Also in 2012, about 84% of its eighth-graders met or exceeded state standards for English Language Arts tests, compared with 50% statewide.

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Complaints by passengers about Canterbury taxi drivers' language skills could see tougher English tests brought in.

BBC: Canterbury taxi drivers 'may get tougher tests'

Although curry chefs could be said to possess skills not found here, many may not speak English, and so would fail the language tests now being imposed.

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"We will carry out English tests but I do not think language is going to be an issue, " he said.

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And despite years of mandatory English-language classes in secondary school, the Japanese score lowest among rich countries on English tests.

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But the NUT said candidates who needed several resits to pass the tests were dyslexic, had English as an additional language, or were less familiar with the on-line testing system.

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The consultation paper "sets out proposals to remove or reduce the language support given to non-English speaking candidates taking theory and practical driving tests".

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In addition to the essay section, the Writing section of the SAT tests the deviation between standard written English and the way we actually speak the language.

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