Does it take 20 years or 2 months to achieve an IELTS score of 9.0?

The online consultation program on the topic "What are the advantages of a high IELTS score when applying to university?" took place yesterday, March 19th, broadcast live on thanhnien.vn , via the Thanh Nien Newspaper's Facebook fanpage, YouTube channel, and TikTok, attracting a large number of viewers.

THE JOURNEY TO 9.0 IELTS

Mr. Tran Anh Khoa (28 years old), Academic Director at DOL English, was a former English major at Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City. He graduated as the valedictorian in English Language from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City), achieving an IELTS score of 9.0 in December 2024 with 9.0 in reading, 9.0 in listening, 8.5 in writing, and 8.5 in speaking. Khoa said he started learning English in the first grade and achieved the top score in the entrance exam for the enhanced English class at Phung Hung Primary School, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City. Thus, his 20-year journey of learning English and conquering IELTS began from there.

- Ảnh 1. — Guests discussed learning English and tips for achieving high IELTS scores during a consultation program at *Thanh Nien* Newspaper.

But saying it was two weeks wouldn't be wrong either, because that's how Anh Khoa practiced exam questions, "grinding" to get a 9.0 score. Before that, he had already achieved an 8.5, so in the last two weeks before the exam, he practiced more, focusing most on listening and speaking on topics he felt he wasn't yet confident in.

Meanwhile, Tran Thien Minh (28 years old), an SAT instructor at DOL English, who also achieved an IELTS score of 9.0, had a different journey. He attended an international school in primary school, then went to Tran Dai Nghia High School for the Gifted (which at that time offered both secondary and high school levels). When he was in 10th grade at the High School for the Gifted (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), he achieved an IELTS score of 8.0 on his first attempt.

In his second attempt in 2020, Minh achieved an IELTS score of 9.0. However, in his third attempt, due to some technical issues, he only scored 8.5. Dissatisfied with this score, he diligently practiced with sample tests, especially focusing on the writing section. In his most recent fourth attempt, he achieved an IELTS score of 9.0. "In my opinion, the most difficult aspect of the IELTS exam is maintaining consistent performance both during the test and during preparation. If you rely solely on rote learning or shortcuts, it's very difficult to achieve a high score; the key is to apply a critical thinking approach," said an SAT instructor at DOL English.

Why is it necessary to be proficient in a foreign language WHEN there are so many translation apps?

Mr. Thien Minh argued that using machines for translation would eliminate the human element in information transmission. Meanwhile, Master's student Tran Anh Khoa stated that new words are developing very rapidly, and artificial intelligence cannot keep up. For example, there are many slang terms online that even ChatGPT doesn't know.

DO YOU NEED TO BE PROFICIENT IN ENGLISH TO STUDY ECONOMICS OR MEDICINE ?

During an online Q&A session with the guests yesterday afternoon, an audience member raised the above question. Mr. Tran Anh Khoa, M.Sc., answered by giving an example: "My sister is studying economics in a high-quality program taught in English, so being proficient in English is essential. But even in a university program taught in Vietnamese, being proficient in English gives students the opportunity to access English-language materials, which is very beneficial."

Mr. Tran Thien Minh, a graduate in economics from a university in Australia, shared his personal experience: "Being proficient in English allowed me to access a lot of knowledge abroad. For anyone, being good at English after graduation will help them work better, because today's economy is globalized." Mr. Minh said that many of his students are doctors and medical students, and shared: "Without being good at English, doctors and medical students find it very difficult to read books, refer to, and research medical cases from abroad. If you study economics or medicine, being good at English will open up many opportunities for the future."

During the program, an audience member asked, "Is it true that learning a foreign language becomes more difficult as you get older?" Mr. Tran Anh Khoa acknowledged that older people may indeed face certain difficulties when learning a foreign language, especially with pronunciation. However, he pointed out that older learners tend to have better logical thinking and problem-solving skills compared to younger learners, making the Linearthinking method understandable and applicable to everyone.

Mất 20 năm hay 2 tháng để đạt 9.0 IELTS? - Ảnh 1. — Ms. Nguyen Thao Chi, Mr. Thien Minh, and Mr. Anh Khoa (from left to right) share interesting information about learning English and preparing for the IELTS exam.

Explaining the Linearthinking method in more detail, Mr. Tran Thien Minh said that it is essentially a system of methods, containing different smaller methods used to address different skills. For example, in Writing and Speaking, there is the Specify method to help learners come up with deeper ideas and arguments. Or the Simplify method in Reading helps learners grasp the main idea of long and difficult sentences. The common point of these methods is that they are highly analytical and logical, and can help learners progress quickly when applied effectively.

C. ENGLISH LANGUAGE STANDARDS FOR ADMISSION AND EXIT IN UNIVERSITIES

A key concern for high school students preparing for the 2025 high school graduation exam and university entrance exams is the English proficiency requirements for entry and exit at universities under the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), especially for international joint programs. In response to this question, Ms. Nguyen Thao Chi, Head of the Communications and Business Relations Department at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM), stated that the official admission regulations have not yet been announced by the Ministry of Education and Training. However, according to current drafts, although English is an elective subject, in reality, many D-block subject combinations include a foreign language (including English). This year, there may be adjustments and new regulations related to admissions based on international certificates. Nevertheless, upon entering university, students must achieve a certain level of proficiency, especially in enhanced English programs, international standard programs, or joint training programs, which typically require an IELTS score of 5.5 or higher.

Mất 20 năm hay 2 tháng để đạt 9.0 IELTS? - Ảnh 2. — Students prepare for IELTS using AI tools.

Regarding English language proficiency requirements for university entrance, there are no specific regulations, and each school and each major may have different requirements. Candidates should note that this year there may be significant changes compared to previous years, and they should carefully review the admissions plan of the school they wish to apply to see if there are any changes in the admissions process. They should also thoroughly research how international certificates are converted and what format they will take, etc., at the school they are applying to.

Regarding English proficiency requirements, Ms. Chi stated that most majors require a level equivalent to B1 in the 6-level Foreign Language Proficiency Framework used in Vietnam. Some majors require higher levels such as B2 or C1. For joint training programs abroad, students are required to achieve a sufficient level of academic English to continue their studies at the partner institution.

Don't try to "get the basics right the first time."

Many students are stressed about important exams such as the entrance exam for 10th grade, the high school graduation exam, and university entrance exams. Mr. Anh Khoa, who passed the entrance exams for specialized English classes at the High School for the Gifted (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), the High School of Practice of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, and Le Hong Phong Specialized High School, advises: "Students should take their studies seriously from the beginning. Don't wait until the last minute to cram for a 'fast-track foundation'. It might be effective for the end-of-term exam, but it won't work for the 10th grade entrance exam or the high school graduation exam."

Tran Thien Minh, who was accepted into all seven of his 10th-grade programs, including the High School for the Practice under the University of Education of Ho Chi Minh City and the High School for the Gifted (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), said his motivation came from his serious approach to studying. "I want to tell parents, students, and those about to take important exams to stay calm. Parents should work together and provide the best motivation for their children so they have hope and maintain their belief in overcoming the exams," Minh shared.