For many language students the first years of study are exciting and promising. Progress is clear to see and passion and enthusiasm is not a problem.
However, the latter stage at an intermediate level can be more troublesome. Here improvement is often less easier to notice and students may feel like they are not getting better. A lack of motivation may emerge with the individual doubting if they ever will reach an advanced level.
Chinese students, who must rank as some of the world's most hard working, will often throw new challenges into their path just to see whether or not they can reach the industry standard, e.g. a 6 or above in IELTS.
Such a move is a good idea as it provides focus and offers students a clear measurement of where their English is.
One danger though is that when students get their score, a true understanding of their strengths and weaknesses is not fully comprehended.
Knowing you rated 5 in speaking, 5 in writing, 6 in listening and 6 in reading doesn't necessarily provide candidates with the clear knowledge of what they need to do to improve – unless they fully understand how their levels were examined and where their faults lay.
Also, within their decision to complete the IELTS many students concentrate entirely on memorizing previous test papers rather than properly understanding and developing greater language competence within the four tested areas.
In many respects the schools that provide crash course instant IELTS training are also to blame as they may not always adequately assess or direct students where they most need it.
Still this isn't always the teacher's fault as they are faced with crowded classrooms and often little opportunity for one-on-one work. Also, those gateway assessment tests one often does at a new language school do not always adequately place you in the correct level or match your needs with the course and teacher you find yourself placed in.
Ideally, before any IELTS test is contemplated a student will undergo a rigorous assessment that provides clear evidence of where their language is. Understanding which grammar items and which pronunciation deficiencies exist can then help them focus more specifically during their training and study periods.
One thing I always do when meeting a student who wants to sit an exam or who wants to improve beyond the intermediate level is give them a 'needs assessment' test. As I have mentioned in an earlier article, my best friend is the "Essential Grammar in Use" by Raymond Murphy, published by Cambridge University Press. This text provides such a test at the back and shows students which units and grammar items they need to go back and study.
By learning which areas a student has trouble with and then directing their study to this, improves their skills of writing and speaking – where good grammar is necessary to move beyond an IELTS band 5 which the present Chinese English language teaching system conducted nationally throughout schools seems to be getting students to – though rarely beyond.
The problem is - those students intent on study abroad need to be taken to the next level and at present many test based language courses are not taking the students up the ladder. Also, even upon graduation after a bachelors degree many students are still hovering around a 5, or 5 and a half IELTS level.
It's a long journey and no fast track, or rote memory method is going to get you there. It has been mentioned that 95% of people doing the IELTS test have actually done it before!
My advice, first find out what your problems are, then narrow your energies to rebuilding your grammar and pronunciation weaknesses. Do not study blindly or continue to buy books and magazines all the while getting buried in English.
Clear, organized, efficient practice and a constant vision of what you seek from your studies can give you the motivation you need to rise beyond an intermediate level.
Remember language is for life – above and beyond any test. True achievement and quality comes from constant dedication. So stick at it and don't lose hope.
The Chinese spirit can overcome some of the most insurmountable of obstacles and the English language, well – 'it aint nuttin speshul.'
Jiayou Zhonguo!
