Chinese mainlanders rank last on IELTS speaking test

(ECNS) -- Mainland Chinese test-takers rank last on the speaking section of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), an international test of English for higher education, immigration and employment.

According to statistics released on the official IELTS website, in 2012 the average score of mainlanders on the exam's speaking module was 5.3, which means Chinese mainland examinees and their Qatar counterparts are tied for last place in this part of test.

Examinees from Hong Kong and Taiwan have done a much better job on the speaking test. The average score by Hong Kong examinees was 6.0, and 5.9 for Taiwanese, according to the statistics.

Although the mainland is home to countless English training schools, oral English is still a tough nut to crack for English learners here.

Some say the exam-oriented education system and the rigid language teaching model contribute to the problem.