IELTS stops one test format, many new English tests are launched

Trang chủ giới thiệu bài thi tiếng Anh mới của Nhà xuất bản ĐH Oxford — Home page introducing the new English test of Oxford University Press

New English tests measure real-world English ability

On April 18, Oxford University Press (OUP) launched a new English test called Oxford Test of English Advanced, recognized and certified by the world-leading University of Oxford (UK). The test is used to assess English proficiency from level B2 to C1 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), is computer-based, is valid for life and includes 4 skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

According to OUP, the new test differs from its competitors in that it assesses “language needs in a real-life context”. According to the test website, in the speaking test, for example, candidates must support or oppose a statement using two to three ideas provided; or in the writing test, candidates must summarise the main points of a lecture transcript or an excerpt from a textbook.

“We need to ensure that international students are not left behind simply because they have not had the opportunity to demonstrate certain skills that academic life requires,” Andrew Nye, OUP’s director of testing and teaching of English, told The PIE News on April 26. That’s why one of the main targets of the test is university students. In Southeast Asia, Thailand is currently the only place where the test is held.

In line with this move, IDP also launched a new English test powered by artificial intelligence (AI) called Envoy in early December 2023. This is an online English test that candidates can take anywhere in the world, including 4 skills lasting 90 minutes. The test is designed to assess English communication skills in a real-life context.

Giao diện bảng điểm của chứng chỉ tiếng Anh quốc tế Envoy — Envoy International English Certificate Transcript Interface

"IDP will continue to leverage AI-enabled technologies to support and enhance learner-centered education services. With this next-generation English test, Envoy will empower teachers to help every student reach their full potential," said Lauren Mcswain, Envoy's chief marketing officer, in a statement. However, the test is not yet available in Vietnam.

Change form, function

IELTS, jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, recently announced the discontinuation of IELTS Indicator, an online English test offered for a limited time in certain locations where IELTS testing was suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Registration for this option is now closed and IELTS Online is available instead.

IELTS Indicator test discontinued, new tests launched

Meanwhile, Password English Language Testing, an English proficiency assessment service provider, has launched a One Part Retake feature, allowing candidates to retake one of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading or writing if they do not achieve the desired score. The feature applies to the company’s at-home test called Skills Plus and allows educational institutions to review both the original test score and the retake score.

“This is a testament to our willingness to respond to feedback from the international higher education industry and provide transparency in our scorecards,” Simi Kohli, Password’s communications manager, told The PIE News on April 24.

Thí sinh dự thi IELTS trên máy tính — Candidates taking IELTS on computer

In a similar move, IDP and the British Council, the two co-organizers of the IELTS test in Vietnam, launched the One Skill Retake feature in early April, allowing candidates to retake any IELTS skill instead of having to retake the entire test for a fee of VND2,940,000. Candidates who choose to retake a skill will receive a new score report form including the updated OSR score along with the scores of the remaining three skills in the first test.

The English language testing industry has seen many changes in recent years, including the implementation of IELTS and TOEFL iBT tests at home during the Covid-19 period. In 2022, Password English Language Testing will also launch its own online test, joining Duolingo, LanguageCert, PSI, Trinity, iTEP, Pearson and Cambridge Assessment English in recent years.

Not to mention, English proficiency assessment service providers are also competing fiercely by constantly launching marketing campaigns targeting each other, or offering new incentives such as shortening the test duration or providing the ability to retake a skill.

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