Material to buy online
www.cross-link.com : the IELTS Tutor
IELTS books at Amazon.com : many IELTS books on line
General information
www.ielts.org : official IELTS web site
www.britishcouncil.org : IELTS information and test centres all over the world
www.cambridge-efl.org.uk/exam/academic/bg_ielts.htm : downloadable handbook
Introduction to Cambridge IELTS 2 : useful information on the IELTS
Practice material online
international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm : excellent site with lots of material, information and sample tests
Looking for a "real" course?
www.south-thames.ac.uk/courseinfosheet.asp?recid=551: the course of Academic English at South Thames College (London). I attended this course a couple of years ago. If you are in England consider seriously the possibility of joining it. IELTS will appear to you far less difficult.
21.6.07
IELTS Guide - The way to the exam
Let us suppose you have just heard about the IELTS and you arrived at this page looking for more information. Possibly you have just visited the site of the University you dream to study in and now you know the IELTS is a necessary step for your future. What to do now? This is a guide to help you taking the right steps and doing it at the right moment.
1) First of all, you need to know what the IELTS is: to have a first idea of how the exam is structured and how it is evaluated. Everything is in the IELTS official handbook, you can download from the following link (you need Acrobat Reader):
http://www.ielts.org/pdf/ielts2002.pdf
If you do not have Acrobat Reader you find all the information in the following site:
http://www.ielts.org/handbook.htm
2) Now you know everything about it. The second point is: where and when can I take the test? Do not worry. There is an IELTS centre in almost all countries in the world. The complete list is at:
http://www.ielts.org/centres.cfm
You will definitely find a centre not too far from where you live (you probably have to go to the capital of your country). What you have to do is to call or email the centre and ask when you can take the test. However, usually there is a large number of dates to choose from. Ask for information about the price, payment methods and test registration as well. Ask to receive an application form.
If you are not in a hurry, there is no need to book for your exam at once. Do some practice first.
3) At this point you can start preparing the exam. Obviously this is the most difficult part of the process. The fact is that points (1) and (2) are the same for everyone. The preparation, on the contrary, differs depending on your English starting level.
The good news about the IELTS is that it does not test your grammar, but your use and comprehension of the language. You do not need to know a very rich grammar (as, for example in the Proficiency); you must be able to write and speak without grammatical mistakes and to listen and read properly. However, this is not enough: even if your English is perfect, you still need to practice on some IELTS tests in order to get used to the test format. I will try to give you some guidelines for your preparation.
The work you need to undertake depends on two crucial factors:
your current level of English;
the band score you need to obtain.
My first suggestion is: unless you are forced to (say, because of time constraints) do not take the exam if you are not ready. It would be a loss of money. This is the reason why I told you above not to book your exam without doing any practice first. Take the time you need.
Try to be as frank as possible about your level of English: if your level is low, there is no sense in doing IELTS exercises now. Look for IELTS material only once your English fundamentals are in place. Otherwise practice all aspects of English (listening, writing, speaking, reading) in traditional ways, with traditional English textbook and courses. This is the first step of your preparation: improve your English to an acceptable level.
The appropriate level of English to start practicing on IELTS material depends on the band you need: if a 5.5 is enough, then you can start earlier. If a 7.5 is required, then your fundamentals have to be very strong.
Now that your level of English is acceptable, you should start to get used of the IELTS format. Your English will improve as well while doing IELTS exercises. You have basically two choices:
to attend an IELTS course, in order to receive help directly from IELTS experts;
to prepare the exam on your own, using appropriate material.
My suggestion is: always choose IELTS courses that are recommended by the British Council. In this way you will be sure about the quality of the course. Search the following site
http://www.britishcouncil.org
to find a good course in your country or, if you can, invest a couple of months in an English speaking country attending an IELTS course there. If you have difficulties in finding a course ask your local IELTS centre for assistance.
A course is in general better than self-study, but is not the best strategy for everyone. Apart from costs considerations, if your level of English is very high, I personally believe that attending a course could end up being a waste of time and money. On the contrary, if your level is medium-low, a course might just be perfect for you. An IELTS course is definitely inappropriate if your level is very low (see above). By the way, I attended an IELTS course and I found it hugely beneficial, but many of my class mates did not. I guess this is because their level of English was either too low or too high.
If you attend a course they will provide you with everything you need. If you do not, you need to do everything on your own: in particular you have to find IELTS material to practice with. There is something on line, but not much. As far as I know, the only proper free exercises you find online are at:
http://www.ielts.org/practise.htm
In my opinion, this is not enough to prepare the exam. You need some more material you can buy online. In the IELTS books on line of this site you find a list of good books you might want to buy. Remember: irrespectively of your English level, you need some specific IELTS material in order not to have bad surprises the day of the test.
Before doing any practise, remember to read carefully all the pages of this site, in particular Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking: the IELTS is not only an English test, it is also a time-management test. During the test, you have to use properly your precious time and this site provides you with good tips on this as well as other aspects of the test.
4) Now you have done some practise. However, you might still have questions you do not know who to ask to. Well, now you have someone. I have founded a discussion group on the ielts. Subscribe and you will find many IELTS students and a few IELTS teachers there to help you.
5) During your preparation, when you realize you are about to be ready for the exam, fill in the application form your local IELTS centre has provided you with and send it to the centre in order to book your test. The countdown begins!
6) The day of the test has arrived. It is very important to sleep as much as you need the night before as concentration is an important part of the IELTS. Be relaxed. Do not panic. If you followed the steps above you should not have problems. Arrive at the centre at least half an hour before the exam. Take your time.
7) Good luck!!
1) First of all, you need to know what the IELTS is: to have a first idea of how the exam is structured and how it is evaluated. Everything is in the IELTS official handbook, you can download from the following link (you need Acrobat Reader):
http://www.ielts.org/pdf/ielts2002.pdf
If you do not have Acrobat Reader you find all the information in the following site:
http://www.ielts.org/handbook.htm
2) Now you know everything about it. The second point is: where and when can I take the test? Do not worry. There is an IELTS centre in almost all countries in the world. The complete list is at:
http://www.ielts.org/centres.cfm
You will definitely find a centre not too far from where you live (you probably have to go to the capital of your country). What you have to do is to call or email the centre and ask when you can take the test. However, usually there is a large number of dates to choose from. Ask for information about the price, payment methods and test registration as well. Ask to receive an application form.
If you are not in a hurry, there is no need to book for your exam at once. Do some practice first.
3) At this point you can start preparing the exam. Obviously this is the most difficult part of the process. The fact is that points (1) and (2) are the same for everyone. The preparation, on the contrary, differs depending on your English starting level.
The good news about the IELTS is that it does not test your grammar, but your use and comprehension of the language. You do not need to know a very rich grammar (as, for example in the Proficiency); you must be able to write and speak without grammatical mistakes and to listen and read properly. However, this is not enough: even if your English is perfect, you still need to practice on some IELTS tests in order to get used to the test format. I will try to give you some guidelines for your preparation.
The work you need to undertake depends on two crucial factors:
your current level of English;
the band score you need to obtain.
My first suggestion is: unless you are forced to (say, because of time constraints) do not take the exam if you are not ready. It would be a loss of money. This is the reason why I told you above not to book your exam without doing any practice first. Take the time you need.
Try to be as frank as possible about your level of English: if your level is low, there is no sense in doing IELTS exercises now. Look for IELTS material only once your English fundamentals are in place. Otherwise practice all aspects of English (listening, writing, speaking, reading) in traditional ways, with traditional English textbook and courses. This is the first step of your preparation: improve your English to an acceptable level.
The appropriate level of English to start practicing on IELTS material depends on the band you need: if a 5.5 is enough, then you can start earlier. If a 7.5 is required, then your fundamentals have to be very strong.
Now that your level of English is acceptable, you should start to get used of the IELTS format. Your English will improve as well while doing IELTS exercises. You have basically two choices:
to attend an IELTS course, in order to receive help directly from IELTS experts;
to prepare the exam on your own, using appropriate material.
My suggestion is: always choose IELTS courses that are recommended by the British Council. In this way you will be sure about the quality of the course. Search the following site
http://www.britishcouncil.org
to find a good course in your country or, if you can, invest a couple of months in an English speaking country attending an IELTS course there. If you have difficulties in finding a course ask your local IELTS centre for assistance.
A course is in general better than self-study, but is not the best strategy for everyone. Apart from costs considerations, if your level of English is very high, I personally believe that attending a course could end up being a waste of time and money. On the contrary, if your level is medium-low, a course might just be perfect for you. An IELTS course is definitely inappropriate if your level is very low (see above). By the way, I attended an IELTS course and I found it hugely beneficial, but many of my class mates did not. I guess this is because their level of English was either too low or too high.
If you attend a course they will provide you with everything you need. If you do not, you need to do everything on your own: in particular you have to find IELTS material to practice with. There is something on line, but not much. As far as I know, the only proper free exercises you find online are at:
http://www.ielts.org/practise.htm
In my opinion, this is not enough to prepare the exam. You need some more material you can buy online. In the IELTS books on line of this site you find a list of good books you might want to buy. Remember: irrespectively of your English level, you need some specific IELTS material in order not to have bad surprises the day of the test.
Before doing any practise, remember to read carefully all the pages of this site, in particular Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking: the IELTS is not only an English test, it is also a time-management test. During the test, you have to use properly your precious time and this site provides you with good tips on this as well as other aspects of the test.
4) Now you have done some practise. However, you might still have questions you do not know who to ask to. Well, now you have someone. I have founded a discussion group on the ielts. Subscribe and you will find many IELTS students and a few IELTS teachers there to help you.
5) During your preparation, when you realize you are about to be ready for the exam, fill in the application form your local IELTS centre has provided you with and send it to the centre in order to book your test. The countdown begins!
6) The day of the test has arrived. It is very important to sleep as much as you need the night before as concentration is an important part of the IELTS. Be relaxed. Do not panic. If you followed the steps above you should not have problems. Arrive at the centre at least half an hour before the exam. Take your time.
7) Good luck!!
20.6.07
IELTS Speaking
IELTS Speaking
The speaking part is usually a conversation about you, your plans for the future, your past studies, the reason for which you are taking the IELTS, your country, your town. Therefore be prepared for these subjects. You should prepare something to say about them. In addition, the examiner will show you a card with an argument you are supposed to discuss. The thing you have to remember is: use easy words and expressions if you are not very confident and everything will go well. To be able to comunicate what you think is far more important than doing it with a perfect English accent. Therefore, don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly a British one. That's not the main point. Your understanding of what the examiner says and the ability to comunicate without grammatical mistakes is more important. The conversation usually lasts 15-20 minutes and will be recorded. Don't panic about that!
The Speaking part of the test have been changed on July 1, 2001. It is now made up of three parts (this is the description of the test taken from the official IELTS website):
In Part 1 the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their homes/ families, their jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.
Tip from Ros (March 2001):
In the speaking section of the test you are often asked for your opinion about something. For example, if you are a student studying in Australia, the examiner may say; ‘What do you think of Australia?’ Most students would have an opinion about this but they often wouldn’t know where to begin. REMEMBER whenever you are asked for your OPINION about ANYTHING you can always give both the ‘positive’ and the ‘negative’ aspects of the subject in question. So your answer would go something like: ‘Well, I like Australia because the people are friendly and the pace of life is slow, HOWEVER I don’t like the hot weather and shopping hours are too short.
You will get a better score because you have made a COMPARISON about what is good about Australia and what is bad. Also you have opened the way for the examiner to ask you about the weather or shopping in your country.
Practice doing this with all sorts of topics. Here are a few for you to practice on.
(a) Chinese food (b) Computers (c) Swimming (d) visiting other countries.
THE IELTS TEST IS NOT DIFFICULT IF YOU KNOW HOW TO APPROACH IT.
The speaking part is usually a conversation about you, your plans for the future, your past studies, the reason for which you are taking the IELTS, your country, your town. Therefore be prepared for these subjects. You should prepare something to say about them. In addition, the examiner will show you a card with an argument you are supposed to discuss. The thing you have to remember is: use easy words and expressions if you are not very confident and everything will go well. To be able to comunicate what you think is far more important than doing it with a perfect English accent. Therefore, don't worry if your pronunciation is not exactly a British one. That's not the main point. Your understanding of what the examiner says and the ability to comunicate without grammatical mistakes is more important. The conversation usually lasts 15-20 minutes and will be recorded. Don't panic about that!
The Speaking part of the test have been changed on July 1, 2001. It is now made up of three parts (this is the description of the test taken from the official IELTS website):
In Part 1 the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their homes/ families, their jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.
Tip from Ros (March 2001):
In the speaking section of the test you are often asked for your opinion about something. For example, if you are a student studying in Australia, the examiner may say; ‘What do you think of Australia?’ Most students would have an opinion about this but they often wouldn’t know where to begin. REMEMBER whenever you are asked for your OPINION about ANYTHING you can always give both the ‘positive’ and the ‘negative’ aspects of the subject in question. So your answer would go something like: ‘Well, I like Australia because the people are friendly and the pace of life is slow, HOWEVER I don’t like the hot weather and shopping hours are too short.
You will get a better score because you have made a COMPARISON about what is good about Australia and what is bad. Also you have opened the way for the examiner to ask you about the weather or shopping in your country.
Practice doing this with all sorts of topics. Here are a few for you to practice on.
(a) Chinese food (b) Computers (c) Swimming (d) visiting other countries.
THE IELTS TEST IS NOT DIFFICULT IF YOU KNOW HOW TO APPROACH IT.
IELTS - Writing
IELTS Writing
There are two writing tasks and you can use an hour to write both. The first is an analysis of a chart, a graph, a table or something similar. The second is a composition about an argument of general interest. It is suggested that you spend 20 minutes on the first task and 40 on the second. I always used more than 20 minutes for the first and about 30 for the second, but you have to decide on your own strategy on the basis of your abilities. Use your time in an intelligent way: remember you have to compose two different tasks and you can't devote too much time to the first (or the second). You can decide to start with the analysis or with the composition. It's up to you. However, remember to read both titles before you start writing. In this way your subconscious will start thinking about the second task while you are writing the first.
Now let me give you some suggestions about the tasks. First of all you have to write at least 150 words. This doesn't mean you have to count the words. The best thing to do is the following: when you write as practice before taking the real test, count the words. In other words, you have to know how long a text you write is. Don't write less than 150 words. However, a composition of 200 words will be perfect; a composition of 300 will be too long and boring for the examiner. In this task you have to present the data shown in a graph (or somewhere else) in a formal way. Try to understand the main points and write about them. In addition, try to explain the reasons of the trend shown: for example if the graph shows that in the last decades the use of cars has increased and the use of bycicles has decreased, you should say something about the possible reasons of this phenomenon. A possible organisation of the work could be the following: devote a paragraph to the introduction (say what you are going to write about); write a second paragraph describing the graph; use a third paragraph to explain the trends. Of course, this is just an example. The point is: you have to organize your work before writing. When you start writing you already have to know what you are going to write. Click here to have a look at a list of very useful expression you can use in the first task.
The suggestions about the number of the words and the organization are valid for the second task as well. The difference is that you have to write at least 250 words for this task. Use the first minutes to think about what you are going to write. Remember: ORGANISATION. You can decide your own way to write the composition; the following is an example: an introduction to write something general about the argument; a first paragraph to write the arguments of those who support a position; a second paragraph to write the opposite arguments. A conclusion with your own ideas about the problem. Try to avoid mistakes in grammar and make a composition in order: the paragraphs have to be clear. Leave a line between them.
There are two writing tasks and you can use an hour to write both. The first is an analysis of a chart, a graph, a table or something similar. The second is a composition about an argument of general interest. It is suggested that you spend 20 minutes on the first task and 40 on the second. I always used more than 20 minutes for the first and about 30 for the second, but you have to decide on your own strategy on the basis of your abilities. Use your time in an intelligent way: remember you have to compose two different tasks and you can't devote too much time to the first (or the second). You can decide to start with the analysis or with the composition. It's up to you. However, remember to read both titles before you start writing. In this way your subconscious will start thinking about the second task while you are writing the first.
Now let me give you some suggestions about the tasks. First of all you have to write at least 150 words. This doesn't mean you have to count the words. The best thing to do is the following: when you write as practice before taking the real test, count the words. In other words, you have to know how long a text you write is. Don't write less than 150 words. However, a composition of 200 words will be perfect; a composition of 300 will be too long and boring for the examiner. In this task you have to present the data shown in a graph (or somewhere else) in a formal way. Try to understand the main points and write about them. In addition, try to explain the reasons of the trend shown: for example if the graph shows that in the last decades the use of cars has increased and the use of bycicles has decreased, you should say something about the possible reasons of this phenomenon. A possible organisation of the work could be the following: devote a paragraph to the introduction (say what you are going to write about); write a second paragraph describing the graph; use a third paragraph to explain the trends. Of course, this is just an example. The point is: you have to organize your work before writing. When you start writing you already have to know what you are going to write. Click here to have a look at a list of very useful expression you can use in the first task.
The suggestions about the number of the words and the organization are valid for the second task as well. The difference is that you have to write at least 250 words for this task. Use the first minutes to think about what you are going to write. Remember: ORGANISATION. You can decide your own way to write the composition; the following is an example: an introduction to write something general about the argument; a first paragraph to write the arguments of those who support a position; a second paragraph to write the opposite arguments. A conclusion with your own ideas about the problem. Try to avoid mistakes in grammar and make a composition in order: the paragraphs have to be clear. Leave a line between them.
IELTS - Reading
IELTS Reading
In the reading section, the problem is the time. You are supposed to read three passages and to give a total of 40 answers. You have one hour. Therefore you can devote just 20 minutes for a passage, which is sometimes not enough time. First of all: use just 20 minutes for each section: if after 20 minutes you do not have some answers, guess and pass to the next question. Remember: you won't have extra-time at the end of the hour to transfer the answers to the answer sheet. Therefore write them on it at once: this is an important difference from the listening section, where you will be given time to transfer your answers.
Second: read the questions carefully before reading the passage: this is very very important. If you read the passage without knowing the questions, you will waste your time. Here is a useful procedure: use 3-4 minutes to read the questions; use 10-12 minutes to read the passage and to answer where you can. In this way you should be able to find a lot of answers. Use the last minutes to find the answers in the text that you did not find when you first read the passage. Usually, but not always, you will find the answers in order.
Third: read the instructions given carefully: if you are asked to answer a question taking no more than two or three words from the text, then an answer with more words is definitely wrong. Sometimes you are given a sentence and you have to write YES if it is true according to the text, NO if it is not, NOT GIVEN if the information is not in the text. Remember: ACCORDING TO THE TEXT. You have to be very precise: sometimes just a word in the passage can make you have to decide between two alternatives.
Other times the text is divided into a number of paragraphs and you are asked to choose a title for each paragraph from a list of possible titles. In the weeks before the exam, test when you read an article in a newspaper or in a magazine, try to give a title to each paragraph. The title is usually the main point of the paragraph. This will help you very much.
Tip from Ros (May 2001):
Read the following text and try to answer the question you will find at the bottom.
One day my family and I decided to try windsurfing. We went for a few lessons first (only 5) which gave us some idea of the techniques to use when trying to windsurf. After our introductory course we hired a board and off we went for a day at the sea. Although we were not very good, we knew HOW to practice to improve. We only knew this because of our introductory lessons. Just watching others do it would not have been helpful at all, in fact we would have become frustrated and given up. Reading other peoples model essays is a bit like this. When you read it you think 'it seems so easy' but when you try you find out that it's exasperatingly, frustratingly, anxiety provokingly DIFFICULT. Like the poor people who had no lessons to learn to windsurf, you too feel like giving up. REMEMBER THIS: We only needed 5 lessons to learn enough to be able to HELP OURSELVES. We will never be champion windsurfers, just as you will most likely never be able to write English like me and I will never be able to write Chinese (which I am trying to learn) or any other language, like you. THE GOOD NEWS IS: you don't have to - you only have to get through the IELTS test. We didn't aim at being champion windsurfers - we only wanted to have fun. You, like us, only need to be given some techniques and away you will go. A WORD OF CAUTION: If I had only one hand, for example, I would not have been able to learn to windsurf. If you do not have the basics of English you will be in the same position. However, if you do have the basics all you need is the techniques to tackle the IELTS. MY VIDEO WILL HELP YOU WITH THIS.
After reading the message decide which of the following would be the best heading for it:
(a) The IELTS test and wind-surfing are similar.
(b) The best way to succeed in the IELTS is to get some help from an expert.
(c) The IELTS Tutor will help you to do well in the IELTS
Which one is the best heading (a), (b) or (c).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Answer:
The best answer is the last one since this was the MAIN point of the message. You are often asked to do this type of question in the Reading section.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In the reading section, the problem is the time. You are supposed to read three passages and to give a total of 40 answers. You have one hour. Therefore you can devote just 20 minutes for a passage, which is sometimes not enough time. First of all: use just 20 minutes for each section: if after 20 minutes you do not have some answers, guess and pass to the next question. Remember: you won't have extra-time at the end of the hour to transfer the answers to the answer sheet. Therefore write them on it at once: this is an important difference from the listening section, where you will be given time to transfer your answers.
Second: read the questions carefully before reading the passage: this is very very important. If you read the passage without knowing the questions, you will waste your time. Here is a useful procedure: use 3-4 minutes to read the questions; use 10-12 minutes to read the passage and to answer where you can. In this way you should be able to find a lot of answers. Use the last minutes to find the answers in the text that you did not find when you first read the passage. Usually, but not always, you will find the answers in order.
Third: read the instructions given carefully: if you are asked to answer a question taking no more than two or three words from the text, then an answer with more words is definitely wrong. Sometimes you are given a sentence and you have to write YES if it is true according to the text, NO if it is not, NOT GIVEN if the information is not in the text. Remember: ACCORDING TO THE TEXT. You have to be very precise: sometimes just a word in the passage can make you have to decide between two alternatives.
Other times the text is divided into a number of paragraphs and you are asked to choose a title for each paragraph from a list of possible titles. In the weeks before the exam, test when you read an article in a newspaper or in a magazine, try to give a title to each paragraph. The title is usually the main point of the paragraph. This will help you very much.
Tip from Ros (May 2001):
Read the following text and try to answer the question you will find at the bottom.
One day my family and I decided to try windsurfing. We went for a few lessons first (only 5) which gave us some idea of the techniques to use when trying to windsurf. After our introductory course we hired a board and off we went for a day at the sea. Although we were not very good, we knew HOW to practice to improve. We only knew this because of our introductory lessons. Just watching others do it would not have been helpful at all, in fact we would have become frustrated and given up. Reading other peoples model essays is a bit like this. When you read it you think 'it seems so easy' but when you try you find out that it's exasperatingly, frustratingly, anxiety provokingly DIFFICULT. Like the poor people who had no lessons to learn to windsurf, you too feel like giving up. REMEMBER THIS: We only needed 5 lessons to learn enough to be able to HELP OURSELVES. We will never be champion windsurfers, just as you will most likely never be able to write English like me and I will never be able to write Chinese (which I am trying to learn) or any other language, like you. THE GOOD NEWS IS: you don't have to - you only have to get through the IELTS test. We didn't aim at being champion windsurfers - we only wanted to have fun. You, like us, only need to be given some techniques and away you will go. A WORD OF CAUTION: If I had only one hand, for example, I would not have been able to learn to windsurf. If you do not have the basics of English you will be in the same position. However, if you do have the basics all you need is the techniques to tackle the IELTS. MY VIDEO WILL HELP YOU WITH THIS.
After reading the message decide which of the following would be the best heading for it:
(a) The IELTS test and wind-surfing are similar.
(b) The best way to succeed in the IELTS is to get some help from an expert.
(c) The IELTS Tutor will help you to do well in the IELTS
Which one is the best heading (a), (b) or (c).
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Answer:
The best answer is the last one since this was the MAIN point of the message. You are often asked to do this type of question in the Reading section.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IELTS - Listening
The listening part of the test is the first you will encounter. It is divided into four sections with increasing difficulty. The main problem is that you will be allowed to listen to the cassette just once. Usually you have to write something you hear (a telephone number, an address, a name, etc.). Some questions are multiple choice. The total number of questions you have to answer is 40. More than 30 anwers right means a good mark, but sometimes you may get an acceptable mark even with 27 or 28 correct answers. The first suggestion is the following: write the answers as you hear them. Waiting could be a mistake because later you will not to remember the answer, particularly if you have to write something, and you won't get the chance to listen to the same piece again. You will have the chance to read the following questions before listening each section. Use this chance: in this way you will be able to concentrate your attention just to the part you are interested in. In fact you do not have to understand everything if you want a good mark. You need to understand just what answers you have to give. Do not lose time trying to understand everything. You always have to know what question you are waiting for: when you hear the answer write it at once or, if you do not understand it, start reading the next question and waiting for the answer.
At the end of the listening test you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet: use those minutes to complete the answer sheet and try to write something in all the 40 spaces even if you are not sure of the correct answer. A wrong answer is as wrong as no answer: so try! You could be lucky!
IELTS material is in some countries difficult to find. To practice your listening I suggest you to buy or borrow a library Proficiency test. I found the listening part of Proficiency tests more difficult than IELTS, even though there you can listen to the pieces twice. If you are used to doing difficult tests, you will find the real exam easier! Of course try to listen as much as possible to people speaking in English: films with subtitles are very useful. If you live in England use page 888 of Teletext on television: most of the programs are subtitled. If you live in Australia you should watch "Behind the news" on Channel 2. It is very good for Listening practice.
Tip from Ros (April 2001):
Between questions you, as the test candidate, are given 30 seconds (1) to check the answers to the section just completed and (2) 30 seconds to read the section which you are about to do. Since time is given at the end of the test to check all your answers, I suggest that you use all 60 seconds to read the next section. Do not waste time checking your answers at this point. One of the biggest difficulties of the IELTS listening test is that you have to read and listen at the same time. Try to read as much as you can during the 60 second break as this will help you to listen for the specific information you need to answer the questions.
At the end of the listening test you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet: use those minutes to complete the answer sheet and try to write something in all the 40 spaces even if you are not sure of the correct answer. A wrong answer is as wrong as no answer: so try! You could be lucky!
IELTS material is in some countries difficult to find. To practice your listening I suggest you to buy or borrow a library Proficiency test. I found the listening part of Proficiency tests more difficult than IELTS, even though there you can listen to the pieces twice. If you are used to doing difficult tests, you will find the real exam easier! Of course try to listen as much as possible to people speaking in English: films with subtitles are very useful. If you live in England use page 888 of Teletext on television: most of the programs are subtitled. If you live in Australia you should watch "Behind the news" on Channel 2. It is very good for Listening practice.
Tip from Ros (April 2001):
Between questions you, as the test candidate, are given 30 seconds (1) to check the answers to the section just completed and (2) 30 seconds to read the section which you are about to do. Since time is given at the end of the test to check all your answers, I suggest that you use all 60 seconds to read the next section. Do not waste time checking your answers at this point. One of the biggest difficulties of the IELTS listening test is that you have to read and listen at the same time. Try to read as much as you can during the 60 second break as this will help you to listen for the specific information you need to answer the questions.
What is IELTS?
OVERVIEW
Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of the following:
Academic Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
Academic Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
General Training Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
General training Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
Listening:
4 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
Up until now, there have been few resources on the Internet for First Certificate preparation. Luckily, this is beginning to change. The purpose of this feature is to provide you with FREE study resources currently available on the Internet. You can use these materials to prepare for the exam or to check to see if your level of English is right for working towards this exam.
What is the IELTS?
Before beginning to study for the IELTS, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. The best way to do this is to go straight to the source and visit the introduction to the exam at the IELTS information site. You can also download the IELTS handbook which gives detailed information about the test. You can also read the information online. IELTS-Test.com also has excellent introductions to each part of the exam.
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of the following:
Academic Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
Academic Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
General Training Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
General training Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
Listening:
4 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
Up until now, there have been few resources on the Internet for First Certificate preparation. Luckily, this is beginning to change. The purpose of this feature is to provide you with FREE study resources currently available on the Internet. You can use these materials to prepare for the exam or to check to see if your level of English is right for working towards this exam.
What is the IELTS?
Before beginning to study for the IELTS, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. The best way to do this is to go straight to the source and visit the introduction to the exam at the IELTS information site. You can also download the IELTS handbook which gives detailed information about the test. You can also read the information online. IELTS-Test.com also has excellent introductions to each part of the exam.
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
90 Day IELTS Re-Take Rule
From 1 May 2006 the policy on candidates re-taking IELTS will be amended. The restriction on re-taking IELTS within 90 days will be removed and candidates will be able to repeat the test whenever they wish.
The current restriction on repeating the test within 90 days at any centre will remain in place for all candidates until the end of April 2006. All candidates from 1 May will be able to repeat at the next available test, regardless of the date of their previous test.
IELTS is now used by a range of receiving organisations across the world and many of them require candidates to demonstrate adequate performance overall as well as by individual skill. It is possible for candidates to attain their required overall band score but fail to achieve a specific module score in a particular skill area. As a result they are required to re-take the test but have to wait 90 days and this can result in hardship and distress. It is in the nature of tests that scores on individual components may vary to some extent from occasion to occasion and a candidate may be able to make limited improvements in their performance when repeating the test. In consideration of this the decision was made to remove the re-take restrictions.
It should be noted however that IELTS scores are not substantially improved merely by taking the test on multiple occasions. To significantly improve a score it is necessary to engage in further study of a serious nature. Gain score studies carried out under the IELTS funded research programme indicate that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without extensive English language tuition in the interim.
Candidates will still be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This information will appear on the Test Report Form and will only be used for monitoring purposes.
The current restriction on repeating the test within 90 days at any centre will remain in place for all candidates until the end of April 2006. All candidates from 1 May will be able to repeat at the next available test, regardless of the date of their previous test.
IELTS is now used by a range of receiving organisations across the world and many of them require candidates to demonstrate adequate performance overall as well as by individual skill. It is possible for candidates to attain their required overall band score but fail to achieve a specific module score in a particular skill area. As a result they are required to re-take the test but have to wait 90 days and this can result in hardship and distress. It is in the nature of tests that scores on individual components may vary to some extent from occasion to occasion and a candidate may be able to make limited improvements in their performance when repeating the test. In consideration of this the decision was made to remove the re-take restrictions.
It should be noted however that IELTS scores are not substantially improved merely by taking the test on multiple occasions. To significantly improve a score it is necessary to engage in further study of a serious nature. Gain score studies carried out under the IELTS funded research programme indicate that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without extensive English language tuition in the interim.
Candidates will still be asked to indicate on their application form whether they have taken the test before. This information will appear on the Test Report Form and will only be used for monitoring purposes.
Electronic IELTS results to Receiving Organisations
Overview
IELTS results are increasingly high-stakes as the test grows in recognition and candidature. Sophisticated features have been built in to the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) to maintain the security of test results. To provide a further safeguard, in 2002 IELTS developed an on-line service which enables those recognising IELTS to be totally confident about the authenticity of any TRF with which they are presented. The service has been in operation for the last 3 years and has proved to be a great success with most major universities and immigration departments in the English speaking world having signed up. The initial success of the verification service was built upon with the addition of candidate photos in September 2003, ensuring that verification was even more convenient and reliable for verifiers.
In response to requests from key stakeholders, IELTS will be introducing an electronic bulk download facility where organisations will be able to download IELTS results for all IELTS candidates who want the organisation to recognise their result. This new feature will be available in early 2006.
A number of key questions relating to the new development are answered below:
What are the benefits of this facility?
Many stakeholders have suggested that it would make their administrative procedures more efficient if verified results could be downloaded in bulk and loaded into their own data systems.
How does the electronic download facility work?
Candidates registering for IELTS will continue to have the option to specify up to 5 organisations to whom their IELTS test scores should be sent. This information will be recorded by the centre in their local administration systems and subsequently uploaded to the central IELTS processing systems and websites. Users from organisations which have registered for the electronic download facility will be able to login to the existing IELTS TRF verification service and navigate to a new section from which the downloads can be initiated. It will be possible to select date parameters for the download and the file type, either CSV or XML.
Do I have to pay for this service?
The bulk electronic download service and the existing IELTS TRF verification service are provided to appropriate organisations free of charge.
What do I need to do get access to the new service?
If you are an existing user of the IELTS TRF verification service:
We will contact the administrator for your organisation later in 2005 and ask whether or not you wish to have access to the new bulk download service. Once your organisation has signed up it will appear in the list of organisations available to Centre Administrators.
If you are a new user of the IELTS TRF verification service:
If you would like to access either the IELTS TRF verification site or the bulk download facility, then please refer to the IELTS website for further information on registration.
What is the impact of registering for the bulk download service?
Once you have registered for the service and you have received confirmation from IELTS administration, all users at your institution will be able to access an additional area of the web site which will allow them to download candidate results. You will not receive hard copy TRFs for these candidates. However to start with you may receive some TRFs as hard copy and some results electronically, as all centres switch over to the new system.
Unfortunately, at the moment, once an institution has subscribed to the bulk download service it is not possible to unsubscribe. Candidate preferences in terms of who receives their results are captured when the candidate registers for IELTS and allowing institutions to withdraw from the service would mean that some candidates may not be able to get their TRFs verified easily.
Which university student administration packages will be supported?
To support users in universities IELTS is developing interfaces which will allow universities to import IELTS scores directly into the most popular student administration packages without the need for any kind of bespoke development.
Initially an interface is being developed to allow IELTS scores to be imported into PeopleSoft Campus Solutions versions 8.0 and 8.9. PeopleSoft users will be able to download PeopleSoft projects which can then be applied to their instance of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. IELTS scores can then be imported, in the same way as other test scores, without any further bespoke development. Full supporting documentation explaining how to apply the projects will be provided.
It is anticipated that similar support will be available for the Banner Student Administration System in 2006.
Users of other student administration systems or those with bespoke systems cannot be supported at this time although organisations are free to develop their own import routines.
When will the electronic download functionality be available?
The electronic download functionality will be available in early 2006.
What is the file format for the download?
The file is available to download in either CSV or XML file formats. Please note that the photo is only available in the XML format and is not transferred as part of the CSV download.
Currently the hard copy TRF shows the Writing and Speaking as an integer but the Listening and Reading and Overall band score to 1decimal place. The download formats output each of the 4 skills and the overall band score all to 1 decimal place for the XML format and to one decimal place in the CSV format where the band score is not an integer.
The following table defines the XML file format:
Output XML Format
DownloadID( attribute ) Integer - max 10 digits
PartNo(attribute) Integer – max 10 digits
OrganisationID( attribute ) Integer - max 10 digits
StartDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
e.g. 2004-06-28
EndDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.CentreNumber String – 5 chars
Candidate.CandidateNumber Integer – max 6 digits
Candidate.CandidateID String – max 20 chars
Candidate.TestDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.ModuleType “A” or “G”
Candidate.FamilyName String – max 50 chars
Candidate.FirstName String – max 50 chars
Candidate.DateOfBirth "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.Gender M, F or U
Candidate.Score.ListeningTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.ReadingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.WritingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.SpeakingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.Overall Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.TRFNumber String – max 20 chars
Candidate.Photo Base64 encoded binary image –
unbounded size but probably around
8K in size per candidate
The following table defines the CSV file format. The order of the data items will correspond to the layout of the CSV file.
CSV Field Format
DownloadID Integer - max 10 digits
PartNo Integer - max 10 digits
Startdate "DD/MM/CCYY"
e.g. 28/06/2004
Enddate "DD/MM/CCYY"
CentreNumber String – 5 chars
CandidateNumber Integer – max 6 digits
CandidateID String – max 20 chars
TestDate "DD/MM/CCYY"
ModuleType “A” or “G”
FamilyName String – max 50 chars
FirstName String – max 50 chars
DateOfBirth "DD/MM/CCYY"
Gender M, F or U
Listeningtest Decimal – max 999.9
Readingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Writingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Speakingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Overall Decimal – max 999.9
TRFNumber String – max 20 chars
IELTS results are increasingly high-stakes as the test grows in recognition and candidature. Sophisticated features have been built in to the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) to maintain the security of test results. To provide a further safeguard, in 2002 IELTS developed an on-line service which enables those recognising IELTS to be totally confident about the authenticity of any TRF with which they are presented. The service has been in operation for the last 3 years and has proved to be a great success with most major universities and immigration departments in the English speaking world having signed up. The initial success of the verification service was built upon with the addition of candidate photos in September 2003, ensuring that verification was even more convenient and reliable for verifiers.
In response to requests from key stakeholders, IELTS will be introducing an electronic bulk download facility where organisations will be able to download IELTS results for all IELTS candidates who want the organisation to recognise their result. This new feature will be available in early 2006.
A number of key questions relating to the new development are answered below:
What are the benefits of this facility?
Many stakeholders have suggested that it would make their administrative procedures more efficient if verified results could be downloaded in bulk and loaded into their own data systems.
How does the electronic download facility work?
Candidates registering for IELTS will continue to have the option to specify up to 5 organisations to whom their IELTS test scores should be sent. This information will be recorded by the centre in their local administration systems and subsequently uploaded to the central IELTS processing systems and websites. Users from organisations which have registered for the electronic download facility will be able to login to the existing IELTS TRF verification service and navigate to a new section from which the downloads can be initiated. It will be possible to select date parameters for the download and the file type, either CSV or XML.
Do I have to pay for this service?
The bulk electronic download service and the existing IELTS TRF verification service are provided to appropriate organisations free of charge.
What do I need to do get access to the new service?
If you are an existing user of the IELTS TRF verification service:
We will contact the administrator for your organisation later in 2005 and ask whether or not you wish to have access to the new bulk download service. Once your organisation has signed up it will appear in the list of organisations available to Centre Administrators.
If you are a new user of the IELTS TRF verification service:
If you would like to access either the IELTS TRF verification site or the bulk download facility, then please refer to the IELTS website for further information on registration.
What is the impact of registering for the bulk download service?
Once you have registered for the service and you have received confirmation from IELTS administration, all users at your institution will be able to access an additional area of the web site which will allow them to download candidate results. You will not receive hard copy TRFs for these candidates. However to start with you may receive some TRFs as hard copy and some results electronically, as all centres switch over to the new system.
Unfortunately, at the moment, once an institution has subscribed to the bulk download service it is not possible to unsubscribe. Candidate preferences in terms of who receives their results are captured when the candidate registers for IELTS and allowing institutions to withdraw from the service would mean that some candidates may not be able to get their TRFs verified easily.
Which university student administration packages will be supported?
To support users in universities IELTS is developing interfaces which will allow universities to import IELTS scores directly into the most popular student administration packages without the need for any kind of bespoke development.
Initially an interface is being developed to allow IELTS scores to be imported into PeopleSoft Campus Solutions versions 8.0 and 8.9. PeopleSoft users will be able to download PeopleSoft projects which can then be applied to their instance of PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. IELTS scores can then be imported, in the same way as other test scores, without any further bespoke development. Full supporting documentation explaining how to apply the projects will be provided.
It is anticipated that similar support will be available for the Banner Student Administration System in 2006.
Users of other student administration systems or those with bespoke systems cannot be supported at this time although organisations are free to develop their own import routines.
When will the electronic download functionality be available?
The electronic download functionality will be available in early 2006.
What is the file format for the download?
The file is available to download in either CSV or XML file formats. Please note that the photo is only available in the XML format and is not transferred as part of the CSV download.
Currently the hard copy TRF shows the Writing and Speaking as an integer but the Listening and Reading and Overall band score to 1decimal place. The download formats output each of the 4 skills and the overall band score all to 1 decimal place for the XML format and to one decimal place in the CSV format where the band score is not an integer.
The following table defines the XML file format:
Output XML Format
DownloadID( attribute ) Integer - max 10 digits
PartNo(attribute) Integer – max 10 digits
OrganisationID( attribute ) Integer - max 10 digits
StartDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
e.g. 2004-06-28
EndDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.CentreNumber String – 5 chars
Candidate.CandidateNumber Integer – max 6 digits
Candidate.CandidateID String – max 20 chars
Candidate.TestDate "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.ModuleType “A” or “G”
Candidate.FamilyName String – max 50 chars
Candidate.FirstName String – max 50 chars
Candidate.DateOfBirth "CCYY-MM-DD"
Candidate.Gender M, F or U
Candidate.Score.ListeningTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.ReadingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.WritingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.SpeakingTest Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.Score.Overall Decimal – max 999.9
Candidate.TRFNumber String – max 20 chars
Candidate.Photo Base64 encoded binary image –
unbounded size but probably around
8K in size per candidate
The following table defines the CSV file format. The order of the data items will correspond to the layout of the CSV file.
CSV Field Format
DownloadID Integer - max 10 digits
PartNo Integer - max 10 digits
Startdate "DD/MM/CCYY"
e.g. 28/06/2004
Enddate "DD/MM/CCYY"
CentreNumber String – 5 chars
CandidateNumber Integer – max 6 digits
CandidateID String – max 20 chars
TestDate "DD/MM/CCYY"
ModuleType “A” or “G”
FamilyName String – max 50 chars
FirstName String – max 50 chars
DateOfBirth "DD/MM/CCYY"
Gender M, F or U
Listeningtest Decimal – max 999.9
Readingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Writingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Speakingtest Decimal – max 999.9
Overall Decimal – max 999.9
TRFNumber String – max 20 chars
IELTS - Half Band Scores
Half Band Scores
From 1 July 2007, we’re making a small but important change which will make IELTS Band Scores more informative.
Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking modules will be reported in whole or half-bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening modules.
Why is the scoring being changed?
This is the latest in a series of enhancements to IELTS, based on continual consultation with test takers, teachers, Recognising Organisations and other stakeholders around the world.
This range of scores – using full and half-bands – is already used for Listening and Reading. We have consulted a large number of organisations that use IELTS scores, and their feedback tells us that they find the half band scores very helpful as they allow them to specify required language levels more precisely. Many teachers and test takers have also told us that they would like more detailed information on performance in each skill.
What will the benefits be?
There will be two main benefits to the new arrangements:
Recognising Organisations will be able to set their requirements for admission, recruitment, etc, more precisely, based on more detailed information about the test-taker’s performance in each module.
Test takers will get a report that gives them more information on their strengths and weaknesses.
It will also mean that the IELTS scores are easier for everyone to understand because all parts of the exam will now be reported in the same way.
Does this change the way the exams will be marked?
No. Examiners will assess test takers’ performance in exactly the same way as at present. The full and half-band scores will then be determined when the scores are processed by the IELTS scores calculation system/software. There will not be any change in the way examiners mark the tests, test takers, so the meaning of the overall Band Scores remains unchanged.
Recognising Organisations do not need to change the way they use IELTS scores unless they require a Writing and Speaking band score in addition to the Overall Band Score. Organisations should review and update their score requirements for Writing and/or Speaking if these modules are required along with Overall Band Score.
Should teachers and test takers change the way they prepare for the exams?
No. The tests and the way they are marked will remain exactly the same.
Can test takers get half-band scores for previous tests?
It is not possible to issue half-band scores for Speaking and Writing for tests taken before 1 July 2007
From 1 July 2007, we’re making a small but important change which will make IELTS Band Scores more informative.
Scores for each part of the test will still be reported on the scale from 1 to 9, but now the Writing and Speaking modules will be reported in whole or half-bands in the same way as the Reading and Listening modules.
Why is the scoring being changed?
This is the latest in a series of enhancements to IELTS, based on continual consultation with test takers, teachers, Recognising Organisations and other stakeholders around the world.
This range of scores – using full and half-bands – is already used for Listening and Reading. We have consulted a large number of organisations that use IELTS scores, and their feedback tells us that they find the half band scores very helpful as they allow them to specify required language levels more precisely. Many teachers and test takers have also told us that they would like more detailed information on performance in each skill.
What will the benefits be?
There will be two main benefits to the new arrangements:
Recognising Organisations will be able to set their requirements for admission, recruitment, etc, more precisely, based on more detailed information about the test-taker’s performance in each module.
Test takers will get a report that gives them more information on their strengths and weaknesses.
It will also mean that the IELTS scores are easier for everyone to understand because all parts of the exam will now be reported in the same way.
Does this change the way the exams will be marked?
No. Examiners will assess test takers’ performance in exactly the same way as at present. The full and half-band scores will then be determined when the scores are processed by the IELTS scores calculation system/software. There will not be any change in the way examiners mark the tests, test takers, so the meaning of the overall Band Scores remains unchanged.
Recognising Organisations do not need to change the way they use IELTS scores unless they require a Writing and Speaking band score in addition to the Overall Band Score. Organisations should review and update their score requirements for Writing and/or Speaking if these modules are required along with Overall Band Score.
Should teachers and test takers change the way they prepare for the exams?
No. The tests and the way they are marked will remain exactly the same.
Can test takers get half-band scores for previous tests?
It is not possible to issue half-band scores for Speaking and Writing for tests taken before 1 July 2007
IELTS - Locations and test dates
There are around 300 test centres worldwide. The number of candidates has grown from about 100,000 in 1999 to about half a million in 2003. The top three locations in which candidates took the test in 2003 were Mainland China, India and the United Kingdom for the Academic Category, and India, Mainland China and Australia for the General Training Category.
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand.
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand.
IELTS Band Scale
IELTS is scored on a nine band scale. Each Band corresponds to different English competence. The Band Scores are in either whole or half Bands. The nine bands are described as such:
9 Expert User
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User
Have generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.sagor available
4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in use of complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt
No assessable information provided. Candidate may have failed to sit for the test
9 Expert User
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User
Have generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.sagor available
4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in use of complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt
No assessable information provided. Candidate may have failed to sit for the test
IELTS Characteristics
IELTS The IELTS incorporates the following features:
A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. Since the TOEFL only concerns North American English, the IELTS is considered more authoritative than TOEFL by some people and organisations (especially the ones outside the United States). Although apparently the TOEFL incorporates British and Australian listening exercises.
IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.
Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").
A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. Since the TOEFL only concerns North American English, the IELTS is considered more authoritative than TOEFL by some people and organisations (especially the ones outside the United States). Although apparently the TOEFL incorporates British and Australian listening exercises.
IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.
Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").
IELTS Introduction
International English Language Testing System (IELTS, pronounced /'ielts/) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training Module:
The Academic Module is intended for those who wish to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education.
The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by an increasing number of academic institutions in the USA, and by various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia and Canada.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.
More than 700,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation
The Academic Module is intended for those who wish to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education.
The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by an increasing number of academic institutions in the USA, and by various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia and Canada.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.
More than 700,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation
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