IELTS as a High-stakes English test
I would like to know what is the meaning of "high-stakes" concerning this type of test. It seems to me that it's an examination with a high significance in your future or a kind of "must" to succeed in your professional career.

Thanks in advance.

Question

IELTS as a High-stakes English test
I would like to know what is the meaning of "high-stakes" concerning this type of test. It seems to me that it's an examination with a high significance in your future or a kind of "must" to succeed in your professional career.

Thanks in advance.

Answer

Yes, you have the right idea. 'High-stakes' is an idom taken from the world of gambling:  your stake is your "apuesta".  The higher the stakes are, the more you risk losing. If an exam is seen as 'high stakes', it is taken seriously. People put a lot of time, effort and money into trying to pass it, and risk losing a lot if they don't pass. However, if they do pass, they have a lot to gain.

Answer

High-stakes is usually used to describe something that has a significant negative impact if lost. For example, a bet with high-stakes could mean that both sides are betting a large amount of money. If they win, they gain a lot, but if not, they could lose a lot too. Likewise, IELTS as a high-stakes English test refers to the fact that you could gain a lot if you pass, but lose a lot if you don't.

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Thank you, Karma and Su.Ki for your answers. They help me a lot

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