I was quoted in this PIE News article by Kimberley Martin about the ongoing IELTS hullabaloo. Here’s my quotation, without the scaffolding of the article:
“This story highlights how important it is for test makers to identify problems as quickly as possible so that test takers have sufficient time to protect their interests. In this case, the IELTS partners have indicated that some test takers received scores that were lower than they deserved. As a result, many people around the world may have missed out on life-changing academic and professional opportunities for which they needed a particular IELTS score. Others may have been left in a position where they were unable to meet requirements necessary for immigration or residence purposes. It may be too late for some of these individuals to get back on track. I feel for those people.
Conversely, those who were given scores higher than they deserved may have quickly found themselves struggling in academic environments which they were not prepared for.
Testing companies serve as gatekeepers for academia and for immigration. When they mess up, the consequences can be far-reaching and profound.”
I think this is an important story, and I would like for it to be covered by more people (like Kim) who are better at journalism than I am.