Indian Students Trust Hollywood Movies To Learn Global English Accents: Survey

Over 56 per cent of Indian students rely on Hollywood Movies and TV series especially on OTT platforms to develop a better understanding of global accents in English. This allows users to revisit past content, pause it and take notes simultaneously using subtitles. Recently, South Asia's largest overseas education platform, LeapScholar, released a report on Indians' English abilities. According to the survey, there are several challenges Indians face in their English spoken and listening skills. 60,000 Indians aspiring to take the IELTS were chosen as a sample by the edtech startup. 

Hollywood Movies & OTTs for mastery over global accents

A whopping 56 per cent want to work on improving their listening skills, one of the main elements of IELTS. More than 42 per cent of respondents said they practice sample tests to learn global accents, while 33 per cent said they watch Hollywood movies and TV shows to improve their understanding. The Office, Suits and other shows provide aspirational platforms for students to improve their English. Even though 71 per cent percent of IELTS aspirants studied English at school, they still had difficulty having impromptu conversations in the language. In addition, 39 per cent of respondents admitted to filling English sentences with regional native languages. 

Familiarity with vocabulary: the real challenge 

Students have a hard time seeing the relevance of academic English as compared to everyday conversational English.The survey also revealed that vocabulary and fluency are challenges in speaking and writing tests. The most difficult aspect of reading was concentration for 37 per cent of candidates, followed by understanding for 36 per cent. In the speaking test, per cent perceived they could improve their vocabulary and confidence the most. 

Indians favor online coaching over Physical classes 

Approximately 68 per cent of Indians prefer to learn IELTS online rather than through physical coaching. In terms of digitising their entire test preparation and coaching, students cited Covid-19 as a major factor. Since online coaching is convenient, accessible and flexible, it is expected to continue to be a trend. In addition to offering twenty-four support and engagement, edtech platforms are beneficial to students and professionals as it gives them the freedom to access the content at their own pace and convenience.