Comment on "Jobseekers keen on brushing up English" (China Daily, Dec 28)

Some people say the widespread "test-oriented" education is to blame for the craze for English tests among Chinese students learning English. That may be true for many Chinese students, but why do so many graduate jobseekers strive to get high grades in English tests?

Some people claim that it is the result of the ever-increasing demand for language skills by employers, especially large multinational companies that offer lucrative salaries and promising careers. Others argue that employers dominate the fiercely competitive job market in which jobseekers cannot help but be equipped with high scores in tests to get good postings.

But as far as I see it, most Chinese people seldom need to communicate in English even in the "most internationalized cities" like Shanghai. Besides, a sound knowledge of English is not necessary for a majority of the jobs in China.

Moreover, rarely do English tests reflect people's true communication skills and capability. Perhaps employers should think twice about hiring only people with high scores in English.

CW Chen, via e-mail

Readers' comments are welcome. Please send your e-mail to opinion@chinadaily.com.cn or letters@chinadaily.com.cn or to the individual columnists. China Daily reserves the right to edit all letters. Thank you.

(China Daily 01/06/2012 page9)