Making every college student pass a uniform test of English has created an unexpected fallout, which a new testing system under consideration may rectify. The recent week has seen a spate of seemingly contradictory news stories about the fate of English language testing in the all-important national college entrance examination.

At first, there were rumors that such exams will be scrapped from the system. Then it was "confirmed" by someone of note at a forum that 2017 is the deadline. And finally a clarification emerged that suggested the topic is being discussed and no amendments are likely at least in the next three years.

But if you care to read the fine print, you'll find much in common from all the reports: Testing of English as a second language will evolve from a mandatory part of the once-a-year college entrance exam to regular tests that are held through the year. The reports point to 2017 as the earliest possible date for the change. Most importantly, scores will be based on how much emphasis a school places on English and the student's own choice of discipline.

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