Pros and Cons of IELTS Testing Using Second Language Theories - Essay Example

IELTS Analysis Student Name: Name of institution: Lecture; Date: 1. Introduction 1.1 Background Information Language testing focusing on evaluating competence in second language is common in many contexts. In most cases, English as second language speakers need to take language test before moving to English-speaking countries. Language testing can take various forms including reading, listening, writing, speaking and cultural understanding. In this paper we will focus on the pros and cons of IELTS testing using second language theories. Arguably, IELTS is a more reliable and valid test for the real life English proficiency of candidates. The test has more advantages than disadvantages to those who decide to take it. 1.2 Paper Structure The paper will begin by providing background by critically analyzing available literature and briefly introducing the IELTS test. Secondly, the paper will discuss the pro and cons of IELTS testing. Finally, the paper will summarize the main points and identify the implications of the analysis. 2. IELTS Analysis 2.1 What is IELTS The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of a number of global standardized tests to test English proficiency and knowledge as a second language. IELTS main rival is the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Uysal (2009) asserts that IELTS is the most common test used to test the proficiency of English among ESL (English as Second Language) Speakers. Some of the places where second language tests such as IELTS and TOEFL are undertaken include immigration, schools, citizenship applications and workplaces. IELTS goes further than just testing the English proficiency and knowledge of speakers but also includes test on application of language skills in practical aspects. For example, the test may require a person to explain how to ask to directions at the airport.In addition, IELTS is more comprehensive test that its peersas focuses on the ability to speak, listen, read and write in English (Kunnan, 2014). Uysal (2009) asserts that IELTS tests are well known for their validity, reliability and comparability, but are weak as they do not consider variations among rhetorical conventions and genres around the world. 2.2 Analyzing IELTS Pros and Cons 2.2.1 High-Stakes 2.2.1.1 Pros 1. IELTS is a high-stakes test that determines the future direction of the lives of its millions of candidates. Hinkel (2005) reports that IELTS is offered in over 6,000 accredited institutions around the globe. 2. The tests is used as a reference point for authorities that grant study and work permits based on the proficiency of a English as a second language (Hornberger and Shohamy, 2008). 3. The results of the test are either are gateway to success for the thousands who take the IELTS every year and pass. 4. The test shows the capability of candidates travelling to integrate into life abroad and understand educational instructions delivered in English. 5. With IELTS, the candidate is able to understand how norms and rules of communication of the country hosting them work (Amrein and Berliner, 2002). 2.2.1.2 Cons 1. IELTS testing is a barrier to success for any candidate who fails and is unable to travel due to poor IELTS scores. 2.2.2 Reliability 2.2.2.1 Pros 1. IELTS is a highly reliable test for testing the competencies of candidates in English as a second language.Reliability is ensured as the candidates undergo rigorous training and testing as part of the IELTS systems (Fulcher and Davidson, 2013). The actual testing ensures that the instructional and administrative purposes of the IELTS curriculum are achieved by all students who take the test. 2. IELTS guarantees communication competence by ensuring the four modules of the IELTS curriculum are completed (Morgan and Wilson, 2009). These modules are speaking, reading, listening and writing. 3. The comprehensive consideration of the test ensures that the test is a valid assessment of test-takers real life language proficiency. 4. In addition, candidates have to be discourse competent to achieve communicative competence under the IELTS. Discourse competence is a second language learning concept which is based on the ability to connect sentences in discourse stretches and make a series of meaningful utterances (Fulcher and Davidson, 2013). 5. 2.2.2.1 Pros 1. Unfortunately, IELTS backwash has seen candidates who English competence levels are inadequate take and pass the IELTS test. 2.2.3Test Takers 2.2.3.1 Pros 1. IELTS is taken by over 2 million candidates every year and has various advantages for the test-takers (British Council, 2013). 2. First, the test-taker gain certification that they are competent in English as a second-language (Zhang, Liu, Zhao and Xie, 2011). 3. As is often the case, the test-takers open up new opportunities for employment and study after taking the IELTS. IELTS ensures that candidates can get job or study opportunities where English is used as the medium for communication. 4. IELTS emphasis on formal writing also enhances test-takers employability (Fulcher and Davidson, 2013). Test takers have to learn and be evaluated on formal writing of letters, minutes, memos and reports. 2.2.3.2 Cons Unfortunately, for test-takers who fail their IELTS, it come a barrier to personal progress as they may lose the study of employment opportunities. 2.2.4 IELTS Backwash Backwash is defined as the impact of the testing or marking system on how student approach learning and how the test curriculum is taught (Damankesh andBabaii, 2015). 2.2.4.1 Pros 1. In some cases, testing leads to positive backwash where the learners engage in holistic and deep learning. 2.2.4.2 Cons 2. Backwash is also described as the practice of student in engaging in deliberate behavior to pass tests rather than gain competence in the subject being taught. 3. On the other hand, backwash can lead to distortion and narrowing of the curriculum (Saville andHawkey, 2003). It is not unusual for student to do just enough to pass tests (Amrein and Berliner, 2002). 4. In some Asian countries, students rely on memorization and mimicking to pass IELTS tests. According to Cohen (2014), Korean websites provide answers to testing scenario which can enable candidates pass tests without gaining the necessary competence tested by IELTS. 2.2.5 Validity of IELTS 2.2.5.1 Pros 1. Qian (2007) argues that IELTS is necessary as it provides as basis for evaluating the validity of a student’s second language competence. 2. In addition, the British council asserts that IELTS is validated by the more than 8,000 institutions that rely on the test as an evaluation of the real life English skills of candidates wishing to join them. 2.2.5.2 Cons 1. The validity of IELTS and other language tests has been questioned in Saville andHawkey (2004). The author writes that it’s doubtful whether IELTS test actually evaluate the communicative competence of test-takers. 2. Some test-takers have been found to rely on imitation and memorization to pass IELTS tests. 3. In addition, studies have found no correlation between IELTS test scores and academic performance (Saville andHawkey, 2004). 2.2.6 Educational, Social and Cultural perspectives of the test 2.2.6.1 Pros 1. Cohen (2014) argues that ESL learners who take IELTS and other language tests gain communicative and academic advantages. 4. Ramser and College link high test scores to better class performance and efficiency in other aspects of life. 5. IELTS test curriculum promotes conscious language learning. In conscious language learning, the candidate gains competence and awareness of the culture of the people who communicate in the language being learned. 6. IELTS and other language tests have enabled English become a global language which is spoken by more non-native speakers than native speakers. 7. IELTS study improves the sociolinguistic competence of test-takers as class discussions reflect real life scenarios (Cohen, 2014). IELTS will depict travel scenes in the host country and provide imagery of the host country in terms of passages and comprehensions about life. By using this method of study, IELTS enhances the student’s sociolinguistic skills. 2.2.6.2 Cons 1. However, opponents of language testing show that there is poor correlation between test scores and academic performance. 2. Bayliss and Ingram (2006) discredits language testing as it oversimplifies the process of learning English as a second language. 3.0 Conclusion 3.1 Summary IELTS is a popular and global test for the proficiency in the English language as it is offered in institutions across the globe. IELTS is undoubtedly a reliable measure of English skills as it evaluates speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. IELTS test are also a major advantage to test-takers as it enhances their employability and enables them gain proficiencies that can enable them fit into life in English speaking countries. However, the high stakes nature of IELTS tests means candidates can do anything to pass the tests an impact that is termed as negative backwash. 3.2 Implications of Analysis In some countries, IELTS test-takers rely on imitation and memorization to pass their IELTS tests. This narrowing of IELTS implies that urgent steps need to be taken to prevent negative backwash in IELTS testing. 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