Where to complain against ETS/TOEFL test conditions

[arubaohio]

Hi everybody,

I just wanted to know if anyone knows a better way to complain about the iBT TOEFL test conditions.
I am aware of the fax number they give you to send a written complaint (which I already did), and some other suggestions like to complian to the attorney general (which I will do).
How about a organisation that supervises / audits / monitors ETS - does such an organization exist?
It is outrageous that such an important matter (TOEFL exam), which may and will influence one's future is not monitored by a third party.
Specifically, a couple of weeks ago I took the iBT test and the conditions were awful - the biggest of which was of course the other test takers talking lound, trying to overtalk each other.
How on Earth can someone concentrate when a bunch of persons are talking loud around you?

Thank you, I appreciate your help,

aruba

[knok]

Ms. Donna Giovannetti
Division Chief
County of Mercer
McDade Administration Building
Office of Consumer Affairs
640 South Broad Street
P.O. Box 8068
Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068

Several hundred candidates have sent the complaint to NJ Consumer Affairs. They are investigate the case. Please send your complaint to this organization. Please give me your email through private message. I will forward the complaint through your email. I guess that you cannot download files at the moment.

Let's do it together before several millions will lost in the process.

[arubaohio]

Thank you Knok,
You should have something in your inbox from me.

I appreciate your help.

[knok]

Did you get the files?

[arubaohio]

Yes knok, I did receive the files, I appreciate it.
Thank you!

[knok]

Please send it as soon as possible. The authorities will count at the number of the complaints. They are investigating it. Remember, no matter where you are, outside or inside the USA, you can file the complaints.

Forward it to as many people as possible.
Good luck,

Knok

[arubaohio]

Hi Knok,

Will do!
Another idea that I had when I read your report is to strengten your argument, in the complaint, about the noise created by the other test takers talking loud.
In the own ETS' report with the title: "Influence of Irrelevant Speech on Standardized Test Performance" report # RR-02-06, it is stated:
"Attempts to reduce distraction to an acceptable level were largely unsuccessful. The impact on actual test performance, however, was slight in the GMAT sample and negligible in both GRE and TOEFL samples.
The conclusion was that intermingling examinees with others who are taking a speaking test remains a concern, primarly because of strong negative perceptions by test takesr. More effective means need to be devised to reduce or control distraction."
What better proof can be that the conditions are not appropriate than ETS recognizing this themselves?

There are other instances in the report where ETS admits the above (see pg 25 for example.). The report can be fount at:
Influence of Irrelevant Speech on Standardized Test Performance

Regards,

aruba

[knok]

I feel that instead of wasting money on doing this research, ETS should spend its millions for standardized testing centers, test proctors, and equipment. It is commonsense that no one can do well in a distracting environment. Even elementary school students don't like their brothers to disturb them when they are doing their homework or talking to their parents.

Many test takers have advanced degrees in the USA but have failed speaking big time, not because they cannot communicate but because they feel considerate to yell and disturb others. The testing rooms usually are closed so we can hear reflection of voices. This kind of environment makes it worse. In sum, ETS should refund all testing fees to test takers who were set to take the tests.

ETS thought that foreigners were taking TOEFL so they could not complain. Come on!

If ETS did not want to invest in technology, why would it bother to set up the Internet-based test? It is the monopoly anyway. Use the paper-based test and human being to interview. Or doesn't it want to pay for wages of interviewers?

Everything is about money and profit.

Anyone has facts and data, please print it out. I would appreciate it if you can PM me.

I can't believe if anyone will believe research that has been done and reported by testing company itself. I don't completely believe on the Summary of Score Data reported by ETS. I have doubt that the number of those who passed might be a lot lower than the report says. I used to work for pharmaceutical companies. Any reports or clinical trials that have been collected or done by pharmaceutical companies themselves usually are not given credits by doctors or drug users. Same thing here, if anyone here keeps saying that IBT-Speaking is given in a fair condition, I am wondering that that posts may come from those who work or get paid by the testing companies. We all are educated here. We know what we have been through.

Yesterday, I have talked to an executive of a big organization regarding this test. He/she suggested me to get a lawyer or send fax, phone call, use all communication tools to meet with authorities but we have to have facts and data on hand.
Thank you.

[Tienshinhan]

All these complaints about TOEFL are really depressing me. If it's really that bad in first world countries like US, just think about what the examinees from countries like India, Pakistan, Indonesia etc have to go through. Very recently, one of my friends in India told me that in some centers even the GRE/TOEFL questions are leaked prior to the examination. It's really a shame that exams like this one, which are detrimental to a student's career, are conducted in such abysmal manner.

[Tienshinhan]

Hey guys, do you really think that all this complaining is going to change any thing. I really doubt this. They needn't change their system just because of a few complaints.