Apps for test preparation are everywhere – how to choose and how to use?
It’s no coincidence that with the rise of AI technology and the proliferation of smartphone, AI driven apps are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional classroom learning and tuition when it comes to preparing for an IELTS test. A recent search using ‘IELTS’ on my smart phone brought up literally dozens of apps related in some way to IELTS prep. Chat Gtp cannot put a precise number saying only that the number currently available for download may be over 100. It’s a constantly growing range and presents a bewildering choice to any student looking for a suitable app to help them in their preparation for a test. The big questions are: do they really help and how do you choose the app that’s best for you from the list available?
Available apps can be broadly grouped into two categories: those that cover all four test skills and those that focus on just one specific skill. They can offer a range of different features from pre-recorded video lessons to interactive tests and quizzes together with AI driven marking and assessment. An increasing number of developers both companies and individuals have jumped into the IELTS app market all offering what they claim to be the best app available. It’s become a competitive market but the choice is confusing and overwhelming. Some apps have emerged as popular choices:
The IELTS Exam Preparation Lesson App by the developer Magoosh regularly tops the list on the Apple and Google Play stores. It features pre-recorded video lessons to help students with English Grammar, Test Strategies and practice on all test sections. Students can follow an organized schedule that the app provides at their own pace.
IELTS Test provider IDP have their own IELTS by IDP app for Android devices. It offers a completed, structured preparation course featuring authentic materials and a function to book your test at an IDP test centre.
IELTSAce is an Android app that helps students prepare for the speaking test by offering 50 full Speaking Tests, and vocabulary input across a range of common test topics. Students can record their answers have have the App’s AI assess and score their answers
Choosing the right App
There are numerous other Apps for both IOS and Android that offer full test and specific skills support and you’ll need to spend time to look through the list available. It can be confusing, so consider the following factors when looking:
Does the app offer official/authentic test material? Obviously the British Council’s app is a priority choice here. Be wary of Apps which present test material which does not follow test format or topics
Does the app suit your style of learning? Apps advertise different features but do they align with your learning preferences and can they keep you interested? For example, if you prefer real human interaction and studying with a teacher and other students in a classroom, you might find the pre-recorded video lessons on Magoo’s platform are not for you.
How about grammar & vocabulary input? If you’re looking to widen & improve your English as well as learn and practice test strategies and tasks, developers like Magoosh offer good language support in their apps. Magoosh has a separate app that focuses on test vocabulary.
Timed test practice: An important consideration if you need to work on your timing. IELTSAce is one app that offers timed Speaking test practice. Other apps may offer practice tests but the range may be limited.
Cost – if you’ve already spent money on course materials or classroom learning, how much you pay for an app’s premium features might be a limiting factor. Unfortunately, most of the more popular and established apps are not entirely free and those apps that do not charge are not always as reliable or accurate.
Learner level – Look for an app that fits your level and provides material and practice for your target band score. One criticism of some apps is that they are limited in providing advanced level practice. Ok, if you’re aiming for a band 6, but for band 7+ some apps may not be suitable.
Reliability – like any software, Apps do not appear perfectly formed and may suffer from bugs and glitches. Most reputable developers will of course release updates that fix reliability problems, but check users reviews in the app store listing for any mention of ongoing reliability problems.
In conclusion, Apps can help with your test preparation, but over reliance on App based learning may create more problems. When it comes to assessment for writing and speaking skills the AI and automated feedback that Apps use often can’t fully assess features like coherence, tone, natural conversation and nuanced language in the same way that a human (teacher or examiner) can. Apps should be regarded as a useful supplementary tool for your main course or schedule of practice. For a fully rounded program of test preparation try to balance App use with the more traditional approach of learning (a human teacher, recommended course books, authentic test materials. Apps are getting better but there’s still no real substitute for human interaction and feedback to know how your skills are progressing.
