CCLE is holding its first TOCFL formal test this year on April 19. To support students in their preparation, CCLE has organized a series of TOCFL Workshops, including one TOCFL Information Session and four mock tests.

The first TOCFL workshop, the TOCFL Information Session, occurred on March 6. The session began with a warm-up activity that introduced students to the Taiwanese love for puns and jokes in daily life, helping them connect to the test culture in Taiwan.

Following the activity, I shared insights on traditional Taiwanese test-taking customs. For example, Taiwanese students often use pencils that have been blessed at Wénchāngdìjūn (文昌帝君) temples, believing that these pencils bring good fortune for their tests. Food and wordplay hold great cultural significance in Taiwan. To enhance their chances of success, students traditionally eat Chōng (蔥), Bāozi (包子), and Zòngzi (粽子) before exams. These foods symbolize intelligence and success, reinforcing the belief that eating them can bring good luck on exams.

The session’s main focus was to explain the differences between the level descriptors of TOCFL and ACTFL, as well as the test formats for different levels. Additionally, we compiled all available TOCFL resources into a six-week study schedule and announced the four upcoming mock tests, with two for Band A and two for Band B.

To conclude the session, CCLE shared the tradition of preparing Bāozi (包子) and Zòngzi (粽子) as a way to send our best wishes to all participants. In Taiwan, these foods symbolize 包中 (Bāozhòng), meaning “guaranteed to pass,” conveying our hope that all students will succeed in their TOCFL test.

Stay tuned for more updates on the TOCFL Workshops, and we wish all participants the best of luck in their test preparation!