Parents listen to advice at an IELTS event held in 2024
PHOTO: NGOC LONG
IELTS training only takes 1-2 years?
Answering the above question in the online consultation program with the topic "What are the advantages of a high IELTS score when applying for university admission?" organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper, Master Tran Anh Khoa, Academic Director of DOL English based in Ho Chi Minh City, commented that the view of practicing IELTS Academic right from grade 1 is "not correct". Because, the main purpose of the test is to help candidates be able to study at university level, especially in training programs taught in English.
"Studying for an exam used for university admission in primary school is not only inappropriate but also puts a lot of pressure on children," said an expert who achieved a 9.0 IELTS score.
However, this does not mean that you should avoid learning English from a young age. On the contrary, this is an opportunity for children to have more time to "bathe" in this language, helping to form English skills and ways of thinking in English to apply in the IELTS test when they grow up. "We are currently implementing an IELTS program for children with knowledge that is close to their age, not "cramming test questions", said Mr. Khoa.
Sharing more tips on effective English learning, especially in the final years of high school or university, Mr. Khoa advises you to make learning English a habit in your daily life, such as watching English movies, surfing TikTok for English teaching videos, listening to English podcasts while traveling on public transport... "This helps you feel less pressured," the male director shared.
Master Tran Anh Khoa, Academic Director of DOL English
PHOTO: LE THANH HAI
Meanwhile, Mr. Tran Thien Minh, an SAT instructor at DOL English who achieved an 8.0 IELTS in grade 10 and then twice achieved a 9.0, believes that to perform well in the writing and speaking sections and understand some of the materials in the listening and reading sections, you need to have a certain amount of social knowledge. Learning English early, rather than practicing for the IELTS test, will give you more time to build up this knowledge.
The two English teachers also did not prepare for the IELTS test early, but instead studied general English.
Speaking more about the time needed to prepare for the IELTS test, Mr. Minh said it will depend on the current English proficiency and the goals that each candidate sets. If you combine the preparation process, review for the test and "practice the test", the most reasonable time ranges from 1-2 years. Longer than 2 years, you will lose the necessary concentration, while if shorter than a year, it will be quite rushed and require you to trade off other priorities, according to Mr. Minh.
What do 12th graders need to prepare?
In just a few months, students nationwide will take the first high school graduation exam under the new program. In the above context, in addition to limiting "waiting until the last minute" and "taking a quick foundation", candidates should also register to practice with many different exams to gradually get used to the exam room mentality, thereby having a more confident and comfortable mindset when entering the most important exam, Master Khoa advised.
Meanwhile, Mr. Minh hopes that parents whose children are taking the exam this year should choose to be in agreement with their children, helping to create motivation for them to achieve the best results.
Mr. Tran Thien Minh, SAT instructor at DOL English
PHOTO: LE THANH HAI
Master Nguyen Thao Chi, Head of the Department of Communications and Corporate Relations at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University), advised candidates to keep their spirits and mentality relaxed, and to bravely share the difficulties they encounter with others instead of creating more pressure for themselves. At the same time, candidates also need to be confident in the knowledge and skills that they have "equipped" themselves with.
According to Ms. Chi, the Ministry of Education and Training has not yet announced the official admission regulations, so candidates need to always monitor and update the official admission plans of the universities they want to apply to. Regarding English scores, you need to pay attention to how the school converts international certificates, what the form is... to have appropriate preparation, especially when this year is expected to have many changes compared to previous years.
The female master also noted that normally, for the entrance standards, depending on the industry and school, there will be different requirements. This number is usually 5.5 IELTS or higher for training programs that enhance English, international standards or training in cooperation with foreign partners. Meanwhile, the output standards in most training industries will require a level equivalent to B1 in the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework for Vietnam, said Master Chi.
Master Nguyen Thao Chi, Head of Communications and Corporate Relations Department at University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Ho Chi Minh City National University)
PHOTO: LE THANH HAI
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international English language testing system widely recognized by thousands of universities, governments and businesses worldwide. The exam was launched in 1989 and is currently jointly owned by IDP, the British Council and Cambridge University Examinations and Press (UK). According to statistics from the exam organizers, every year there are over 2 million candidates taking the IELTS exam worldwide.
Currently, IELTS is accepted by more than 100 higher education institutions in Vietnam to convert test results into English scores for admission purposes. The Ministry of Education and Training also allows candidates with IELTS 4.0 or higher to be exempted from the high school graduation exam in foreign languages. In 2022, both IDP and the British Council in Vietnam have issued 124,567 IELTS certificates.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cho-con-luyen-thi-ielts-ngay-tu-tieu-hoc-duoc-khong-theo-chuyen-gia-90-ielts-185250319210502191.htm
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