IELTS Preparation People belonging to a non-English speaking country and if you are willing to study or work in the United Kingdom, Australia or Canada need to appear an English language aptitude test: International English Language Testing System (IELTS). If you achieve the required score in the Test, you will be able to study or work in the country of your choice. Three reputable, international organizations own IELTS. They are : University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. More than 6000 organizations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS. The IELTS scoring system is recognized worldwide, giving you a truly international result. IELTS measures the candidate’s aptitude to communicate in English across all four language skills –Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There two types of Tests in IELTS : Academic Module and General Module. IELTS: Academic Module The Academic Module is for those candidates who seek to study in foreign educational institutes must take. This test comprises four modules: Reading Module, Writing Module, Listening Module and Speaking Module. Each Module carries a band score of 0-9. Different educational institutes across the world require different band scores to give admissions to students. It is advisable for you to secure at least 7.0 bands so that you may get admission in a reputed university.
IELTS: General Module However, the General Test is for those who desire to go abroad for employment purposes. IELTS score is accepted by many universities in the United States of America also. Like the Academic Module, the General Module consists of: Reading Module, Writing Module, Listening Module and Speaking Module. Each Module carries a band score of 0-9. It is desirable to secure 6.5 to 7.5 bands if you are planning to migrate to an English speaking country for employment purpose.
For more details of Registration please visit the British Council’s website: http://www.britishcouncil.org/tunisia-exams1-ielts-registration.htm IELTS Reading Module There are about 40 questions in IELTS Reading Module comprises three reading comprehensions having. 60 minutes is given to answer these questions. The questions are of various types: Selecting appropriate titles for the given paragraphs of the passages, Sentence completion, Matching, etc. Some short-cut methods have to be followed to answer maximum questions within the given time. We shall discuss these methods shortly. The Writing Module This comprises two tasks: Task-I requires you to study certain charts, graphs or tables and interpret and write them in 150 words. You are given 20 minutes for this task. In Task-II you will have to write an essay in 250 words within 40 minutes. Thus, the total time for Writing Module is 60 minutes. However, the IELTS General Module (Task –I ) does not have charts, graphs or tables. Instead, it has letter writing: complaints, notices, requests, informal letters, etc. Of course, the issue or essay writing part is common for Academic and General Modules. IELTS Listening Module Listening Test is for 30 minutes. You need to listen to the audio and answer the questions at the same time. It has 4 sections, containing 10-12 questions each. This part is also common for Academic and General Modules. Speaking Module The IELTS Speaking Module lasts for 15 minutes. First, you will have to introduce yourself; then, a topic card will be given to you. You will have to speak on the topic for about 3 to 4 minutes and it is followed by a discussion between you and the examiner.
IELTS PREPARATION METHODS Conventional test taking methods are irrelevant to secure good band score in IELTS. You need to adopt some time saving test taking methods to achieve maximum band score in IELTS. The four different modules of the IELTS test require different test taking strategies. Here, we have provided an analysis of test preparation methods for each module. IELTS Reading Module There are three reading passages given in this module. The difficulty level of difficulty of the passages increases from the first passage to the last. Thus, the first passage is easy; second, medium and the last one is hard. You should manage the given time in the following way: 15 minutes for the first passage; 20 minutes for second and 25 minutes for the last passage. Preparation Tips:
Don’t begin to read the given passage Observe the questions first Select the keywords from the questions. Skim the passage very fast. Bypass the unnecessary information Locate the selected keywords in the Passage. Mark the sentence containing the selected keywords Mark the answer
Writing Module (Academic) For Task I of the writing module, you need to learn how to interpret graphs, charts, tables, diagrams, etc. This part is very easy as the given graphs and charts are very simple. However, you need to interpret those using simple English that is free from grammar mistakes. Sample Writing Module (Task-I) The following bar diagram shows the production of maize, cotton and jute in Canada during the period of 2005 and 2008. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Production of Maize, Cotton and Jute in Canada during 2005 and 2008
70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 200 5 2006 200 7 2008 M a iz e C o tt o n Jute
Solution: The answer for the above diagram should be written in 150 words within 20 minutes. The answer should contain 3 parts: Introduction Main Features Relevant Comparisons
Introduction The first paragraph of your answer should mention what the given chart indicates. You need to rewrite the question in your own words. Main Features The bar diagram given above is just one of the several types. There can be pie charts, graphs, tables, etc. You need to write the features of the given figure. The main features of the above diagram are: The X axis indicates period and the Y axis shows quantity of production of maize, cotton and jute in Canada during the period
of 2005 and 2008.
Further, the white bar represents jute; black, cotton and grey, maize. Relevant Comparisons Finally, you need to make proper comparisons between the variables of the figure. This is the most important part of your answer. Comparisons for the above Diagram: The production of maize increased constantly in Canada from 2005 to 2008. Whereas, the production of jute decreased from 2005 to 2007 and slightly increased in 2008. Finally, the production of cotton remained constant from 2005 to 2007 and decreased in 2008. Writing Module II: (Academic) For Task II of the writing module, you are expected to have presentation skills. Here again grammar play significant role. Equip yourself with knowledge of grammar. The following are some online sources to improve your grammar: http://englsh4u.wordpress.com/ Tips for Writing Issues/ Essays (Task II) A good reading habit is essential. Read news papers, magazines, etc Try to write 2 or 3 essays a day. While writing IELTS, study the given question At the end you find tags like Discuss, Describe, Illustrate, Explain……
Tailor you essay according to the tag Discuss means making a critical analysis; Describe: Give an account of something; Illustrate: Explain with example and Explain: Give reasons for.
Note: Both Academic Module and General Module have Essay/Issue writing.
Conclusion Finally, you need to conclude your essay. Don’t write any new points in conclusion; rather, just give the summary of introduction and the body of your essay. Writing Module: Task I (General Module) In task I of the Writing Module in General Module, you have letter writing: Formal letters like complaints, requests, etc and Informal letters like letters to friends and relatives. Tips for Perfect Letter Writing:
Don’t reproduce something you read somewhere Let your letter be fresh Make it legible Keep your letter short, simple, and concise. Make sure your letter is easily readable and clear in purpose. The reader shouldn't have to guess why you are writing the letter. When letter writing, consider giving specific examples from personal experiences to support your position. Date your letter (month, day, and year) in one of two formats. Example: October 10, 2008 or 10 October, 2008 Address your reader with the appropriate form of address. Include your full name, address, phone number and, if appropriate, your email addresses and/or fax number.
Preparing for Listening Module: The Listening Module of the IELTS Test consists of audio topics: Lectures, Conversations, etc. Usually, these topics are presented in the British and Australian accents. Hence, you are suggested to get acquainted with these accents well before you take the test. It advisable for you to watch English TV Channels so that you can follow various accents. As you need to listen to the audio and answer the questions simultaneously the following tips will be very helpful to score well in Listening Module. Tips for Listening Module: Read the questions quickly. Mark or identify key words in questions. Look for those words in the audio. Verify your answers carefully as each section is over. Transfer answers from question booklet to answer booklet very carefully.
Preparing for Speaking Module: The following are a few important tips that will be useful for you in your preparation for Speaking Module. Tips for Speaking Module: Practice speaking on various topics: Your Favorite Book/ Writer/Hero/Tourist Place, etc. In introduction part, highlight if there are any academic or professional achievements. Discuss some topics with your friends or parents.
How to Get Registered for IELTS 1. Locate your nearest IELTS center and confirm the test dates to find two options that suit you. Note the deadline for registering for each test date. (You can also see the cost of the test at your centre in local currency on the IELTS Worldwide Search.) 2. Check with your organization or on the Global Recognition System whether you need to sit an Academic or General Training test. 3. You may print out the IELTS application form or ask your test centre for a copy. Read the information for candidates, terms and conditions complete the form and sign it. Please make sure you have a valid postal address and use the same name as on your passport. 4. Organize two passport-sized photographs, less than six months old, and sign the back of each. Take a photocopy of your current passport – this must be valid and not expired. 5. If you want your results to be sent automatically to a university or educational institution, include the correct details in the section on the IELTS Application Form. 6. Take your application into your IELTS test centre with your money. If you send it by mail, please talk to your centre about the method of payment. Once you have registered, the test centre will confirm your IELTS test date, time and venue. Please note the Speaking test can be up to 7 days before or after the test date. On the test day, you must bring the same passport or national identity card that you entered on the Application Form.
WHO CONDUCTS IELTS IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia. The IELTS test is conducted by the following educational bodies in partnership: 1. University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) is an internationally recognized body in the provision of academic and vocational examinations. In the field of English language alone, Cambridge ESOL examines more than one million candidates each year. 2. British Council: With a network of examinations offices in over 100 countries, British Council administers over 500,000 examinations overseas on behalf of British examining boards. 3. IDP Educational Body, Australia (Its subsidiary is IELTS Australia Pvt. Ltd.). IDP Education Australia is Australia's international education organization. It undertakes a broad range of activities from student advisory services and educational publications to project consultancy and English language teaching and testing.
Frequently Asked Questions: About IELTS 1. Where can I take the IELTS test? IELTS has more than 500 Test Centers in over 120 countries around the world. 2. What is the test format? The test has four sections – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Candidates must sit all four sections to receive a test result.
3. What is the total duration of the Test? It is 2 hours 45 minutes 4. The Academic module assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or train in English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of these modules. 5. The General Training module is designed to test basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who plan to complete their secondary education in an Englishspeaking country, undertake work experience or training programs, or for immigration requirements to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. 6. How is the test administered? Every aspect of the test is subject to the highest quality controls, security procedures and integrity management practices. All test centres follow the same code of practice and IELTS protocols. 7 How is the IELTS test marked? IELTS uses a unique nine-point scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. Candidates receive scores for each language skill (listening, reading, writing and speaking) and an overall band score on a band scale from one to nine. 8 When do candidates receive their test scores? Test results are available to candidates 13 calendar days after completing the test. A Test Report Form is posted to each candidate. 9. For how long is an IELTS test score valid? IELTS scores are valid for two years. 10. How can I verify the test results a candidate supplies me? To ensure the security of test results, IELTS has created an exclusive online tool which enables organizations to authenticate Test Report Forms submitted by candidates.
11. What measures are in place to guarantee IELTS’ security? Rigorous processes are applied when producing test materials to ensure that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty. This means that IELTS results are consistent wherever and whenever candidates take the test. Test markers are tested every two years to retain their certification and are regularly monitored and evaluated. 12. Is IELTS accepted in the USA? Yes! Around 700 American universities and institutions recognize IELTS, including seven of the eight ‘Ivy League’ universities, CGFNS and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).