English is the most common language used across the world with sixty-seven countries having English as their official language. It has become a common mode of communication between people of different countries whose native language is not English. Be it the movies or songs, TV series or novels, English has crept into our lives and has become a part of it. Without the knowledge of proper English life seems to be a bit difficult, especially in your work or college. Most of you might have plans of studying or working abroad, but your lack of good communication in English becomes a hurdle due to which you might miss out on important opportunities in your life. The Global Academy and Carleton University have come up with a new program, Intensive English Language Program to help students brush up their communication skills in English so that they are more comfortable and confident in expressing their thoughts and opinions to anyone across the globe.

Major English Tests Worldwide

You might have the greatest of knowledge, but you might still fail if you are not able to express it. Keeping this in mind many universities and companies prefer to hire those with excellent proficiency in English so that their networking with a client will be beneficial to the business. To test these skills, there are various English Language Tests taken. Let us have a look at the three most important and popular English tests taken worldwide.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

The International English Language Testing System or commonly known as IELTS is one of the most important and major English Language Tests taken worldwide. It is accepted by most the Australian, Canadian, British, Irish, American and New Zealand Universities along with various other organizations all over the world. It is the only secure English Language Test approved by the UK Visas and Immigration signifying its importance and dominance. It tests the ability of the person to speak, write and listen in English concentrating mainly on speaking skills. The speaking session is even recorded so that the person can be re-evaluated in the presence of any error. It has its own structure and marking scheme. With a good score in IELTS it becomes much easier for the undergraduate to apply for universities and Visas abroad.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Test of English as a foreign language or normally known as TOEFL is another important English language Test used to measure the standard of English of the non-English speaking students enrolling in English Universities. It is organized and managed by Education Testing Services (ETS) which is a private non-profit organization. The results of this test are valid for two years. Few of the commonwealth countries are exempted from taking this test for their admission in universities. The TOEFL has also its own structure basically consisting of reading, writing and speaking skills. It has both paper-based and computer-based test giving a privilege to students living far in other countries from where the test centre is. The total score of the test is up to 600 to 900.

The Test of English for International Communication(TOEIC)

The Test of English for International Communication or TOEIC is another English Language Test to check the English proficiency of the person working on an international platform. It was developed by ETS to measure the standard of English in business settings. The test consists of two parts. The first being listening and Reading tests and the second being speaking and writing test to check the vocabulary, pronunciations, grammar, intonation, etc. It is popular in various countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Chile, United Kingdom, United States, etc. The score obtained in this test has a significant value while applying for other universities abroad.

The Requirement of Country-wise English Test

Each country has its own English proficiency index. Since many countries do not have English as their native language the usage of English here is less compared to that of the other countries. The English proficiency index ranks each country based on the average level of English language skills amongst those people who took the EF test. For a country to be included a minimum of four hundred people must take the test. These test results are used by various companies for marketing and placements. Due to the variations in ranks, few countries have extremely high English proficiency percentages whereas the other few very low proficiency whereas the rest of them being moderate. Due to these drastic differences it becomes difficult for a common English Language test worldwide. Hence each country adopts its own English test based on the requirement of the country. Thus it is beneficial in having country-wise English Language Test.

The Requirement of Country-wise English Test

Each country has its own English proficiency index. Since many countries do not have English as their native language the usage of English here is less compared to that of the other countries. The English proficiency index ranks each country based on the average level of English language skills amongst those people who took the EF test. For a country to be included a minimum of four hundred people must take the test. These test results are used by various companies for marketing and placements. Due to the variations in ranks, few countries have extremely high English proficiency percentages where as the other few very low proficiency whereas the rest of them being moderate. Due to these drastic differences it becomes difficult for a common English Language test worldwide. Hence, each country adopts its own English test based on the requirement of the country. Thus, it is beneficial in having country-wise English Language Test.

The Benefits of The IEL Program

Having learned all about the various English Language Tests and their importance it becomes our responsibility to be able to crack these exams for a better score. IEL courses help in the improvement of English in all aspects so that it becomes easy for us to take such exams confidently and get a good score.

• A lot of countries expect a basic level of good English communication skills while applying for visas. A certificate obtained by IEL after completing a course shows its value making it easier for you to avail visas for foreign countries.
• The most important benefit is the boost in your confidence about the way you speak and interact with others. With your communication skills brushed up, it is much easier for you to interact with your colleagues, clients, friends, etc improving your social life.

Conclusion

Communication is one of the most important things in human life, which helps us to maintain our relationships and have an active social life by connecting with people surrounding us. English is the common language spoken across almost all countries, it becomes important for us to master this language. You might know the language enough, but to have the command over it you must be trained enough to be confident in what you speak and express yourself boldly. This is possible through the various courses offered by IEL program. The certificate obtained holds a high value. It is a bonus while applying for visas and admission to colleges abroad. We hope that you have been briefed enough to understand the IEL program and importance of the various English Language Tests across the world.