What is IOE? A Complete Guide to Internet English Olympiad

IOE (Internet English Olympiad) is an online English competition organized by the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam. This competition is for students from grades 3 to 12 nationwide. The main purpose of IOE is to help students practice and improve their English proficiency through a system of diverse tests, built according to the current curriculum. IOE creates a beneficial academic playground, encouraging students to become familiar with, use, and develop a love for English. The competition has many self-practice rounds and official rounds implemented on the internet platform.

The important purpose of IOE

IOE is not just a competition, but also a comprehensive educational support tool.

Promoting the application of information technology

IOE helps students access and use the Internet as an effective learning tool. Instead of just using social media or for entertainment, students can use the Internet to acquire knowledge. This is especially important in the context of rapidly developing technology in Vietnam, for example, with schools in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City increasingly integrating technology into teaching.

Develop and strengthen English language skills

The competition provides an environment for students to systematize their knowledge, improve their communication skills, and use English naturally. The tests are designed for students to review grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structures learned in textbooks published by Vietnam Education Publishing House.

Forming an academic playground

IOE builds a friendly, healthy learning environment, creating conditions for students to interact, learn, and compete positively. Students from provinces and cities such as Da Nang, Can Tho, or Lao Cai all have the opportunity to compete and learn from each other, overcoming geographical barriers.

Strengthen self-study skills

The competition encourages students to self-assess, thereby adjusting their learning methods to achieve higher effectiveness. When participating in the self-practice rounds, students identify their strengths and weaknesses and find ways to supplement their knowledge. This is an important skill that helps students become independent in their future learning.

Subjects and structure of the competition

IOE is designed to serve a large number of students nationwide.

Participants

"The competition is open to all elementary and high school students, from grade 3 to grade 12, across all provinces and cities of Vietnam. This ensures that every student, whether in rural or urban areas, has the opportunity to access and participate. For example, a student from Vinschool Primary School (Hanoi) or a student from Le Quy Don High School for the Gifted (Da Nang) can both compete on the same platform."

Competition Structure

IOE includes many different rounds, divided into two main types:

• Self-Practice Round:Creating conditions for students to review in-depth knowledge according to specific skills (Pronunciation, Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Listening Comprehension). Regular practice, at least 30 minutes per day, will bring optimal results. Students can self-study at home, at any time, helping to supplement knowledge beyond regular school hours.

• Official Round:Including competition rounds held periodically throughout the school year, from school level, district/provincial level to national level, with high competitiveness. These rounds are held according to a fixed schedule, often with close supervision to ensure fairness. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students participate in these rounds, with the most outstanding students able to receive awards from the Ministry of Education and Training. For example, in the 2022-2023 school year, approximately 1.5 million students participated in self-study rounds and approximately 300,000 students participated in official rounds.

Benefits for students participating in IOE

Participating in IOE brings many practical benefits for Vietnamese students.

Expand and consolidate knowledge

Students are given opportunities to review and systematize their learned English knowledge, closely following the general education curriculum. The tests are designed based on the framework curriculum of the Ministry of Education and Training, ensuring suitability and effectiveness.

Comprehensive skills training

The listening, speaking, reading, writing, and English vocabulary skills of students will be developed synchronously. IOE not only focuses on grammar but also includes listening and reading comprehension exercises, helping students develop comprehensive skills, similar to international certificates such as Cambridge or TOEFL Junior.

Creating motivation for learning

The competition encourages students to develop a love for and be more proactive in learning English, helping them gain more confidence in communication. When achieving high results in the competitionWhat is IOE, students will have more motivation to continue learning and exploring this language.

Getting acquainted with digital technology

Students will become more proficient in operating computers and utilizing the internet as a powerful tool to aid their learning process. This skill is crucial in the digital age, helping students better prepare for future learning and working environments. Many parents in Vietnam highly value this aspect, as it helps their children learn English while also becoming familiar with computers in a healthy way.