Bad English exams destroy lives | Pearson Test of English and TOEFL 

Just listened to this after my Thai wife (15 years, one child who is a US citizen) was denied a US Visa for the second time in a process that is almost completely automated. They didn't even let me attend to support her, or look at any of the documents we provided for her five-minute interview. This level of automation is slowly separating humanity from itself and it feels like the very first signs that those beak images of a dystopian, science fiction future are really starting to take hold.

It's so unfair! I'm shocked! I have spent about 1 thousand dollars last year, and I couldn't have a good score at toefl. The problem is that all people that I ask about my English, everybody say that I have a good english... I know that I have some grammatical problems, but I also know that I can communicate perfectly...

You are the best language research I´ve ever seen! Besides that you´re a very kind person and deserves all consideration from us.

What talent, what ethics Mr. Christian. You're a wonderful person. I've admired you for a long time. With all my respect!

That was something amazing to watch because I've never tought about this dark side of these exams and tests. Being judged by a computer would be something odd and unfair because you will take the pleasure out to learn something new every single day as true learner as a true human being just because a computer judged you. A computer Will never place the really interaction when it comes human beings communication. Cristian, thanks for opening my mind and eyes about it. Cássio, Campinas Sp, Brasil.

And the saddest part of all of this is that we have to take these exams, otherwise we definitely won't go to university / get a job in an English speaking country. It's funny because I'm preparing for toefl and I'm not focusing on my English at all, but on picking up the tricks and improving my note taking (!!!!!) skills, which is insane (it seems like I'm preparing for a memorisation test).

I like this video all this information is true, these private companies have all control over the normal people because they know education is a business, thank you Christian for your advice.

In my opinion English is not just a result... You have to create your own way to collect and maintain lovingly your learning...A part of mine reject this language probably because I consider it like something full of Holes..." Think simple and smart" told to me my English teacher when I was at school but in Italian language we have the possibility to create sentences and to articulate how we want our thoughts... I don't like when I can't express my thoughts and my feelings at the same level as my native language...however, I love this channel and your way to help us... Thank you so much from Italy🇮🇹😊😘

If you translate the sentence "one physician and one nurse" to portuguese in google translator the result is "um médico" (masculine) and "uma enfermeira" (feminine)

I'm totally agreeing with you, it is sad to place my job and my income based on this exams.

dude did you make this video for me? my dream is to be a flight attendant and the only barrier is spoken and written English. I hope to return here in a year and have managed to overcome this obstacle. you are the best teacher on youtube.

I wish everyone could understand this. Unfortunately only the experts. But faith is the glue that keeps everything tied or stuck

I love your bittersweet videos more and more. Thank you very much for an impressive work, Christian!

You nailed it Christian. I have been following you since my tutor Pete from Aussie English had had you in his podcast.

This is a fascinating video! Thank you for tackling all these sensitive issues about which not much is known yet. You are opening our eyes and our minds, and I hope that more and more people will become aware of the rampant prejudice and injustice in the field of teaching and testing of English. Bravo for you!

Hello Christian as a continuus student of english from Chile;) I can tell you this is one of the best channels to get into english lessons a big hug from here and thanks a lot

He should be the English professor at my university

It was an amazing video, Christian!!! Thank you so much from Argentina!!!

You are best teacher who I met ever ! I donna why but I understand your accents and your way explaining English. Maybe for me Australian English close than other accents ! ? I am beginner pre-elementary level ! Thank you for your lessons !!!! And I am FROM *KAZAKHSTAN*

I used CELPIP to immigrate to Canada. They claim to have a real person grading both the writing and listening parts of the exam. This video needs to reach more people, so they can consciously make a decision when choosing what test to take

one of the best recordings. what you say breaks all stereotypes about exams. and what big business is associated with it.

Thanks for the video, Christian.😍 I couldn't agree more on what you think about those exams commercial products, which are extremely unfair to define person who is able to speak in English appropriately, sometimes our body language is a bonus in a communication, isn't it?

Incredible video! Amazing! Yours videos are very helpful not only for learning English but also to be aware of very important things. Congratulations and many thanks! See you in RU-vid!

I took the FCE of Cambridge and I passed it, but I failed in the "listening" paper. I didn't understand anything, although I obtained a high score in the Use of English. In my opinion those exams don't accurately reflex students skills, because I understand most of the English I listen to.

Also the cost of TOEFL IBT exam in some places can be someone's salary they make in ONE MONTH. Imagine having to use your entire paycheck for an exam that you may or may not pass. For a lot of people that's like deciding "do I want to pay rent and have food or take this exam which might get me a scholarship to study abroad?" Honestly insane pseudoscientific exams. They should be abolished.

Amazing Lecture. Always thanks!

They are starting to implement the english pearson test in our country, The Netherlands. Our class was specifically selected to test it out. Why? Because we had high level, native level, speaking people in our class. Not to toot my own horn but just to show how serious this is, I am top of that class closely followed by a great friend of mine. I already had my grades and passed the class with all aces. Our max score here is 10. I had 10's on all the exams. And then we were asked to do the pearson test.... That was... BY FAR, the worst test I've EVER done in my life. The questions were horrible, confusing, downright moronic. Then the listening speaking part came and because I have dyslexia I was one of the last ones to start... imagine sitting in a class with about 15 people. Everyone is talking through eachother, and you're trying to read something. Imagine having to talk through many people at once whilst only focussing on your part. Then imagine being TIME. I've never spoken worse english than that. And then to add insult to injury: You have to memorize a story. Because SOMEHOW that has something to do with english. Your ability to MEMORIZE And then the writing part... It had nothing to do with actual writing, you had to copy a story... after having to remember it within a very small amount of time and then write it all down. Nothing to do with English skill, but writing. I am so deeply disturbed by this system and that they're now infiltrating our country which has always been VERY strict on education. I haven't seen my results but my friend that is second in grades, her results would have FAILE HER. Even though we were classed as people that should have done a higher English grade that wasn't available on our school so we just did higher assignments together with the group that are all amazing at English. This test could have costed me that extra degree. If this test didn't exist maybe my braincells wouldn't have killed themselves trying to wrap around this horror story of a test. And it could've prevented me and our class to send a personalized letter to the people that go over exams. My mood and headache lasted the whole day, the first time I EVER felt down about an english test. If a class selected for quality english, FAILS sections of the tests... you have to think about what is going on here.

Hi Christian! What do you think about IELTS? Could you please make a video about scams in exams.

Thank you Christian I loved this video. Thanks for telling what I have ever thought about exams and tests.

Peason Vue has decided recently that I do not have such human right as right for education and stopped taking their exams in my country. Perhaps, I am not a proper human being!

AI bias exist, and you are 100% correct, the issue leaders who taking discussion have no knowledge of technology this where the gaps happen in addition to other factors like money and bribery and favouritism to pass the project

Excellent my friend!

Thanks for the video! I have to admit that I hadn’t heard about the Pearson Test before I watched your video. But, by what you said, it seems like an unfair exam! I also don’t like the TOEFL exams as I reckon it’s quite weird to assess a wide range of English levels, like A2, B1, B2, C1, by just one single test. What I’d rather prefer are the Cambridge’s exams. Not only their writing and speaking parts are corrected by teachers and professors, but also their exams are tested by students before they are ready to be released. However, I do know their exams are far from perfect. There are some exercises that might be awkward for native speakers. Also the speaking part could sound a little unnatural because you perform some tasks in a short time, but at least you have to talk with another human being!

Nice research, thanks for your thoughts!

You are simply amazing, Christian! I have learnt so much from your awesome videos: your videos are a treasure trove of information.... Many thanks for such amazing work!

Your mojo. ..is ...authentic presentation and the way you end your videos. I literally love it. ...👍👍👍

Another job well done!

You are such an inspiration! Thanks a lot.

You broke the walls man...

I love your videos Christian. Thank you!

This was a real eye-opener for me and I'm horrified. So even something as "simple" as US English's preference for the simple past tense rather than the present perfect used by Brits could presumably result in a wrong answer? There are so many varieties of English around, none of which are incorrect or undesirable!

Is not just TOFEL , here in Australia all kind of English exam are business, is very frustrating specially when you have offers and already have passed interviews for jobs, but by law (as you are migrant from no native English language country)for some jobs is illegal to hire you with out international English score :(

Dear Christian, Thank you. You are wonderful.

It's a very nice point of view. I totally agree!!!

Good job and it is true. Nowadays I will not pass exam in my native language which I passed 20 years ago and is it meaning that I don't know my own language ? Obviously not, therefore proficiency exams they do not make much sense.

Best speech, Christian! It is a part of bias problem puzzle) I call it - nobody loves the truth( everybody likes result.

Thank you sir christian for your lessons

I am 49 years old , i study , again , european and international studies at the University of pireaus , You help me very, very much ,thank you . Could you propose videos to see and practise like an actress . As a matter of fact is the only way to practise english . Sometimes i make the same with you , i watch you again and again ,even the movement of your hand. Thank you a lot

Christian, thank you for this fantastic lesson. It's 100% true what you said.

Hello! Thank you for another great video! It would be really helpful if you could share your resources for a deeper study of English. As non-native English teacher, a newbie, I really need a piece of advice.

Christian, you are my hero! Keep up with the humanist work!

Hi CHRISTIAN, good shoot !!!

unfortunately, English testing is required and has become a huge industry - you will eventually pass after you've spent time, money and effort to prepare for it. Emphasis on money.

Thanks a lot Christian. Now English so easy to understand

Thanks it's wonderful

Thanks for this informative video! If you do not mind me asking, are you a native speaker of English please? I have a feeling English is not your first language - no offense.

Some companies love to make a show off! Thanks Christian for showing us the other side of this manipulation!

I am totally agree with you.

I had no idea the TOEFL speaking test was 100% graded by AI. I checked their website about the ibt examine and it looks like they use a combination of human and and AI. But remember during this pandemic many people around the world are testing online from home, not in person where facilities are already made available. That's pretty messed up to consider if that if you have a bad microphone or poor internet connection, you may fail the speaking portion of test by no fault of your own. And just consider who in the world is most likely to have limited access to quality technology.

Thank you teacher

Nice lesson I agree

I've always had the same feelings about those English tests. The problem is that a lot of people think computers are 100% safe, better, and much smarter than human beings. Discerniment is something computers will never have as good as human beings do. Thank Goodness Captain Sully was smart enough to realize in a short period of time it wouldn't be possible to return to the airport. I wouldn't like to be on a plane flown entirely by AI.

I totally agree with this

This is so informative, I better take the exam where people are involved 😂😂

Omg what a briliant video and person! No offense but personally I don't recommend Pte test for those who want to improve their English skills. This is because I experienced it to get into University in AU. So here is a fun fact. Based on my education level and experiences, i'm sure I'm quite fluent in English at least in terms of communication. I took lots of English tests in my life but PTE is just the worst English test I've ever taken (personally). Here is the thing, in PTE, there are so many sections and templates you need to memorize, which is very exhausting you. Especially Repeat Sentence part is just non-sense tbh. You need to repeat what the audio just said 3 seconds after or just right after, which means you cannot have enough time to process it. Even native speakers struggle from it. I'm basically so done with it. I think what you have to do to improve your English skill while preparing getting English test score is just taking Ielts test. I'm sure no English test is perfect but at least you need to study the actual English and you will be assessed by the actual human beings who can communicate with!

Hello! Thank you for your English lessons. They are very useful for me. I am russian and I am learning English by myself. But... when I showed your channel my boyfriend (he is australian) he was wonder about the name of your channel - Canguro English instead Kangaroo English )))))) ???????

Great!!!!!!!!!!!!

For the reading and listening parts it's ok to be examined by a computer, because it's just a matter of determining if your answer is correct or wrong. For the speaking and writing questions, TOEFL has a examining system that is half computer half human.

I understand all your lessons (I am a subscriber), and everything you say is clear, but I am quite sure I would fail at any of these exams.

Cristian, it seems like you've given up your Instagram?! Please post the videos there! We want to share them in our stories! Thanks for what you do.

You are quite right about the computer's bias, but what you don't take into account is that machines are predictable because they follow instructions (as you've told). In other words, we always know what to expect and how to deal with it. Google AI and Pearson AI are different because Google's AI uses a neural network for self-education. Users influence Google and Microsoft AI; people mock at them. Pearson AI, in turn, does what it is told to do, and it has instructions on how to do it. If PTE AI would make its conclusions, it doesn't make any sense because its following judgments would be based on users' pranks. To wrap this up, yes, Pearson AI is biased, but its decisions are predictable; humans are unpredictable and even more bias; I know that; I've taken IELTS seven times.

I agree that those companies just make money. However, after failing IELTS 12 times, I would prefer to deal with a machine, rather a person, who just feel that I deserve only 6,5 but not 7. Despite the fact, they unable to explain how exactly they decide this. I absolutely convinced, if the requirement for immigration changed to 8, for example, I would get 7,5 immediately.

In general, I understood what you want to tell us, but when it comes to the keyword or the main word of the topic " bias" is difficult to understand all its meaning.

Hey Christian... would you say that Cambridge exams would have the same problem? The interviews are assessed by people.

What is your opinion about the International Second Language Proficiency Ratings (ISLPR) test? This is a very expensive test carried out by one person: the owner of this business and sometimes a member of his family. If the exam is outside of Brisbane, you must even cover the travel and accommodation costs of that person. There is a lot of bias in this exam. I know many people who took part in preparatory courses, paid for individual lessons with the owner, etc., and still did not pass some parts of the test.

for non native students their level of english shows their ability to learn something so they will probably get better marks in university if they good in foreign language

Hi Christian, as usual human being is the guilty. No one should dare to decide the future of someone taking the language as the main aspect . Currently it's better to pass a Toefl Exam rather than have the knowledge of the work. How many talented persons are out there that could help this world but they are scraped because of their "bad" English? Could we really afford it?

This is an amazing video, Christian. BTW, I don't get the idea of eliminating humans from marking the exams in language examinations; language is a characteristic of a HUMAN BEING and it is used to communicate with other HUMAN BEINGS! Removing a human is just pointless, if you know what I mean.

It was very powerful!

Seriously, this was a shocking video! 😲😲😲

Thank you Christian

the best episode

A.I. is normally is about a computer who makes its own decision but what I personally saw using some translation websites it's not giving the best results ... A.I. is still in progress and it's not ready to replace humans yet ... Btw, bias is always present everywhere but people have to stay awake

This was one of your best jokes ever at 14:06 :D That was really funny :D

Guus... How good is c1 level? I'm 19 from Colombia

Hello, Christian. How are you? Could you answer why can I understand you and some other teachers like "Bob the Canadian" or "Vanessa.com", but I can't understand a movie ou interviews?

no one is obliged to fluently understand the english language equally in portuguese in spanish in french in german and also in italian OKAY

thank you for saving me, I am going to attend the online exam..

Great, Christian, you're G R E A T ! (Tu si' 'na cosa grande ! )

Moreover, a standardized test is intentionally designed to trick students. So the main skill you have to develop is how to bend your answers to get around all those traps : )

These tests helps the US and the UK (and other Western countries) maintain hegemony over the Global South and linguistically and racially marginalized people living within the West.

I treat you like my friend Christian!

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

👏👏👏

If there is a technology, always will be found a seller who doesn't care actual useless of his product. Money is evil.

YOu have a flair for drama! However, are you quite sure that TOEFL uses only AI for its Speaking Section? From all I've heard, ETS uses one human, one computer.

sacramentally I cry

I guess most things have to be just good enough

What about IELTS exam? It’s also biased?! Why didn’t you mention it in your video???

Story of my life but with ielts.