Language plays a significant role in communication, and one key difference between Thai and English is how gender is expressed. English uses gendered pronouns and nouns, while Thai largely avoids these distinctions. For Thai IELTS test takers, this difference can lead to errors in writing and speaking, which may impact their scores. In this blog, we will explore the key challenges faced by Thai IELTS candidates and provide practical solutions to improve their English language skills for the test.
1. Gender in English vs. Thai: Key Differences
In English, gendered pronouns such as he, she, and they are commonly used, along with gendered nouns like actor/actress and waiter/waitress. However, English is evolving to adopt more gender-neutral terms, such as police officer instead of policeman.
In contrast, Thai does not use gendered pronouns, and words remain the same regardless of gender. The word "เขา" (khao) can mean both "he" and "she." However, Thai includes politeness particles (ค่ะ - khâ for females, ครับ - khráp for males), which do not exist in English. Because of these differences, Thai IELTS test takers often struggle with gendered language in English, particularly in writing and speaking tasks.
2. Common Mistakes Thai IELTS Test Takers Make
A frequent issue among Thai learners is pronoun confusion, especially mixing up "he" and "she" when speaking or writing. Additionally, some learners mistakenly use "it" to refer to people, which is incorrect in English. Another challenge is the overuse of gendered terms, such as saying "policeman" instead of "police officer." Lastly, Thai speakers may struggle with politeness in English, as they are used to adding politeness particles rather than adjusting tone and word choice.
3. How Gendered Language Affects IELTS Test Performance
In Writing Task 2, incorrect usage of gendered words can affect clarity and neutrality. For example, writing "A good leader should listen to his team" may introduce unintended bias, while "A good leader should listen to their team" is more inclusive and appropriate.
In the Speaking Test, pronoun errors can impact fluency and coherence scores. If a candidate says, "My sister is very kind. He always helps me," the grammatical mistake may reduce their score. Speaking naturally with the correct gendered pronouns is crucial for achieving a high band score.
4. How Thai IELTS Test Takers Can Improve
To improve, Thai IELTS test takers should practice using pronouns correctly by listening to English podcasts and reading articles. Watching movies and repeating sentences with accurate pronoun usage can also be beneficial. When writing, it is helpful to proofread and check for gendered errors. Tools like Grammarly can assist in correcting pronoun mistakes. Additionally, taking IELTS practice tests focused on gender distinctions in language will help learners gain confidence and accuracy in both writing and speaking.
Understanding gender distinctions in English is essential for IELTS success. Thai test takers should work on mastering pronouns, using gender-neutral language, and refining both writing and speaking skills. By being aware of these differences and practicing consistently, candidates can enhance their fluency, accuracy, and overall test performance, ultimately increasing their IELTS scores.
If you’re looking to improve your proficiency in the English language, check out the IELTS preparation materials online and free IELTS online tests by IDP, a joint owner of IELTS. Once you’re ready, book your IELTS test with IDP!
