Jason Liew

Is IELTS hard? Yes, I think it is hard. It is hard, not for its content, but for me to accept the fact that a well known international English test, is but another test of formats, is but another disappointment of our education system. 

Attended IELTS workshop, I was given a list of sample answers for IELTS speaking test. For example,  I was given some answers for questions, such like “Why you choose your current subject/career?”, ”What you do during free time?”, and “Where are you from?” I have been expecting a speaking test to be a natural and non-orientated conversation with the examiner. However, it had been proved that it was purely my overestimate of the test’s standard.

It is acceptable that there are formats to be followed for writing, listening, and reading tests. But, a format for speaking test really pissed me off. How can you test a candidate’s English fluency, by setting up “precedents”, and calling people to be well prepared for certain sure-come-out questions? You are not testing fluency, you are just looking for skilled memorization with natural presentation during speaking test. Hey, isn’t that what a story telling contest in my primary school is about?

Sorry guys, nothing special for today, I’m busy preparing for my story telling contest on this coming Saturday.

For related previous posts: Nottingham University, The Road Not Taken (Part 1),

The Road Not Taken (Part 2)

Tags: IELTS, English+Test, Workshop, Education