A new English proficiency test for college admissions will undergo a trial release next year and will be comprised of four sections-- reading, listening, speaking and writing.

The exam will be used for early admissions by some colleges starting next year.

Meanwhile, the government will decide during the second half of 2012 whether to replace the English section in the College Scholastic Aptitude Test with the new test after collecting public opinions on the matter. If the response is positive, the test is likely to be adopted as part of the college entrance exam from 2016.

The Education Ministry held a public hearing on Thursday and released the evaluation standards and example questions of the new state-administered English proficiency test for high school students.