Vandreia Montano

Spring 2015
IELTS- a critical review
In the article A critical review of the IELTS writing test by Uysal (2010) the author talks about
issues regarding large scale ESL tests used around the world to test the learners English
language proficiency for different purposes, such as admission to universities. Uysal focuses on
the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) due to its popularity and because the test is claimed
to assess English as an International Language (p. 1). The main issue addressed in the article is the reliability and
validity of the writing component of the test.
The author points out that writing and assessing writing samples are not simple tasks and that there should
be continuous research on the topic to improve the IELTS. It is explained that the test is applied all over the world,
and that issues such as the topics for the writing component, readability of the prompts, different writing
conventions, and rating can influence on the reliability and validity of the test. These are difficult topics to be
addressed and they demand much research to make IELTS a fair way to test English language proficiency around
the world. According to the author, the test is claimed to assess English as an international language, but it is based
on western rhetorical conventions overseeing the diversity in the writing conventions and thought processing
around the world.
When it comes to the reliability of the test, Uysal points out to concerns such as the single rater procedure.
It is explained that IELTS is single rated and that this should not be the procedure for high stake tests like this. The
criticism comes with the idea that it is widely accepted that writing assessment should not be based in a single
judgment only, and that multiple judgments lead to a score closer to true. Another concern regarding the tests
reliability is the inconsistency with the use of rating scales in analytical categories, which was found in

controversial research results. Also, the author points out that IELTS states avoidance of biased topics or contexts
of language use, although it is known that it is difficult to determine a common knowledge for all the IELTS
candidates around the world.
When it comes to validity, one of the issues discussed is the IELTSs claims of being an International
English test, despite the fact that the English varieties considered are very limited and narrow. Besides considering
the English linguistic varieties around the world, it is suggested that the test should also consider the diversity in
rhetorical conventions and genres around the world. In addition, it is suggested that the test should have an
integrated reading-writing component to increase its authenticity when it comes to matching the tests tasks with the
target domain tasks.
To sum up, the author makes a critical review of the writing component of the IELTS pointing out that
there has been some effort to improve the test, but that there are many important issues to be addressed to make it
more reliable and to reinforce its validity. Based on the article, I believe that assessing second language proficiency
is not an easy task, therefore high stake testing needs constant research and review in order for it to be a fair way to
assess ESL language proficiency.

Reference
Uysal, H. H. (2010). A critical review of the IELTS writing test. ELT Journal, 64 (3), 314-320.