IELTS Test scores improved in 2009 in Taiwan

he scores of Taiwanese taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test improved in 2009, ranking 12th among Asian countries, according to newly released data from the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, which runs the test.

The overall score of Taiwanese IELTS test-takers was 5.72 in 2009, which was slightly higher than the previous year's 5.66, according to the data.

In the Asian rankings, the top score was achieved by Malaysian test-takers, with an overall rate of 6.76, followed by the Philippines and Hong Kong. Taiwan's 12th place among Asian countries was higher than China's 15th place ranking.

Among the global rankings, the top three were Germany, Poland and Malaysia, with Taiwan ranked 29th.

According to the British Council, the number of IELTS test-takers has increased dramatically in recent years, a trend that is also reflected in Taiwan.

This trend is due to the wide acceptance of the tests by organizations in Britain, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, as well as more than 2,500 universities and colleges in the United States.

"Taiwan's ranking has actually improved for three consecutive years," an official of the British Council in Taipei said.

IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IELTS Australia and Cambridge ESOL through more than 500 locations in 130 countries.