British Council’s IELTS Support in Uzbekistan
As the demand for English proficiency continues to grow in Uzbekistan, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) remains a crucial pathway for students, professionals, and immigrants looking to access global opportunities. In a recent interview with Kun.uz, Andrey Maksakov, Head of Exams Business Development at the British Council, and Eldor Sattorov, an IELTS educator and founder of King’s Academy in Tashkent, shared insights on the significance of IELTS, debunked common myths surrounding the test, and explored its evolving role in the country.
Maksakov highlighted that IELTS is widely recognized for its rigorous academic standards and commitment to fairness and security. With over 12,500 organizations worldwide accepting IELTS scores, including universities, governments, and employers, the test is aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), catering to proficiency levels from B1 to C2. The careful design process ensures that questions are free of cultural bias and reflect real-life English usage in various settings such as work, study, or daily life.
Sattorov addressed prevalent misconceptions about IELTS, emphasizing that natural language usage is more important than complex vocabulary for scoring well. He clarified that clear pronunciation matters more than accents in the speaking section and dispelled myths about essay length equating to higher scores. Sattorov also encouraged test-takers to guess answers in the reading section and emphasized the importance of preparation over luck or location.
The introduction of computer-delivered IELTS by the British Council has transformed test-taking trends in Uzbekistan, with a significant increase in the number of candidates opting for this format, especially post-COVID. The convenience of daily test availability, faster results, and digital certificates has made the computer-based option a popular choice for those with tight deadlines.
The rising number of test-takers achieving a perfect Band 9 score in Uzbekistan is seen as a sign of progress, attributed to improved access to education, government support for language learning, and a competitive teaching market. While a Band 6.5 or 7 may suffice for most universities, aiming for a Band 9 reflects personal ambition and dedication to achieving one’s full potential.
The British Council offers support to test-takers through free resources like IELTS Ready Member and IELTS Ready Premium, providing practice tests and AI-driven guidance to enhance preparation. Early registration is encouraged to maximize the benefits of these resources and improve the chances of success in the IELTS test.
