Translation didn 't become an independent course Intil 1978 two years after the end of the disastrous“ Great Culture Revolution”) when China began to adopt its policy of reform and opening-up. In the past, however, the main objectives of using translation tasks in foreign language teaching had been to illustrate and explain grammatical points and drill certain constructions specially designed for this purpose Today in China, translation is a compulsory course for undergraduates in foreign language departments. We have come to realize that the level of translation reflects the comprehensive abilities required in foreign language study including listening speaking reading and writing and serves as an effective means to test a learners practical ability concerned• Translation didn’t become an independent course until 1978 (two years after the end of the disastrous “Great Culture Revolution”) • when China began to adopt its policy of reform and opening-up. • In the past, however, the main objectives of using translation tasks in foreign language teaching had been to illustrate and explain grammatical points and drill certain constructions specially designed for this purpose. • Today in China, translation is a compulsory course for undergraduates in foreign language departments. • We have come to realize that the level of translation reflects the comprehensive abilities required in foreign language study including listening, speaking, reading and writing and serves as an effective means to test a learner ’s practical ability concerned