The International English Language Testing System, or the IELTS, tests a person’s skill level with the English language. The test assesses proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English. Due to its popularity and importance, there are many IELTS courses that will help you prepare.
It is used as a global standard for many universities, schools, immigration authorities, and professional organizations, to assess applicants’ English language proficiency. One major benefit to taking the IELTS test is that the result can be used again and again, whether you go to school one year and then apply for a job the next.
While most people know about the IELTS test when they are immigrating to work, study, or live in an English-speaking country, there are many other benefits to taking a test preparation course.
Learn what you need to learn
We all know that one friend who learned a language simply by watching television and picking up phrases. Others sign up for language learning apps, websites, or watch language videos online. This might work for you to become proficient in everyday uses of the English language, but often it doesn’t prepare you for studying in English or working in a predominantly English-speaking workplace.
Of course, learning daily phrases of English is important, but the course and test was developed to familiarize you with the type of language used in academic and professional settings.
Faster improvement
Similar to our point about people using television or language apps to learn English, these same people may struggle to stay motivated with the self-guided learning. Maybe this isn’t your best learning style, or a university admissions deadline is looming faster than television viewing can help you.
With coursework and deadlines in an IELTS courses, you are committed to improving your English within a set amount of time. This external pressure helps motivate you to focus, study, and stay on schedule to improving your language skills.
Benchmark your English skills
Another benefit to the IELTS test is that you get a score that tells you how well you use and understand the language. Your friends and family likely encourage you and tell you your English is great, but it’s also nice to have an objective test that tells you where you sit.
As well, you can use it as a benchmark for how much your English improves. After you’ve gone to school or worked in an English-speaking workplace for some time, you will be able to look back on your test and see how far you’ve come.
