GOLDEN TIMES

English benefited in the reform and opening-up policy from 1978. Chinese were encouraged to go abroad to study and come back to contribute the country's modernization.

Overseas returnees, who could speak English fluently and see what was going on outside the long-closed country, were viewed as "gilt-edged", drawing wealth and admiration. They were highly sought after in the job market and had influence in all walks of life.

In 1984, English was listed as a priority test subject in the gaokao.

"On the one hand, English was needed to cultivate talents with international vision, and promote China' s openness," said Xiong Bingqi, an education scholar. "On the other hand, English had become a test for selecting talents."

English testing still continues after the school years. Adults also have to pass various English tests at work to win promotions, further qualifications and higher salaries.

As a result, English has become a utilitarian exercise. Private training companies, which teach students tricks to pass tests, have sprung up.

The Ministry of Education says 50,000 companies specialize in English training, with the value of the market estimated at 30 billion yuan (almost 5 billion U.S. dollars).

English classes in school have been criticized for stressing grammar and vocabulary over listening and speaking. Students are taught to score well in tests rather than master communication.

A survey by Shanghai International Studies University revealed that fewer than 5 percent of Chinese who had learned English could communicate smoothly in English without stumbling.

Chu Chaohui, a researcher with the National Institute of Education Sciences, points out that English was long regarded in China's education system as "knowledge", rather than a "language", which undermines principles of language acquisition.