What's the purpose of getting an IELTS certificate from 8th grade?

It is increasingly common for Vietnamese families to invest in IELTS preparation for their children as early as grade 8 or 9, sometimes even younger. However, few stop to consider whether their children fully understand academic concepts in their native language, let alone in English. Many students can mimic a native accent and master test-taking strategies, yet struggle with deeper comprehension or critical thinking.

Let’s not forget the true purpose of learning a foreign language: application. In a work environment, especially in multinational companies, performance is measured by how efficiently and clearly you can get things done, not by your ability to use advanced vocabulary or craft elegant sentences.

A person writes on an IELTS application form. Photo courtesy of the British Council

As someone with experience working across several global corporations, I’ve come to realize that clarity and effectiveness matter far more than linguistic flair. I've received lengthy emails from colleagues attempting to explain crisis scenarios, only to end up more confused because the message was buried in overly academic language, a trait common among long-time IELTS learners.

In fast-paced jobs where I process 50 to 60 customer complaints a day and draft dozens of replies, there is no time for decorative language. Templates and AI tools help, but only when used with attention and accuracy. Sending a mass response without customizing it - just because the format looked polished - is a recipe for disaster.

More importantly, I cannot expect my clients to have a high IELTS score to understand my reports or correspondence. Communication must be straightforward, not an English proficiency contest.

The harsh reality is that even many university graduates, both from Vietnam and abroad, struggle to meet practical work demands. The wave of layoffs and underemployment across countries like Vietnam, India, and even the U.S. reflects that not everyone can or should pursue a purely academic path.

Ultimately, learning English or any subject should be grounded in pragmatism. If what you're doing has little real-world value, are you willing to admit it may have been a misstep? It's not too late. Those who recognize this early can still reorient their approach and find more meaningful, effective ways to learn and grow.

In short, learning should always be tied to understanding and application. Without that, even the most impressive certificate is just a piece of paper.