ESL expectations in examining

Abstract

This paper discusses attitudes to so-called types of English language use as demonstrated by the examinations/tests of those types. It is argued that English as a Second Language (ESL) appears to be a subcategory either of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) or of English as a Mother Tongue (EMT). The paper concludes that in querying the status of ESL examina tions (and by implication ESL use), more importantly what is called in question is the status of English as a Mother Tongue. For the purposes of this paper ESL is defined as the use of English in an English speaking en vironment by speakers for whom English is not the mother tongue. Such use is not EFL, which is here defined as the use of English for restricted functions in non-English speaking environments.