To make learning foreign languages not a burden

Primary school students at Newton Vinh Phuc Inter-level School participate in English projects from grade 1. Photo by Duong Chung

Exam preparation and taking foreign language certificates, typically English certificates such as IELTS, TOELF, TOEIC, etc., are becoming increasingly popular. Not only high school students, university and college students, but also many middle school students have begun to review and strive to obtain international foreign language certificates to both improve their level and enjoy priority in the high school graduation exam, university admission or study abroad.

As soon as she completed the 10th grade entrance exam for the 2025-2026 school year, Nguyen Tuyet Nhi, from Cao Phong commune (Song Lo), registered for an IELTS course with the goal of achieving 5.0 after 1 year.

Tuyet Nhi shared: “I want to have an English program that helps me improve my overall English level, and I can also take a certificate exam to be exempted from this subject in the high school graduation exam and use it for priority consideration in university admission. Therefore, I will take advantage of my free time this summer to review for the IELTS certificate with the first goal of achieving 5.0 and gradually increase my score in the next 3 years of study. The higher the score, the more opportunities I have to enter top universities. My parents are also very supportive of my determination.”

In recent years, regulations and policies on exemption from graduation exams for foreign languages or extra points, priority in university admission for foreign language certificates are also reasons for students to choose to study and take these certificates. According to foreign language teachers, the above regulations and policies have a positive aspect in encouraging students to improve their foreign language proficiency according to international standards, have comprehensive foreign language proficiency to prepare well for the learning and working environment, and at the same time, reduce pressure on candidates in the graduation exam.

Secondary school students of Newton Vinh Phuc Inter-level School confidently participated in the English debate competition. Photo by Duong Chung

However, if students do not clearly define their abilities and goals, they can easily get caught up in the "race" to get certificates, wasting time, effort and money on special exam preparation courses.

Teacher Van Thi Bich Thao, Head of the Foreign Language Group, Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted, said: "The need to take foreign language certificates is legitimate, because this is the basis and accurate measure to assess students' abilities and learning progress.

However, if you just want to evaluate and improve your English level, there are many options and learning methods. You should not follow the crowd to take exams to get certificates and scores. Because if you only review mechanically and quickly, even if the total score meets the requirements, your language skills may still be uneven, not to mention that it can be costly and still not achieve the desired results.

With the viewpoint of maintaining the core value of language for use in communication, study and work, not just for scores and certificates, Newton Vinh Phuc Inter-level School (Vinh Yen campus) always focuses on teaching and learning English in the direction of developing comprehensive English skills.

Ms. Hoang Nguyet Anh, Vice Principal of Newton Vinh Phuc Inter-level High School, said: “The English teaching program is built by the school to focus on practicing communication skills, using language in real-life situations, helping students to be more confident and effective in communication; encouraging interaction and using language in real-life activities.

Along with the main curriculum, the school regularly organizes activities, events, and projects in English such as: Little Scientist Competition, dramatization of literary works, learning about culture, dubbing for films, etc.

Students at all levels are very interested and enthusiastic in participating in these activities, including many students who are only in grade 1 and grade 2 but are very confident in participating in events and activities. With the foreign language program currently applied, the English proficiency of students at Newton Vinh Phuc Inter-level School is assessed to be better than the average level.

According to preliminary assessment by the international standard end-of-year test, about 80% of the school's primary school students have a level equivalent to the Starters certificate (a certificate in the Cambridge English program), many 7th and 8th grade students have achieved A2 and B1 levels (according to the CEFR).

It is undeniable that foreign language certificates bring advantages to learners, however, "racing" for certificates without clearly identifying one's own abilities and needs will make learning a foreign language a burden and pressure. Therefore, in order to achieve opportunities for study, employment and further international integration, students should be active, proactive, and improve their foreign language skills with the motto "The destination is not a certificate, but the ability to use language effectively in life and work".

Thuy Linh

Source: http://baovinhphuc.com.vn/tin-tuc/Id/129373/De-hoc-ngoai-ngu-khong-tro-thanh-ganh-nang