Various Items Causing IELTS Test-Taker’s Low Performance in Mainland China: an International Joint Education Program Solution

Abstract

Administered at local centers in 120 countries throughout the world, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely used large-scale ESL tests that offer listening, writing, reading and speaking modules. In mainland China, students join in various international joint-education program, in which IELTS preparation course generally lasts more than 2 or 3 semesters, to get easier access to better universities abroad. Because of its popularity and its use for making critical decisions about test takers when they apply for a prestigious foreign university, it is crucial to draw attention to their high frequency of re- taking IELTS test and their comparatively low performance and low learning efficiency. Therefore, the present paper aims to provide a descriptive and critical review of various reasons underlying Chinese IELTS candidate's low performance, including the historical and cultural difference between Chinese and English, the immaturity of current IELTS preparation course, the inadequacy of academic research about IELTS. Consequential course-design issues will also be discussed and suggestions will be given for building high-efficient IELTS preparation course. Index Terms - IELTS, low performance, problems, solution, join t-education program