爆丑闻全球退款1.4亿？被称复购率最高「英国奢侈品」害惨多少中国留子

Core Viewpoint - The IELTS examination has faced a significant technical failure that has led to systematic misjudgment of scores, affecting around 70,000 candidates and resulting in a refund of approximately 140 million yuan. This incident highlights the severe implications of such errors on students' academic and career trajectories [6][7][21]. Group 1: Impact of the Technical Failure - The technical failure has caused score changes ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 points, which, in the context of a maximum score of 9, can drastically alter a candidate's eligibility for university admissions [6][12]. - Many students, like Wang Cheng, found themselves needing to retake language classes or reprepare for the IELTS due to the unexpected drop in their scores, leading to additional financial burdens and time loss [14][15]. - The emotional toll on students has been significant, with some experiencing feelings of failure and self-doubt due to the reliance on a flawed system [19][21]. Group 2: Financial Aspects and Market Position - The IELTS exam fee has increased significantly over the past decade, rising from 1550 yuan to 2170 yuan, a nearly 50% increase, which places a financial strain on candidates [25]. - Despite the increase in fees, the average price for the IELTS in China remains higher than in other countries, such as Japan, where it costs between 1200 to 1400 yuan [25][28]. - The British Council, one of the main operators of the IELTS, is facing a financial crisis, with reports of consecutive losses and a warning of potential bankruptcy if government intervention does not occur [35][36]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook - The IELTS is facing competition from alternative English proficiency tests, such as Duolingo, which offer more accessible and affordable options for students [37]. - In response to the declining demand for English tests, IELTS has announced a price reduction for the first time in 36 years, lowering the fee to 1990 yuan starting January 2026 [39]. - The overall decline in demand for English proficiency tests has prompted IELTS and its partners to explore new revenue streams, including student placement services [36].