For numerous families, acquiring proficiency in English has evolved beyond mere communication or employment purposes; it has turned into a competition focused on achieving high test scores and mastering native-like pronunciation. However, does obtaining an early IELTS certificate truly represent the appropriate path?
It has become quite prevalent for Vietnamese families to start investing in IELTS preparation for their kids as young as grades 8 or 9, and occasionally even earlier. Nonetheless, many do not pause to ponder if their offspring truly grasp academic ideas in their mother tongue, much less in English. Numerous pupils may replicate a native speaker’s pronunciation and excel at exam techniques but find themselves challenged when it comes to profound understanding or analytical reasoning.
Don’t overlook the main aim of studying a new language: practical usage. Within a professional setting, particularly in global firms, success is gauged by your capability to accomplish tasks effectively and succinctly rather than through complex word choices or sophisticated phrasings.
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Someone fills out an IELTS application form. The photo is provided by the British Council. |
Having worked in multiple international companies, I’ve learned that clear and effective communication is much more important than eloquent language. Often, I receive detailed emails from coworkers trying to describe critical situations but find myself even more puzzled due to their use of excessively technical jargon—a characteristic often seen in those who have spent considerable time studying for the IELTS exam.
In high-speed roles where I handle up to 50 to 60 customer grievances daily and compose numerous responses, there isn’t room for ornamental wording. While templates and AI aids can be useful, they must be employed carefully and precisely. Dispatching generic messages en masse simply because the layout seemed refined spells trouble ahead.
Moreover, I can’t assume that my clients will possess a high IELTS score just to comprehend my reports or communications. The dialogue should be clear and direct, rather than serving as an English proficiency test.
The stark truth is that numerous university graduates, whether from Vietnam or overseas, find it challenging to fulfill real-world job requirements. The surge in layoffs and underemployment sweeping through nations such as Vietnam, India, and even the United States indicates that pursuing only an academic route may not be suitable for all individuals.
In essence, studying English or any discipline ought to be driven by practicality. Should your efforts lack significant real-life application, would you consider whether they might have been misguided? There’s no need for despair; those who identify this issue promptly can alter their strategy and discover more impactful and efficient methods of learning and progressing.
To put it briefly, learning must always be connected to comprehension and practical use. Otherwise, the most prestigious certification becomes nothing more than a sheet of paper.
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