation have been confirmed.
D. Educators take responsibilities for testing students' abilities.
