This article has been written by Kulin Makwana pursuing Diploma in Business English Communication for International Professionals and Remote Workers and edited by Shashwat Kaushik.
This article has been published by Sneha Mahawar.
Table of Contents
Introduction
“Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift. Learning a new language is becoming a member of the club – the community of speakers of that language.” – Frank Smith
What is the English language proficiency exam? Can one be trained to be proficient in the English language exam? If yes, what training is required? These three questions seem separate; in fact, if you observe closely, they are one question divided into three parts. With the internet erasing the boundaries of communication and connections and making the world a truly global village, English language proficiency has been acclaimed for various reasons. The major being-
- career and personal growth,
- international academics and research,
- global employment.
It has gained importance as an indispensable skill, registering its necessity in every walk of life. As the demand for individuals with English language proficiency is constantly rising, English language proficiency exams have consolidated their position as a standard measure of an individual’s linguistic capabilities.
The article sheds light on various aspects of training necessary to be successful in the proficiency exams, which include:
- having an idea of the test formats,
- the various skills to be dealt with,
- the training perceived by the learner as well as the trainer.
The below comprehensive overview will bring clarity to your preparation and ensure you do not falter on your path to success.
A brief history
The roots of English language proficiency exams can be traced back more than a century. But a clear picture of English language proficiency exams emerges in Alan Davies’s book, “Assessing Academic English: Testing English Proficiency 1950–1989 – The IELTS Solution (2007).” He informs the reader that during the decade from the early 1950’s to the early 1960’s, the number of students seeking admission to universities in the United Kingdom rose five-fold. The major influx of students was from non-English speaking countries.
Moving back, after the Second World War, the US established itself as the biggest English-speaking superpower. The US, the UK and countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand felt the need to have a parameter to approve the assessment of the English level of the incoming students. This was felt necessary to allow a smooth dialogue between the universities and the students. Thus, the English language proficiency examination gained visible importance.
However, it truly comes as a surprise that Cambridge University Press & Assessment, a part of Cambridge University, conducted its first highest level English language proficiency examination (C2) in 1913—a century and a decade ago. Only three candidates had appeared for the examination, which was then titled the Certificate of Proficiency in English. Who would have imagined that the English Language Proficiency Exam would gain unprecedented popularity across the globe, even though it will mostly be a compulsion in the future?
The struggle to understand language proficiency exam
In the midst of an ongoing IELTS training session on a delightful Sunday morning; Vatsal, one of the learners, poured out his discomfort in very simple terms. “I have never put in so much effort studying a subject. The four years of engineering were kinder than the current three months of IELTS exam preparation. I agree, one cannot make an omelette without breaking an egg; but I did not have the faintest idea that it would be really challenging. Your reference material difficulty level is increasing day by day. Even gaining the threshold to be successful with IELTS, at times seems a distant dream. I understand why many engineers are uncomfortable with the English language proficiency exams and training.”
Should the words have shocked me or was this a sophisticated outburst, a thing to ponder upon?
It was not that I came across this kind of discomfort for the first time. But it certainly set the ball rolling towards the possibility of inventing or adapting a simpler way of training learners for the language proficiency exams. Why do the majority of students find language proficiency exam training either boring, difficult, fearful, or complicated enough to deal with? There have been major exceptions, and I have come across learners for whom the English language proficiency exam has been a cakewalk.
However, as I have observed, learners find themselves in a discomfort zone in the writing and speaking parts, perceiving them to be the most difficult. The reason, apart from weak grammar and vocabulary, is simply that they are not made familiar with the language test appropriately before as well as during the training.
Types of english language proficiency exams
Various standardised exams accepted globally
English Language Proficiency Exams do not come in a single format. They are prepared according to a specific purpose they wish to achieve. Today, one can observe around 18 English language proficiency exams across the globe. The popular ones can be listed as:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (The Pearson Test of English)
- Duolingo English Test, and
- CELPIP (The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).
Each of these examinations is standardised to measure the level of English language proficiency of the individual appearing for the examination. While many examinations offer both – the pen and paper format and an online option, some only offer online-computer based test options.
What purpose do these examinations serve
The purpose of these examinations is to serve an individual or combined purpose, such as:
- Admission to educational institutions: Many universities and academic institutions, especially in English-speaking countries, use proficiency exams as a criterion for admission. These exams help ensure that students have the necessary language skills to comprehend lectures, participate in discussions, and complete coursework in an English-medium academic environment.
- International study opportunities: Proficiency exams are often a prerequisite for international students seeking to study abroad. Achieving a certain proficiency level is necessary to demonstrate the ability to handle academic tasks in English. This opens doors for students to pursue higher education in diverse cultural and linguistic settings.
- Employment and career opportunities: In the professional world, English language proficiency is often a sought-after skill. Many employers use language proficiency exams to assess the communication skills of candidates, especially in roles requiring international collaboration, client interaction, or communication within multicultural teams.
- Immigration requirements: Proficiency exams play a role in immigration processes, particularly in countries where English is the primary language. Immigration authorities may require individuals to demonstrate a certain level of English proficiency to ensure that newcomers can effectively communicate and integrate into the local community.
- Standardisation in evaluation: Proficiency exams provide a standardised way to evaluate language skills. This is crucial for universities, employers, and immigration authorities to have a consistent and objective measure of an individual’s ability to use English in various contexts.
- Global communication standards: As English serves as a global lingua franca (“a language that is adopted as a common language between speakers whose native languages are different”), proficiency exams contribute to establishing and maintaining communication standards. They ensure that individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds can communicate effectively, fostering understanding and collaboration on an international scale.
- Personal and professional development: For individuals, proficiency exams serve as milestones in their language learning journey. They provide tangible goals and benchmarks for improvement, motivating learners to enhance their language skills. Achieving proficiency can boost confidence and empower individuals to pursue diverse opportunities.
- Quality assurance in language education: Language proficiency exams contribute to the quality assurance of language education programs. Institutions that prepare students for these exams are motivated to maintain high standards, ensuring that their students are well-prepared for academic and professional challenges requiring English proficiency.
- Cultural exchange and understanding: Proficiency exams contribute to cultural exchange by enabling individuals from different linguistic backgrounds to participate in international programs. As people interact across borders, shared proficiency standards facilitate understanding and collaboration, breaking down language barriers.
Why is clarity about proficiency level important before training
When you’re training, it’s essential to know your starting point so that you can set realistic goals and track your progress accurately. If you’re clear about your proficiency level before training, you can tailor your learning experience to meet your specific needs. It’s like having a map before starting a journey—it helps you navigate efficiently and reach your destination with fewer detours.
Understanding your proficiency level allows you to choose appropriate learning materials and methods. If you’re a beginner, starting with complex or advanced topics might be overwhelming and hinder your progress. On the other hand, if you’re already advanced, focusing on basic concepts might not be challenging enough.
Setting clear goals based on your proficiency level also helps you stay motivated. Achieving smaller milestones that are aligned with your current abilities can boost your confidence and keep you engaged in the learning process. It’s like levelling up in a game; you want challenges that are just right to keep the game interesting. Knowing your proficiency level allows you to measure progress over time. You can see how far you’ve come, celebrate your achievements, and identify areas that still need improvement. It’s a way of assessing the effectiveness of your training strategy and making adjustments as needed.
The majority of the students as well as trainers are not aware of the CEFR level or Global Scale English (GSE) level before or during the training for the English language proficiency exam. In this scenario, neither the learner nor the trainer can lead the training in the proper direction. As a result, the efforts do not match the expectations of the standardised tests and the desired outcome is not achieved.
Universal standards measuring language ability
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is a global standard that displays a candidate’s language ability. It measures the ability based on six levels:
- A1/A2– Beginner/Elementary
- B1/B2 – Intermediate/Upper Intermediate
- C1/C2 – Advanced/Proficient
The levels are represented in the form of can-do statements, which give a correct reflection of the level at which a candidate is currently at or desires to reach with regards to English language proficiency. All the Cambridge English language proficiency exams are mapped to the CEFR.
On the other hand, Pearson maps its proficiency level on a Global Scale of English. GSE is represented in the form of numerals. The PTE reference for GSE ranges from 10 to 90.
The following table will give a clear picture of the different standardised exams, mapping their scores to CEFR levels for measuring language proficiency.
| PTE ACADEMIC(GSE) | IELTS | TOEFL | CEFR |
| N/A | 9.0 | 118-120 | Expert User |
| 89-90 | 8.5 | 115-117 | C2 |
| 84-88 | 8.0 | 110-114 | C1 |
| 76-83 | 7.5 | 102-109 | C1 |
| 66-75 | 7.0 | 94-101 | C1 |
| 56-65 | 6.5 | 79-93 | B2 |
| 46-55 | 6.0 | 60-78 | B2 |
| 36-45 | 5.5 | 46-59 | B2 |
| 29-35 | 5.0 | 35-45 | B1 |
| 23-28 | 4.5 | 32-34 | B1 |
| 10-22 | No Data | 0-31 |
The following link would provide a detailed understanding of CEFR and its mapping to various examinations: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/cefr/
Why is the placement test necessary
Now that you have a proper understanding of the CEFR and GSE levels, you first need to decide which English language proficiency examination you wish to undergo, depending on the country and the purpose.
Learners are generally advised to take a placement test or a pre-assessment test. This has a double advantage.
- It helps the learner understand his/her current level of proficiency.
- It helps the trainer understand at what level the learner should be placed and what amount of training would be necessary to reach the desired level of proficiency.
How would the learner be assessed
Since the English language proficiency tests are standardised, an individual’s performance is evaluated based on certain skill sets. However, a common thread that binds the assessments are the following four parts, making the assessment complete.
- Listening,
- Reading,
- Writing, and
- Speaking.
The above four skills are categorised into productive (writing and speaking) and receptive (listening and reading) skills. Productive beings produce or give out the words, thoughts, sentences, and opinions through writing and speaking, and receptive beings receive or intake the words, sentences, thoughts, and opinions in their thought processes by listening or reading.
One may question the necessity of all four individual skills being evaluated but they are mandatory. It is because each skill examines various aspects of language competency. To achieve the desired overall score, it becomes necessary to give equal attention to all four skills individually.
Understanding the test format
Understand the language proficiency exam format clearly and you’ve won a part of your battle towards success. The standardised tests have a range of questions to evaluate the learner’s performance. However, each test under the respective skill lists the types of questions that would appear in the exam paper. The questions may vary in the form of essay writing, letter writing, multiple choice questions, describing the data, matching the heading, filling in the blanks, presenting a monologue, abstract dialogues, and listening exercises.
The detailed description of each format and question and what is expected from the learner can be found either in the candidate booklet or on the website. Having thorough knowledge beforehand helps the learner train himself/herself to handle the section with confidence and ease and hone time management skills.
Preferred strategy for training
Whether one wishes to admit it or not, disciplined training is the foundation of the English language proficiency examination. It is an undeniable fact that preparation or training can be overlooked only at one’s own peril. One can choose to undergo training in the following ways:
- Self-study,
- Online training, or
- Classroom training.
Self-study
If one has received formal school and college education in English, it is easier for the learner to choose the self-study training option. Textbooks and online resources, including blogs, videos, articles, and authentic exam practise materials, help the learner train confidently. However, it must be ensured that the practice or reference materials are authentic. Reputable publication houses and examination boards publish and sell exam material offline as well as online for the benefit of learners on a regular basis.
Online training
Coaching institutes as well as individual trainers offer online training based on the learner’s requirements. Live classes or self-study formats are offered as a formal training option. The training is offered in a systematic manner and learners are encouraged and expected to engage in an interactive mode that is structured to help them succeed in the English language proficiency examination. Learners are provided assignments to complete in a limited amount of time. The self-study option is for busy individuals who are not able to attend the live sessions due to time constraints. Videos are either uploaded or sent to the learners for their self-paced learning. Doubt clearing sessions are generally held once a week.
Classroom training
It has usually gained more preference over the other two training options discussed above. This is because the learners have the opportunity and feel comfortable clearing their doubts face to face with the trainer. Also, they do not have to travel far since the institutions offering the classroom training are situated in close proximity to the learner’s dwelling.
Whichever option a learner prefers to go with is a matter of personal choice based on various factors, including comfort level, time constraints, and level of proficiency.
Necessary ingredients : grammar and vocabulary
Language generally consists of three parts:
- Grammar,
- Vocabulary, and
- Pronunciation.
It is mandatory for the learners to have a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary before attempting the English language proficiency examination. Based on the performance in the placement test, it is desirable that the learner train himself/herself to the expected level of grammar and vocabulary. The majority of the learners who fall into the L2 category (non-native speakers, English as a second language) are seen to lack the expected level of grammar and vocabulary. This impedes communication in all four skills demanded by the examination.
The proficiency examination expects the learners to have a varied vocabulary and a wide range of grammatical structures since repetitive usage of grammar and vocabulary leads to a low score. At times, it even attracts a penalty in the form of negative marking. Learners in doubt should consult the trainer or the course material to be confident before attempting the exam.
Training oneself through a disciplined, in-depth reading habit not only aids in the improvement of reading skills but also helps expand vocabulary and generate ideas for writing and speaking skills too. Attempting grammar exercises on a regular basis and using varied structures increases the learner’s linguistic competence.
Elevate the four skills through proper training
Listening and reading
Receptive skills demand a different way of thinking. Listening questions are generally adapted from day-to-day life scenarios, giving a real feel to the examination. To be in tune with listening comprehension skills, one needs to practise thorough note taking. The online world offers various choices to polish listening and comprehension skills. Podcasts, radio broadcasts, interviews, and the news offer enough material for practice.
Reading comprehension skills demand identifying the gist, locating the synonyms in the passage and speed reading. One must clearly understand that the reading passages in the English language proficiency examination do not expect the learner to read every single word. It will lead to serious time management issues. Learners should train themselves by becoming proficient in skimming and scanning techniques. Summarising passages helps to strengthen reading skills.
Writing and speaking
Productive skills need a mammoth amount of practice. Writing is the only skill that compels a learner to use the brain to its maximum level. Without thinking properly or arranging words in the mind before putting them on paper or on screen, it is not possible to give a fluent voice to one’s thoughts. The English language proficiency exam specifically demands coherence (thought processes or ideas sequenced logically in an easy – to – understand manner) and cohesion (how well the sentences and paragraphs are connected using accurate grammar and vocabulary).
Coherence and cohesion in no way underestimate the equally necessary components like grammar and vocabulary (lexical resources). At times, while attempting the writing section, the learner loses grip and gets lost as far as the topic’s relevance is concerned. In order to gain the maximum score, the learner needs to practise writing essays and letters on various topics using the proper format. The use of simple, compound, and complex sentences, conditional sentences, relative clauses, passive voice, and comparatives helps elevate the writing score.
Whereas writing in proficiency examinations expects the learner to use formal English unless instructed, speaking brings in the liberty of using informal language through contractions, phrasal verbs, collocations, and idioms. Training in fluency (natural accent and normal flow of speech) is required for the speaking section. Interaction on abstract topics, monologues, and short dialogues requires accurate vocabulary, grammar range and thought articulation. Training through online groups, peer interaction, and conversing in the speaking clubs consistently will not only boost confidence but also help improve fluency, grammar, and vocabulary.
Practice tests and feedback
Why do practise tests matter?
Now that you have a thorough understanding of what is expected of you in the English language proficiency examination, the training sets off on the right track. After being trained in grammar, vocabulary and the four skills with a proper understanding, the learner is ready to face the practice tests. These tests familiarise the learners with actual exam conditions.
Usually termed mock tests, they help the learner assess their current level, highlighting the scope for hard work and improvement. Learners strengths and weaknesses are revealed through the practice test scores. However, caution is to be exercised regarding mock tests. Those created by authentic sources only should be preferred. Practising from any random available source at hand, or those suggested by Fly by night trainers online, should be avoided completely.
Is feedback necessary?
While it is difficult to receive feedback in self-study mode, it becomes a regular process with classroom training. Feedback from trainers or instructors helps the learner identify the touchpoints and work on the weaknesses or errors. It helps the learner acknowledge the improvement areas and channel the efforts in the proper direction, ultimately leading to overall success.
Time management
Being engrossed in other aspects of training, learners often forget to train themselves in time management. For any English language proficiency test, a learner must keep in mind that time is the biggest enemy. It will be a deciding factor in one’s success or failure, depending on how efficiently it is used to one’s own advantage. The time management issues are generally visible in the writing and reading sections. Time constraints lead to being under pressure and the exam day stress complicates the matter. Through practise tests, learners gain control over time management, allocating the time properly for each section and thus attaining the desired score.
Training : a two-way lane for learners and trainers
When it comes to training for the English language proficiency examination, either the learner or the trainer occupy a prominent place. This leads to a pertinent question – Who rules the roost, the trainer or the learner? The question cannot be answered on one side. Both the learner and the trainer equally contribute to the process of training.
On the one hand, the learner pays for the training, puts in efforts to understand the examination, becomes aware of his or her strengths and weaknesses, continuously upgrades himself/herself through practice and gains insight through mentoring by the trainer.
On the other hand, the trainer or instructor puts in efforts to prepare the modules, conduct assessment tests, provide feedback, charge, and impart training, and learns from each learner how to make the training session better for future learners. It is a win-win situation for both. The learner and the trainer learn from each other in the journey towards success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, English language proficiency exams play a pivotal role in shaping the educational and professional journeys of individuals worldwide. Whether aiming to study abroad, pursue international employment opportunities, or migrate to an English-speaking country, these exams serve as gatekeepers, assessing and certifying one’s ability to navigate the linguistic challenges of the globalised world.
English language proficiency examinations in the modern world have consolidated their position on a universal scale as an important yardstick to evaluate language skills through standardisation. Training in understanding the exam format, assessment levels, language components, various skills, including time management, and what is expected to clear the exam plays a vital role in the path towards success. Through pre-exam training and improvement and adapting proper strategies involving serious commitment and disciplined practice, successfully clearing the English language proficiency exam will open the doors of success for desired opportunities based on your purpose. These tests serve as crucial resources, opening doors to educational and professional opportunities as well as fostering a global community united by the power of language as the demand for English language proficiency keeps rising.
References
- https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/news/view/110-years-of-cambridge-english-exams/
- https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/cefr/
- https://www.ibtenglish.in/pte-vs-ielts-vs-toefl-score-chart-conversion
- https://www.sgs.utoronto.ca/future-students/admission-application-requirements/english-language-proficiency-testing/
- https://shorelight.com/student-stories/english-language-tests-guide/
- https://preply.com/en/blog/how-to-study-for-english-exam/
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