Students have their say

I am happy with my English proficiency level in the sense that it has played a significant part in making me stand out from my peers.

However, I want to keep improving myself as an enhanced English proficiency can come in handy in the future.

I recently developed an interest in listening to English podcasts.

These podcasts not only sharpen my listening and speaking skills, but also improve my vocabulary.

The ability to express oneself fluently in spoken English has to be the most sought-after skill in a potential employee.

English is the lingua franca of the corporate world. Employees with good English proficiency will benefit the company’s operations, sales and image.

– Nieha Mitrallini, 19

As a medical student, I am rather satisfied with my upper-intermediate English proficiency.

It has helped me in my studies, as well as boosted my chances of securing a highly competitive pre-university scholarship.

I am confident and hopeful that it would help me forge strong bonds with my colleagues and patients in the future.

To sharpen my conversational, writing and listening skills, I took English language courses for two years when I was in secondary school.

Even now, I strive to improve my English language to achieve my full potential.

– Liew Fang Yi, 21

I recently scored an overall band of 7.5 in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), which allows me to pursue my tertiary studies abroad.

Realising that English proficiency is an indispensable tool in oral and written communication, I read English novels, newspapers and magazines regularly.

I also listen to English podcasts every day to enhance my listening skills and pronunciation.

Actively participating in The Star’s BRATs Young Journalist Programme has undeniably boosted my writing skills, as well.

However, I must admit that had I put more effort in the speaking component, I could have achieved a higher band in the IELTS.

I believe that English proficiency will continue to be the most sought-after skill by employers.

– June Yee, 20

The students featured here are participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team.

Throughout the year-long programme, participants aged between 14 and 22 from all across the country experience life as journalists, contributing ideas, conducting interviews, and completing writing assignments.

They get to earn bylines, attend workshops, and extend their social networks. To join Star-NiE’s online youth community, go to facebook.com/niebrats.