Which English Language Test Is Right for You?
There are so many English language tests out in the market
at the moment that it can be hard to choose the one that is best for you. Is it
accepted for university? Is it accepted in the UK or the US? Will it help me
get a job? What score do I need? What scores are there? These are all questions
that many people ask when thinking of taking an English test. This article
gives you a quick guide to the main tests available, what they are mainly used
for, and how they are scored, making your task of finding the right test a
little more manageable.
TOEFL - Test of
English as a Foreign Language
This is a test mainly used as a qualification to enter
university. It is accepted in many English speaking countries (including the UK
and Australia/New Zealand), but it is a US-based exam. It is widely accepted in
colleges and universities in the USA. The test covers the skills of reading,
writing, listening and speaking and scores range from 0-120. You will need to
check with the university you want to attend to find out what score they will
accept.
IELTS - International
English Language Testing System
This test is used mainly as a qualification to enter
university. Additionally, some careers in the UK may require this exam (for
example nursing). The exam is widely accepted in the UK and Australia/ New
Zealand. It is also accepted in many universities in the USA. It covers the
four skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Scores range from 0 to
9.0 and go up on a.5 scale. Again, check with the universities to which you
wish to apply to find out what scores they accept.
Cambridge General
English Exams
The Cambridge exams (e.g. PET, FCE, CAE) are a range of
exams which test general English. They can be used for employment purposes and
some universities and colleges accept one of the higher level Cambridge exams
for entry. These exams are less recognized than IELTS and TOEFL for university
entry, so it is essential that you check with the university you wish to apply
to first. The exams test the four skills, and additionally have an explicit
grammar element. The exams work on a Fail, Pass, Merit, Distinction grading and
you need to take the appropriate exam for your level. Cambridge also offer a
business English exam (BEC).
Pearson Tests
These tests are relatively new and have varieties for
general, young learners and academic English. The general and young learner’s
exams are for confidence building purposes, to reward positive English language
achievement. As such, they are unlikely to be accepted at a university level
(the higher level exams may be accepted in professional environments). The PTE
Academic is gaining acceptance in universities, but you should check with the
university you wish to apply to. The PTE Academic is scored on a scale up to
90.
GMAT (Graduate
Management Admission Test)
This exam is required for admission in to some business
schools. It is not specifically an English language test, but it does test
verbal and analytical writing skills, so it has elements of English testing
within it. It is a business specific exam and includes writing sections and
many multiple choice questions. Scores range from 200-800. This exam normally
needs to be taken in addition to another English language test to gain entry
onto business programmers.
Trinity Exams
Trinity College London offers a range of English language
exams. The GESE (Graded Examinations in Spoken English) are general English
confidence building exams which are based on the communication skills of
listening and speaking. The ISE has a written component. Again, it is a general
English exam to help learners achieve new goals. A high level ISE score is
recognized by some universities, but check this with the university you wish to
apply for. These exams have a range of levels and you need to apply for the
level that is appropriate for you. Trinity also offers a spoken English for
work exam (SEW), and ESOL exams. The ESOL exams are designed for refugees and
migrants who already live in the UK.
With any exam you take, it is important to research the exam
first to find out if it is the appropriate exam for you, both in terms of your
future needs and your existing level. Remember to always check with
universities or employers if you need an exam for specific work or study
purposes.
You can find out more about the IELTS
and PTE Academic test on our website:
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