Round Table China China curbs English test retakers
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Oct 28, 2025 The CET-4 and CET-6 exams get compared to a video game, highlighting students' obsession with chasing scores for jobs or scholarships. Universities are now limiting retakes, raising concerns about first-time test-takers. The conversation shifts to the etiquette of thanking AI, revealing that politeness may enhance AI responses. However, there's a debate on the environmental cost of those polite interactions. Lastly, they ponder the balance between being courteous to AI and reducing resource use.
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CET Tests As National Filters
- The CET-4 and CET-6 act as nationwide standardized filters beyond classroom grading.
- Employers and universities use CET scores as comparators across diverse institutions and majors.
Retake Culture Harms Access
- Unlimited retakes created a culture of "score brushing" where students repeatedly rerun exams.
- That behavior strains test resources and blocks seats for first-time test-takers.
Students Queue To Boost CVs
- Yu Shan recalls queuing with non-English majors taking CET to boost CVs.
- Many test-takers prepare solely to add a resume advantage rather than from academic need.