Proposals currently being debated for a reform of the examination system at 18+ in England and Wales, and comments on the proposals, are presented to aid in future planning of language courses in Northern Ireland. The context in which the new proposals arose is briefly examined. The following three standard course proposals are diagrammed for comparison: Cambridge Local Examination, Midhurst Grammar School, and Associated Examining Board. All three studies envisage much wider reading, including texts other than literary (especially Midhurst and Associated Examining Board). All explore methods of testing at present in experimental use in one board or another (e.g., multiple choice questions, techniques for examining listening comprehension). The three proposals also involve very heavy teaching and private study programs, in particular on reading. Comments are made on the following skill areas: listening comprehension, written comprehension, oral skill, written production, and reading. Each of the three proposals and a fourth one for beginners' German N level proposed by Dr. Harding are discussed. (SW)