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One of the most traumatic experiences for many Chinese students is the “dreaded IELTS test”, more formally known as, the International English Language Testing System. Like a Mike Tyson of the exam world IELTS has bitten the ear off of many a candidate and caused many a sleepless night through fear and loathing. Reason being IELTS today is an essential gateway for Chinese to pass through on their way to study abroad, apply for a scholarship or a job and as such, the pressure and stress placed upon students to perform well is immense. Going into the ring to do battle many do come out beaten and battered, shaking their head and feeling a little dizzy. In most cases candidates, who tend to average around 17-24 years of age, have done the test before and are trying again because their first or second, or third or fourth or fifth attempt, wasn’t successful. All this can result in a lack of confidence which is natural because previous pain and suffering can affect your performance. I was talking to one university student last week who told me that her friend collects the different color pencils from the IELTS test and has got quite a multi-colored set at present which is continuing to expand. Other candidates collect the erasers and after each failed test pile them atop their desk like a body count of fallen dreams. I find that kind of story heart-breaking particularly when considering the cost involved because usually it is parents who are paying and the kids end up feeling guilty. After years of back-breaking, eyesight-sapping, energy-draining study in local junior and senior high schools, Chinese students are thus confronted with another hurdle that they must overcome in order to begin their life journey. | 
