What are English Language Tests and exactly how important are they?

When it comes to English Language Tests (ELTs), there are broadly two kinds of people:

Category 1: “Pah, who studies for an English test? It’ll be a breeze.”

Category 2: “Oh no, how am I ever going to clear this test?”

Let’s orient ourselves to what ELTs are and why they’re important.

If you’re a student or a professional applying to programs abroad taught in English, you’re required to prove your proficiency in English—sometimes even if your primary medium of education has been English. A competent ELT score is your way of showing that you have the requisite skills to comprehend and compose academic or standard writing in English. ELT scores can also be a means of supplementing standardized test (SAT/ACT) scores that may be lacking. Conversely, preparing for an ELT can be a good way of easing you into the prep process if you’re applying for the SAT or other tests that test your verbal abilities.

Most courses and even some scholarship programs specify a certain score or band as a minimum requirement; failing to meet this might hinder your Visa and other processes. However, before you blindly launch yourself into prep, it’s important to note which formats are accepted in the places you’re applying to and pick one that you’re comfortable with. Here are three of the most commonly accepted ELTs:

IELTS (Academic): This three-hour-long test assesses both your reading and writing abilities at a physical location. Its broad sections are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking containing multiple-choice questions on diagram labelling, sentence completion, etc. The IELTS is scored on a 9 band; if you like to solve pen-paper problems in designated examination setups, it’s your best bet.

TOEFL (IBT): TOEFL isn’t too different from IELTS. Both have the same sections with little differences in the questions. However, unlike IELTS, a total score of 120 marks is up for grabs over the course of four hours. TOEFL is also taken online while being present at a center. So if you’re more comfortable with digital tests, consider TOEFL.

Duolingo: Duolingo tests are only an hour long and can be attempted from the comfort of your own home! They contain a video interview and a graded section testing your Literacy, Comprehension, Conversation, and Production skills on a scale of 160 points. If you’re someone who tests well from the comfort of your home, then Duolingo is a good idea.

Once you’ve picked your preferred test, it’s important to create a timeline for preparation. Work backward from your designated test date, allowing yourself at least a couple of months to practice. Instead of beginning with mock tests straight away, go through certified material such as Kaplan’s TOEFL iBT Premier, Barron’s TOEFL iBT with Audio CDs and CD-ROM, British Council’s How to Prepare for the IELTS, or Official IELTS Practice Materials Volume 1 & 2, etc.

Once you have a fair idea of the concepts, concentrate on improving your vocabulary. Impersonate your American friend, pore through newspapers and journals, watch documentaries and shows, or bore your family to death with linguistic trivia! The crux of the matter is that you must write, speak, and think in English! Recording yourself while speaking is another way of speech-revising, allowing you to identify and address awkward pauses and unruly phrasing.

After you’re done prepping, it’s time for…more prep but make it competitive! Take as many mocks as you can. The more familiar you are—especially to different accents that pop up in the listening section—the more confident you’ll be on the day of the examination. Here are some “dos” and “don’ts”:

While composing your essay(s) or in speaking tests, do consider using a range of sentences, employ the newer words you’ve been learning, and ensure that you’re using words in context. A good grasp of the language is a blend of logic and artistry, so don’t go overboard with your metaphors but also don’t limit yourself to bland, formal language. Do quote examples from various disciplines to display a wide range of knowledge. As far as the listening test is concerned, do take things in stride. This is no different from a conversation, so don’t panic!

Although English Language Tests aren’t half as worrisome as some would have you believe, a word of caution is warranted for those who take them lightly. You may be able to score a decent number if you decide to wing it. But, there’s a good chance that the format or nature of questions will throw you off. To prevent that, we highly recommend a structured timeline and lots of practice. Most importantly, we ask that you try to gamify the process using interesting ways of learning. After all, the lessons that stick with us are those in which we have fun.

This article was originally published by The Economic Times on 25th October 2022