Welcome to the August 2019 edition of IELTS News Tracker. Here we keep you updated with the latest developments in the world of IELTS.
IELTS is not a static test; it is updated regularly to reflect the changing needs of today’s environment.
One of the most significant changes in recent times has been the introduction of a computer-delivered version of IELTS. Its debut addressed criticisms that handwritten essays are now inauthentic – since most people now construct essays on a computer.
Academics at the University of Bedfordshire and the Open University recently conducted a study comparing taking Writing Task 2 in both paper and computer mode.
Their research found that candidates taking the computer-delivered test were more comfortable in the initial planning phase of their essay since it is easier to make changes. Cutting and pasting functions also made it easier for participants to organise their essay at the sentence and paragraph level.
For the paper-based test, candidates tended to focus more on vocabulary when it came to editing their essays. This could be because it is easier to replace words than to change whole sentence structures. As a result, candidates score an average of 0.07 higher for vocabulary in the paper-based test.
Overall the test scores across both types of test differed by only 0.03.
Ultimately, whether you take the computer or paper-based test is a decision that should be made based on multiple personal factors.
For example, if your handwriting is poor, this could affect your score – in which case you should take the computer-based test.
Slow typers who make lots of typos will probably score better with the paper-based test.
If you suffer from panic attacks during the writing, you may find the computer-based test better, since you can quickly change anything that causes sudden doubt.
Why not book a lesson with us so that we can help you to develop the best strategy for you. We can help you decide which version of the test would be best for your personal circumstances.
International Employment
The UK has continued to add jobs in the last quarter. This has kept unemployment down at 3.8% – a 44 year low.
Employment is not the only thing rising – wages are too! In July alone, regular pay rose by 3.1%.
As Brexit looms, the UK is also planning to introduce a new points-based immigration system later this year. It is likely this will roughly follow the Australian model and may even allow different areas in the UK to target particular skillsets.
The new system will likely make it easier for migrants outside the EU to enter the UK.
With m0re jobs and rising salaries – there has never been a better time to emigrate to the UK.
International Education
Government agencies are now working with institutions and universities on plans that will fast track immigration for researchers and specialists in the fields of science, engineering and technology.
Options include abolishing the existing 2000 person cap on Tier 1 Exceptional Talent visas. They are also considering conferring automatic endorsement on applicants who pass immigration checks.
Dependants of those accepted under the new scheme will also have full access to the work market. They will no longer need to have an offer of employment before arrival.
All these measures will combine to provide an accelerated path to settlement.
Read more here.
Further Reading
Keep your eyes on our blog, Twitter and LinkedIn accounts for more useful reading.
If you need help with the IELTS test, check out our coaching options here.
That’s all for this issue.
See you in September!