Different people have different opinions about the necessity of a test of spoken English in the College English Test. Some people believe that a test of spoken English is necessary because spoken Eng[ish is an important part of the language. Only when one speaks fluent English can we say that he has really a command of the language. So a test ought to be devised to assess the learner's ability in spoken English.
Other people, however, think that a test of written English is enough and test of spoken English is not necessary at all. They hold that one's competence in English can be shown in a test of written English, and a test of spoken English will be difficult to carry out, and will, moreover, add to the burden of the students.
In my opinion, a test of spoken English is absolutely necessary, because I believe it is of great importance for every foreign language leaner to speak the language with fluency. For one thing, more and more foreigner are coming to China every year, a large number of people who can speak English fluently are badly needed in all walks of life. For another, the four skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing in language learning are closely related. A test of spoken English will stimulate the other skills in English learning.