The real proof that IELTS is a valid test of English for international higher education is that universities and colleges know that they can rely on IELTS scores to help them select students with study-ready language skills. That’s why IELTS Academic also includes an extensive assessment of the ‘survival’ skills in English, which are crucial to positive educational experience and student retention. Of course, international students don’t spend their whole lives studying – they also need to live in the university community and wider host society, building relationships and interacting in a wide range of contexts. We provide detailed information showing how we cover these skills, and evidence that the skills are measured reliably. Universities which accept shorter, simpler tests could find that they are admitting students who are not ready to start their courses. Without this in-depth assessment, there is no way of knowing if students have study-ready skills and are prepared to learn in English. Unlike tests which only include very short, computer-marked tasks, IELTS Academic asks test takers to work with complex information, discuss their opinions, and write effective academic texts. In preparing for their IELTS Academic test, learners aren’t just cramming for the test, they are practising skills they will need throughout their education and working lives.Įach part of the IELTS Academic test covers skills which students need so that they can make a successful start on their courses. The test covers all these skills in depth. This is one more reason why IELTS Academic is the standard for higher education. IELTS is a valid test of English for international Higher Education If the test provider can show that test takers have developed these skills, it’s fair to say that it is a valid test for students applying for courses which are taught in English. writing clear, well-structured and accurate essays, papers and dissertations.quickly and efficiently reading large amounts of complex information to find the key points and compare this with information from other sources.taking an active part in seminars – explaining and defending opinions, and questioning other participants.understanding lectures which may cover unfamiliar topics.That’s why an English language test which aims to show that the learner has the skills they need for successful entry to university and other institutions, needs to cover a whole range of skills, including: Similarly, if an English language test that was being used for higher education only covered a very limited range of skills, it would also be risky. Institutions need valid tests of English proficiency A driving test would be useless if it just looked at whether you could recognise important road signs and park your car neatly – it would not be a valid driving test, and the consequences could be extremely dangerous. To do this, it needs to check whether you know the rules of the road, can control a car in a whole range of different situations, know how to react in an emergency, and so on. Validity is concerned with whether a test meets the needs of those who take it and the organisations that use the results.įor example, a driving test is intended to make sure that you can drive safely without causing danger for other road users. Validity – reliably testing the right skills Validity is one of the key indicators of a reliable test, but what do we mean when we say a test is ‘valid’? And why should universities and organisations assessing English language proficiency take note?
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