Good Example Of Research Paper On The Practicability Of The Ielts Test For International Students

Introduction

IELTS is an abbreviation of International English Language Testing System (Benadir University). This test is considered crucial for anyone who wants to work, live or study in an area where the English language is a necessity. The IELTS test is used to measure and assess one’s skills and abilities in using the English language. Most universities including international colleges ensure that international students who are majorly immigrants take the IELTS test as part of the eligibility criteria. Remarkably, some immigration programs go to an extent of conducting the IELTS test both to an individual and their spouse (Abhinav Outsourcings). In essence, this test meant to represent an international standardization mark to evaluate and check for proficiency in English.
The program is currently maintained and run by the British Council, College of Cambridge ESOL and IDP: IELTS Australia (Benadir University). It is significant to fully comprehend the fundamentals of this program especially for international students to assist in understanding it (British Council). Nevertheless, the practicability of IELTS test in qualifying and preparing international students to complete a college degree program in English remains questionable. Therefore, this paper attempts to analyze and discuss means through which the IELTS test qualifies and prepares international students to complete a college degree program in English. To arrive at conclusions case analysis and the use of illustrations were used in relation to the topic of discussion.

How the IELTS qualifies and prepares International students to complete a college degree program in English

First and foremost, the IELTS test serves as a basis and the perfect medium for assessing and evaluating an individual's language benchmark. A proper evaluation of the standard of English language enables one to reconsider him/herself and work even more tirelessly towards comprehending the language for him/herself (IELTS Buddy). The test serves as a ground for determining any areas of weaknesses in the English language and thus, gives the international students a chance to improve their English proficiency. Thus, international students are provided with a basis upon which they can rebuild their proficiency in English. In essence, it indirectly prepares them for the tasks ahead especially for English degree programs (Benadir University). Furthermore, their proficiency in English based on the IELTS test is a means of qualifying them for English degree programs that are being offered at an institution. It is significant to understand that the IELTS test is a ground of assessing how well an international student fits into an institution’s learning category based on their English language proficiency (Abhinav Outsourcings). Hence, apart from being protocol, it is notable that the test also prepares international students for the English program ahead of them (British Council).
Remarkably, studying and reading for a course or degree program in class and during examinations is made difficult when there is a communication barrier. English, being recognized as a universal language, is the standard language used in most examinations in the context of international learning institutions (Merrifield, 11). The IELTS test plays a major role in eliminating this communication barrier by preparing an international student adequately in understanding the English language. The test involves four basic examination stages which include, listening, talking, reading and writing. Therefore, international students are qualified for degree programs and are fully prepared for them by learning how to speak, read, listen and write proficiently in relation to the English language. Notably, these four aspects relate directly to the concept of effective communication. Essentially, the test is crucial for ensuring that international students do not have difficulties or do not face any formidable barriers due to lack of proficiency in English (Casacuberta). It is, therefore, fundamental to note that the IELTS test qualifies and prepares international students o complete English degree programs by sharpening their communication skills and expanding their English language knowledge.
Another evidence-based scenario which proves that IELTS tests help qualify and prepare international students complete their English degree programs is the fact that the test is designed to establish areas of weakness in English language proficiency. Remarkably, all the four aspects of effective communication are tested. Significantly, one can be fluent when it comes to speaking but, halting when it comes to writing or reading (British Council). Furthermore, the passing of this test is based on the highest band score which represents proficiency in all the four aspects of English Language knowledge (IELTS Buddy). Therefore, international students can establish areas of English proficiency that they are strong in and those that requires a little bit of an intervention. Upon the establishment of weak areas, international students are now fully ready to undertake their quest effectively while learning on how to recover the weak areas (Casacuberta).
Furthermore, the test gives them an opportunity to improve in their strongest areas when it comes to English proficiency. In essence, international students are given a chance through the IELTS test to determine areas that require improvement to ensure that they succeed academically. Academic success in higher learning institutions for international students is determined by the student's ability to understand, synthesize and use the English language without problems. Therefore, apart from being just a basis of assessment, the IELTS is also a framework that outlines students’ strengths and weaknesses in the English language (Abhinav Outsourcings). In essence, international students use it as a preparation framework that outlines areas that they need to work upon to succeed academically (Benadir University). It is, therefore, notable that the IELTS does not only serve as a basis for evaluation but, also as a framework for improvement and creation of appropriate interventions to enhance proficiency in the English language.
The IELTS test also serves as a guide that directs international students on how they are to present themselves during the learning quest. As a guide, the test ensures that international students are fully aware of the tasks ahead of them and the significance they hold (IELTS Buddy). Testing is one way of preparing the international students for the learning and studying tasks awaiting them; it can be compared to providing the international students with a ‘little-taste’ of what is like and what is expected of them. Evaluating communication skills in language serves as a channel and steering towards effective studying characterized by fewer difficulties due to the English language (British Council). It is significant that international students understand the reality and fact that English is the standard language used in studying and learning. Thus, as a perfect guide and channel towards academic excellence and success, the test serves as a qualification and preparation ground for international students to complete their English degree programs.

Conclusions

In summary, it is significant to note that the IELTS test indeed qualifies and prepares international students to complete a college degree program in English. Basing on various aspects that relate to the test, one can easily point out that the IELTS test is practicable and achieves the goal of preparing international students effectively for their academic excellence. Communication proficiency in the English language basing on the listening, reading, speaking and writing aspects proves that the test is a basis of individual evaluation that is crucial in establishing weakness areas and strengths as it relates to the English language. Furthermore, the test also acts as a guide and framework through which international students build on their proficiency in the English language. This way, they are fully prepared and qualified to complete college degree programs in English.

Works Cited

‘IELTS- Definitions and its Significance.' Benadir University. 21st March, 2013. Benadir University. Accessed on 20th March 2015.
‘IELTS Essentials’. British Council. n.d. British Council. Web. Accessed on 20th March, 2015.
‘IELTS Scores.' IELTS Buddy. 2013. IELTS Buddy. Web. Accessed on 20th March, 2015.
‘Importance of IELTS Test.' Abhinav Outsourcings. 4th August 2009. Abhinav Outsourcings. Web. Accessed on 20th March, 2015.
Casacuberta, Miriam. Important things to know about the IELTS English certificate. Study Portals. 18th February, 2013. Web. Accessed on 20th March 2014.
Merrifield, Glenys. The use of IELTS for assessing immigration eligibility in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. IELTS Research Reports, Vol. 13, pp 1-32.