Moving to a foreign place is not at all easy. But it can be particularly tough navigating the place without sufficient communication ability. That’s why almost all countries mandate the individual to appear for certain examinations and prove their skill.
When it comes to proving your English language command for academic, immigration, or professional purposes, two prominent options stand out:
- ISLPR – International Second Language Proficiency Rating
- IELTS – International English Language Testing System
Both exams serve as a means to assess your English language skills, but they have distinct features, formats, and purposes. Noting these differences is very important as it helps you choose the right exam.
So, we will explore the fundamental differences between the ISLPR test and IELTS in this blog post to help you make an informed decision about which one suits your needs.
I. ISLPR Test
The ISLPR is an English language proficiency assessment tool. Unlike standardized tests like IELTS or TOEFL, ISLPR tailors its evaluation to the specific goals and needs of the test taker. This feature makes it versatile for various purposes, including academic, professional, and personal use.
Let’s dig into it a little further.
1. Structure and Format:
- The ISLPR test is designed to evaluate your practical English skills in real-life situations.
- It is a one-on-one interview with an examiner who will give you a series of tasks, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- The test is highly interactive and tailored to your specific language abilities.
2. Purpose:
- ISLPR is often chosen by individuals who seek a personalized assessment of their English proficiency.
- You can take the exam for various purposes, such as academic admission, job applications, or immigration. Example: ISLPR exam for teacher registration.
- Checking with your institute regarding their ISLPR accepted scores is a good idea as it is a comparatively less recognized test.
3. Flexibility:
- ISLPR offers flexibility in terms of test scheduling and customization as it adapts to your skill level.
- It might be less accessible, as it is not as widely available as IELTS. The cost may also vary depending on the provider.
4. Test Scoring:
- ISLPR provides a proficiency rating ranging from 0 (no English proficiency) to 9 (native-like proficiency) based on your performance during the interview.
5. Resources
- ISLPR may have fewer test preparation resources available compared to IELTS. So, you may need to seek out specialized training or materials.
II. IELTS Test
IELTS is a more globally recognized English language proficiency assessment than ISLPR. As usual, it measures a person’s ability to understand, communicate, read, and write in English.
Time to go a little deeper.
1. Structure and Format:
- IELTS is a standardized test divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- It’s available in two formats, Academic and General Training, with different reading and writing tasks depending on your purpose.
2. Purpose:
- IELTS is widely recognized and accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in many English-speaking countries.
- The Academic version is mainly for academic admission, while the General Training version is for immigration and general professional purposes.
3. Scoring:
- IELTS provides a band score ranging from 0 to 9, with half-band increments.
- Institutions and organizations typically set their own score requirements, which vary depending on the program or job.
III. Choosing Between ISLPR and IELTS
Both the ISLPR and IELTS serve as valuable tools for assessing English proficiency. Your choice between the two should be based on your specific goals, availability, and personal preferences.
However, the following four aspects may help you come to a decision effectively.
1. Consider Your Goals:
- Determine your specific objectives, whether it’s admission to a university, immigration, or job-related requirements. Different institutions and programs may prefer one test over the other.
2. Test Availability:
- Check the availability of ISLPR and IELTS test centres in your area. IELTS has a more extensive global network, making it accessible to a broader audience.
3. Preparation Time:
- Assess your readiness for each test. IELTS offers a wealth of preparation materials and courses, while ISLPR may require more personalized preparation.
4. Personalization vs. Standardization:
- Decide whether you prefer a personalized assessment (ISLPR) or a standardized test (IELTS) that is widely recognized.
In Search of Professional Guidance?
Regardless of which test you select, thorough preparation is key to achieving the desired score and unlocking opportunities for your education, career, or immigration journey. Consider a coaching program if possible, as an experienced tutor will often have a different approach to study. It can be useful in tightening your study plan a bit.
English Wise is one of the leading coaching institutes in Australia. We train diverse professionals for their chosen exams, such as ISLPR for teacher registration, PTE for immigration purposes, IELTS for academics, etc. With our enormous experience, we’re confident to point you in the right direction.
Let’s talk more over a call. Shall we?
