While both exams assess candidates' English language abilities across various skills, IELTS is widely recognized as a more rigorous test, especially for non-native English speakers. To achieve an IELTS score of 7.0, candidates need to demonstrate a high level of accuracy and fluency in all four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
On the other hand, CAE (Certificate in Advanced English) is an examination administered by Cambridge Assessment English, which tests candidates' proficiency in English at the C1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). While CAE is also a challenging exam, it may not be as demanding as IELTS 7.0, particularly in terms of the overall language proficiency required.
Some key factors that contribute to the perceived difficulty of IELTS 7.0 include:
1. Diverse Test Format: IELTS consists of four separate sections, each testing a different language skill. The variety of tasks and formats within each section can be more challenging for candidates compared to CAE, which follows a more traditional exam structure.
2. High Lexical Range and Grammatical Complexity: IELTS 7.0 requires candidates to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary and complex grammatical structures, both in writing and speaking. The use of sophisticated language is crucial for achieving a high score in IELTS.
3. Accent Neutral Listening: IELTS listening tests feature speakers from various English-speaking countries, exposing candidates to different accents and pronunciation styles. This aspect can be particularly challenging for non-native speakers who may not be familiar with all accents.
4. Academic Writing Focus: The IELTS writing section emphasizes academic writing skills, which may be less familiar to some candidates compared to the more general writing tasks found in CAE.
5. Time Pressure: IELTS has stricter time limits for each section compared to CAE. This time pressure can add to the difficulty, especially for candidates who need more time to process and respond to the tasks.
While both CAE and IELTS 7.0 are demanding English language exams, IELTS may be more challenging due to its higher proficiency level and comprehensive assessment of language skills. However, individual performance and preparation can vary, and some candidates may find one exam more suitable or easier than the other based on their strengths and weaknesses.