By Yu Nan (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2008-04-25 15:25

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) will maintain its strict standard for English language proficiency so that candidates will be assessed for their ability and get the support they need in learning the language, says the IELTS global director of English and Examinations.

"If candidates were to get scores which is higher than their ability, they would be suffering when studying abroad or getting a job, because they will not be able to communicate in the way they want; that's miserable," Dr Bhaskar Chakravarti said during an exclusive interview with chinadaily.com.cn on April 23.

He said English learning has changed dramatically in China since 1990s when he had to do everything using interpreters. But now, Chakravarti explained, he just attended a symposium where the entire proceedings were conducted in English.

The Chinese government has focused more attention on English learning through its five-year education plan, resulting in the popularization of learning English.

Seeing people eager to learn English, studying it, using it in their workplace and getting tested impressed him. "It is a huge progress than ever before," Chakravarti said.

As a result, it is necessary to have testing like IELTS to maintain the standard of English in universities and companies.

Chakravarti explained IELTS is a rounded exam, testing skills of listening, reading, writing and speaking mainly for communicative purposes. It is also a key assessment test for English, as IELTS is recognized by over 6,000 universities, governments, and top companies in the world.

"Our examiners are carefully selected, highly trained, and ruthlessly monitored; it is a wonderful team that tries efforts to make IELTS a comfortable experience for everyone who participates."

He continued that the feedback they get from candidates, organizations, education institutions, and governments are quite positive.

"Therefore, the greatest protection we could offer (to candidates) is to maintain our rigorous standard and conservative content scrupulously," he added.