Why ‘Diploma in Business’ Students Struggle with English Tests
View(s):For many ‘Diploma in Business’ students, the hardest part of their course isn’t learning how to manage money or understand markets. Instead, it is passing the English language proficiency test. Many students of Business are faced with the challenge of answering tests in English, as they have completed their primary and secondary education in their native language. Hence, thinking in one’s native language and answering the test in the second language poses many barriers.
For these young students, the jump from high school to a professional business diploma is a huge step. While they might be great at using social media or talking to friends, writing a formal business report is a completely different challenge.
The main challenges
Educators have identified three main reasons as to why business students are finding these tests challenging:
• Academic vs. Casual English: Most students are comfortable with “everyday” English. However, business tests require “Academic English.” Using words like “stuff” or “things” instead of “commodities” or “assets” can lead to lower grades.
• Case study confusion: Business exams often use long stories called case studies. Students sometimes understand the business problem, but they struggle to understand the complex sentences used to describe it. If they misread one instruction, their entire answer might be wrong.
• Time pressure: In an exam, students have to think and write very fast due to the time constraints. When they are nervous, they often forget basic grammar rules or struggle to translate their thoughts from their native language into English.
Additionally, there are some basic reasons why business students struggle with English tests.
1. Specialised business vocabulary / terminology – Students may understand the literal meaning of words but fail to grasp the nuanced, context-dependent usage required for business reports, case studies, or negotiation scenarios.
2. They may lack academic reading and analytical skills.
3. Psychological barriers such as anxiety and fear – Fear of making errors, test anxiety and lack of confidence could hinder fluency and accuracy in speaking and writing tests.
4. Poor exam techniques such as poor time management and misinterpreting questions.
Moreover, many students have limited exposure to authentic business English outside the classroom, making it difficult to adapt to real-world applications.
Many students suffer from “Language Anxiety.” The fear of making mistakes acts as an impediment to their writing. It’s distressing to see a bright student get stuck because he/she can’t find the right English words. This test isn’t about catching typos; it’s about making sure their ideas can actually survive and thrive in the real world.
Why does it matter?
In the modern corporate world, English is the global language of trade. Employers are looking for graduates who can write professional emails, create simple yet informative presentations, and represent the organisation by interacting with international clients. Hence Business Communication plays a vital role. The harsh reality is that, if a student cannot pass a basic English test, this could pose a threat to, and result in a barrier to finding a job.
To solve this problem, colleges are changing how they teach. Instead of just giving students a textbook, they are trying new methods:
1. Business Labs: Extra classes that focus specifically on the vocabulary used in business domains such ad accounting, marketing, and management.
2. Mentoring: Second-year students are volunteering to help first-year students practice their speaking and writing skills.
3. Practice Tests: Giving students more mock exams so they get used to the pressure before the real test day arrives.
Conclusion
The “English hurdle” is a tough reality for many first-year business diploma students. However, with the right support and plenty of practice, it is a hurdle they can clear. Mastering English is not just about passing a test, it is about opening the door to a successful global career.
By J. Francke and
L. Wijewardene
HitAd.lk is the best and biggest mobile phone market in Sri Lanka, and we guarantee you will find what you need here from our extensive listing of mobile phones for sale in Sri Lanka. Whether it’s a budget-priced smartphone for communication, or higher end features with advanced connectivity, there are many different options from which to choose from on our site!