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- IELTS – Listening (General Information)
- IELTS – Reading (General Information)
- IELTS – Writing (General Information)
- IELTS – Speaking (General Information)
- What is IELTS?
IELTS – Listening (General Information) Posted: 16 Oct 2010 10:04 PM PDT There are four components or modules in an IELTS examination. These modules (listening, reading, writing and listening) should be completed by a candidate to obtain a band score. The scores will be reflected in an IELTS test report form (TRF). Listening test in both Academic and General Versions are the same. Test Duration The duration of the listening test is about thirty (30) minutes. Twenty (20) minutes is allotted for answering the 40 test questions while paying attention on the played cassette tape recorder. The remaining ten minutes apportioned for the examinees to transfer their answers in the provided answer sheet. The listening material recorded on a tape is only played once. That is why, it is very important not to spend too much time taking notes in one item that you might miss some important points for the proceeding questions. There are four sections in the listening test staged in an order of difficulty. Section one will be in a form of dialogue and the topic is on general interest. The next section is still focused on general interest. Most likely one speaker will be presenting the topic in this part. Sections two and three will spotlight the education and training. These portions will probably have up to four speakers. Before the Test Before the listening test starts, a test booklet and an answer sheet will be provided. Don't forget to write your name in the answer sheet because you will flunk the exam without this basic action. As you listen to the conversation, you should also write your answers in the test booklet. Notes are written on this paper. Others are directing their answers immediately to the answer sheet. This is not wrong, but you can focus more if you are jotting down your notes in the test booklet where the questions are found. Always remember, you are given 10 minutes to transfer your answers in the answer sheet after the recording has ended. So, rather than staring at the ceiling during the last 10 minutes make use of it! General Tips Handwritings should also be legible. If no one in the world can read your answers except yourself, I'm telling you, you will fail this test. Some people are used to write words in minute or tiny letters. If you are that person, before taking IELTS, you should practice writing legibly – meaning writing in a way that can be read by others. It should neither be too large or small, just enough to be read by others. This is helpful especially in the writing part. And most importantly, to divert all your focus on listening and getting the correct answer, please take note of this – don't ever panic! images from englishonline.org.cn Related posts: |
IELTS – Reading (General Information) Posted: 16 Oct 2010 09:59 PM PDT Reading comprehension is one of the areas that IELTS examination is assessing. Aside from that, in this test you need to consider how fast you can grasp the idea of the topic presented. Test Duration The reading component is allotted one hour to complete the 40-item test. For one hour you will be reading three passages with a total of about 1000-1500 words. Unlike the listening test where the last 10 minutes is allotted for transferring the answers, in the reading module after 60 minutes all items should be marked and answer sheets are submitted. Meaning to say, it is up to you to budget your time. Difference in Academic and General Test The duration of reading module test is the same for both versions of IELTS. There are also three passages and 40 questions. However, the topics and possible sources of the subject are different in each category. For Academic Reading Test, general interest subjects written for an overall audience will be included. Possible sources of these are journals, books, newspapers and magazines. For the General Training Reading Examination, passages will focus on training topics and general interest using basic social English. Thus, this is easier than the other type of test. The subjects are mainly taken from flyers, newspaper articles, manuals, instructions, schedules and documents. In a battle, a greater chance of defeating the enemy and winning is being aware of their fighting techniques, methods, strengths and weakness. The same principle can be applied in successfully passing an examination. Several question types are used in the Reading component. One key in passing a test is having an idea of what kinds of question will you be dealing with. You should be acquainted with these types and develop techniques on how to answer it correctly at a minimum time.
The last type of question is usually where most examinees often get a wrong mark. The main reason is not due to difficulty of the questions presented but with the inability to follow the direction. Following directions are always reminded by the examination proctors but still many are negligent with this question type. Candidates frequently use true and false for yes and no choices and vice versa. Keep in mind that even if True and Yes may suggest the same idea, still it is always mark wrong once you accidentally interchange the two. General Tips Most candidates are voicing out apprehensions that they might not pass the exam. Though they finished the exam many still feel there was not enough time to complete the reading module with better answers. If you are planning to take the IELTS examination or have already filed for application of the test, start reading a lot now. Read daily news in the papers and be sure to understand them. Hone your vocabulary by jotting down unfamiliar words and knowing their meanings later on. And when taking the test, don't fail to keep track of that precious time. images from testpreppractice.net, citraningrum.wordpress.com, xn--toeflzelders-8ib.com Related posts: |
IELTS – Writing (General Information) Posted: 16 Oct 2010 09:52 PM PDT IELTS – Writing IELTS examination is also designed to test a candidate's ability to produce pieces of writing for a relatively short period of time. The test consists of two parts and is different in each version of IELTS examination. Test Duration
An examinee is given one hour (60 minutes) to complete the two tasks. All candidates are required to write at least 150 words for Task 1 where they are advised to spend only 20 minutes for this part to allot more time for the Task 2. In the second part, the candidate is required to write at least 250 words. Both pieces of writing are submitted after one hour. If you can finish your task 1 for 30 minutes, be sure to finish writing the next part for half an hour. However, keep in mind during the test that Task 2 has a higher weight in scoring than that of Task 1. Writing Tasks There are two parts in this module and differences are noted in each version of IELTS examination. However, the pieces of writing should be in formal style for both types. Academic Writing Test
TASK 1: In this part, graphs, diagrams, charts (pie, bar, line, etc) or tables are presented. The candidate is asked to summarize, describe or explain the given data in his or her own words. A descriptive report is required in Task 2 by describing processes, comparing relevant data or discussing how something works. A mistake commonly committed in this task is when the candidates attempts to interpret the data provided. TASK 2: In this section, a point of view of a problem or argument is presented. The candidate is asked to produce a written argument in response to the issue given by providing reasons for his or her idea and presenting relevant examples if possible. Subjects or issues raised in this task are of general interest which is appropriate and clearly understood by the professional candidates planning to enter a postgraduate study or professional registration in other countries. The second section is longer than the other that's why you are advised to spend 40 minutes in completing the task. General Training (GT) Writing Test TASK 1: This part involves writing a letter from a given situation. The letter in personal, semi-formal or formal forms should focus on requesting for information or explaining an incident. TASK 2: Unlike the academic version, the essay in this section for GT cab slightly more personal. The examinees are asked to produce a paper in response to a point of view, problem or argument. Still the topics are of general interest. General Tips Writing Task 2 weighs twice as much as Task 1 to the writing score, therefore, avoid spending too much time on the first part. But do not neglect Task 1 also. Some candidates start writing with the second task. It is entirely up to you to budget your time for 1 hour and choose which are you going to work first. Writing legibly is also vital to pass the test. Even if the data organization and comparison is presented excellently once the assessor cannot read your essay you will sure have a poor mark. images from lailiaidi.wordpress.com Related posts: |
IELTS – Speaking (General Information) Posted: 16 Oct 2010 09:50 PM PDT The speaking module of IELTS examination is a one-to-one oral interaction between the candidate and the examiner. The speaking session is recorded and consists of three parts. These three sections allow the assessor to evaluate the candidate in four criteria of IELTS Speaking Test Band Descriptors which are:
Duration The speaking test takes around 11-14 minutes. Examination Description During the face-to-face oral interview, a friendly conversation most likely covers certain aspect of your past, present and future situations. The interviewer directs the discussion through questions which gives you opportunity to communicate opinions and information on general topics, common experiences and situations. By answering a range of questions the examiner evaluates the extensive range of speaking skills. Competence in speaking at length on a designated topic utilizing correct grammar usage, logical data organization and clarity and analysis of expressed opinions are also assessed. Speaking Test Sections The interview has three portions: 1. General questions of yourself In this part, the interviewer introduces him/herself. The examiner then asks the candidate to identify him/herself and later confirms the examinee's identity by asking for a valid identification card. Following the exchange of introduction, questions about family, work, school, home, studies, interests and other familiar topics (general questions) will be asked. This part usually lasts about 4-5 minutes. Sample questions: Where do you live? Tell me something about your place. Describe the public transport in your place. Which do you prefer living in your hometown or here in the city? What do you like about living in a rural area? What subject is the hardest for you? Tell me something about your job. What are your plans for the future? 2. One-way discussion
The interviewer chooses a specific topic for the candidate and gives the task card to him/her. Written in the card are the particular topic and aspects of the subject which the candidate can talk about. To prepare for the discussion, the examinee is given one minute to write an outline for his or her speech. A pencil and paper will be provided for making the notes. After the preparation phase, the candidate is given 1-2 minutes to talk about the topic. Usually the assessor takes back the task card before you start talking. However, you may request him/her to let you view the task card while talking and referring to your notes. After the short speech, the examiner asks a couple of related questions on the topic. This section usually lasts for 3-4 minutes. 3. Two-way discussion Additional questions directly or indirectly related to the topic of Part Two will be raised. This allows the interviewer to assess the ability of the candidate to expound and speculate about issues. At about 4-5 minutes this part is completed. General Tips Practice is one of the most important key to improve this skill. It is also essential to calm down and speak with confidence during the interview. Too much anxiety causes difficulty of the candidate to draw him/herself into the conversation even though they have good speaking skills. images from koreatimes.co.kr, ieltstips.org Related posts: |
Posted: 16 Oct 2010 09:32 PM PDT What is IELTS? The acronym IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test is created to evaluate the English language proficiency of a candidate who is planning to study and work in countries where English language is the primary medium of communication. Countries such as United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and others are requiring immigrants, students and workers to take this test before a visa is approved. The exam was designed and developed by the University of Cambridge, British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. In some countries IELTS exam is given by the British Council and in other places IDP Education Pty Ltd is in charge. In areas like the Philippines, both the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd are conducting the said test. Sometimes the date of examination conducted by both institutions is the same; it is the venue and interviewer (during the speaking exam) that differ. If a candidate applied for IELTS examination through IDP, then he/she should be at IDP exam location. Confusions are voiced out by many as to which institution will they apply. However, there is no need to worry too much about which organization to choose because the examination is just the same worldwide whether it is managed by the British Council or IDP. However, before applying for IELTS, it will be beneficial if you conduct an investigation of the test venue beforehand. The location of IELTS exam for IDP and British council in a certain area is different. Try asking some friends who had taken IELTS about their feedback on the place especially about the sound system (an excellent audio system is one factor in obtaining a good score for the listening test). On the condition that you already applied for a student or working visa abroad, some agencies are specific on which of the two institutions is credited for your application. There are two types of IELTS. Namely they are:
The four components of IELTS examination are the following:
In the two versions of IELTS, the listening and the speaking tests are the same. However, the writing and reading components differ. It is generally recognized that the writing and reading modules for the Academic IELTS examination are more difficult than that of the General Training version. Related posts: |
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