MANILA, PHILIPPINES – In an era where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly woven into English language assessments, one fundamental question remains: Can AI truly capture the nuances of human communication? For Filipino students and professionals taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to unlock global opportunities, the British Council endorses a human-centric approach to foster lifelong communication skills.
While AI-powered tools promise efficiency and objectivity, they fall short in evaluating the higher-order cognitive skills essential for effective communication. Recognizing this, the British Council, a co-founder and joint administrator of IELTS, advocates for a human-led approach to language assessment, ensuring that test-takers are evaluated on both technical accuracy and contextual understanding.
Findings from a recent British Council research report on AI in English Language Teaching indicate that while AI can effectively evaluate basic language skills like lexical choice, grammar, and comprehension, it still requires improvements in accurately assessing more advanced cognitive abilities like producing complex discourse and formulating nuanced, layered arguments. This is particularly evident in IELTS speaking tests, where cultural context, social interaction, and meaningful dialogue are essential.
“Our human-led approach ensures that we assess both the content of what’s being said and the way it’s being communicated—skills that are important in interactions,” said Zoe Zhang, Regional Director for Exams at the British Council. “This dynamic exchange allows us to gain deeper insights into a candidate’s ability to respond, adapt, and navigate different contexts.”
The three-part IELTS Speaking test goes beyond assessing rote language skills; it immerses candidates in an authentic dialogue, helping them develop practical communication techniques essential for international study, work, and migration. Unlike AI, human examiners can discern the subtleties that distinguish a Band 7 from a Band 9 speaker – whether it’s the ability to navigate complex topics or the confidence to engage in nuanced discussions.
“Our goal is to help candidates develop communication skills that will serve them long after the exam,” said Zhang. “While human-to-human communication has always been regarded as the most reliable method, we understand the growing role of AI in language assessment. We are always looking for opportunities to offer a more thorough evaluation of candidates’ abilities and better prepare them for success in our interconnected world.”
While AI is increasingly being explored in language assessments for cost efficiency and greater standardization, the British Council believes that accurate results in high-stakes IELTS Speaking tests still require a human element. Not only because machines still struggle to interpret the complexities and nuances of human communication, but they also risk bringing in biases from their data sources and programming.
By prioritizing human expertise, the British Council ensures that test takers from diverse backgrounds receive fair and reliable evaluations—helping them build lasting connections that open doors to both career and study opportunities and a brighter future on the global stage.
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