Challenges and Opportunities: Reflections on the 2021 June CET-4

Overview

The 2021 June CET-4 exam was held on June 19th, 2021 across China. It tested the reading, listening, and writing abilities of millions of college English learners. The exam was comprised of four parts: multiple-choice questions, cloze tests, reading comprehension, and writing. In this essay, I would like to offer my reflections on the challenges and opportunities presented by the exam.

Challenges

First of all, the CET-4 exam is widely regarded as one of the toughest tests for college students in China. The exam demands a high level of proficiency in English, especially in regards to vocabulary and reading comprehension. I felt immense pressure as I was taking the exam, especially when faced with the reading section, which required me to read and understand long passages within a short amount of time. Additionally, the cloze test was also very challenging, requiring me to guess the correct words based on context. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on the exam as well. Due to restrictions on movement and gatherings, many students were forced to take the exam at locations far from their universities or homes. This created a lot of logistical difficulties, such as transportation and accommodation, for those who were taking the exam in unfamiliar places. I felt very anxious during this process, as I was afraid of getting lost or arriving late, which would have disastrous consequences for my exam performance.

Opportunities

Despite the challenges, I also found that the CET-4 exam presented opportunities for me to improve my English skills. Firstly, the exam tested my ability to concentrate and focus on a task for a long period of time. This was particularly evident in the multiple-choice section, where I needed to quickly read and select the correct answer from four different choices. This skill is essential not only for exams but also for work and life in general. Moreover, the exam also tested my ability to think critically and independently. For instance, the writing section required me to form my own opinions on a given topic and express them in a clear and organized manner. This helped me to develop my ability to analyze and evaluate complex ideas and to communicate them effectively both in writing and speech. Additionally, the reading and listening sections exposed me to a wide range of ideas and perspectives, which broadened my mind and helped me to see issues from multiple angles.

Conclusion

Overall, the 2021 June CET-4 exam was a challenging but rewarding experience for me. It tested my English skills and my ability to cope with pressure and unexpected situations. While there were some difficulties caused by the pandemic, I also found that the exam provided opportunities for personal growth and development. I hope that my reflections on this experience will encourage other English learners to take on challenges and embrace opportunities in their own language learning journeys.