听力题 After paper-based and computer-based testing, comes the new TOEFL Internet-based testing (IBT)-the world''s first online English-proficiency test. On September 24, about 1,200 Americans put on their headphones for the world''s first TOEFL IBT. But Chinese students will have to wait-China''s earliest possible start date is May 2006, with registration two months before. As well as being Internet-based, there are other changes. Test takers wear headphones and speak into a microphone. A new speaking section replaces the Structure section in computer-based testing and paper-testing. Two independent tasks require test takers to express an opinion on a familiar topic. Another four related tasks require them to speak based on what is read and heard. Responses are digitally recorded and transmitted to ETS Online Scoring Network, for review by three to six trained raters (打分者). This method breaks away from relying on one person to score. "The old interview may add bias(偏见) to a test depending on the face to face relationship between test taker and interviewer." said Mari Pearlman, of Higher Education at ETS. Another significant change appears in the Writing section. On top of the essay section, there is another writing task. Test takers read a short passage, listen to a lecture, and then type responses. With such changes, the new TOEFL is half an hour longer than the current one. The current computer-based and paper-based testing and the Test of Spoken English (TSE) will continue until the new test launches. But after June 2006, they''ll end in China. But the new test still costs US $ 140, says Krista Mathews, Director of Asia Business Development of ETS (Educational Testing Service). And any scores from tests before the IBT launch will remain valid for two years. Visit the TOEFL Web site at www.ets.org/toefl for the latest information and a free TOEFL IBT practice test.