IELTS

[~Shaam~]

IELTS
[SIZE=6](International English Language Testing System)

What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.4 million tests globally, IELTS is the worlds most popular English testing system.


Which organisations accept IELTS?
IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.


Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?
IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and offered through more than 500 locations in over 130 countries. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.


Why are there two versions of the test?
IELTS has two versions Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.


Which version should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete the IELTS Application Form.

What is the test format and how long will it take?
IELTS has four parts Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (1114 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.


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[~Shaam~]

Academic or General Training:
The following definitions are to be used as a general guide only.

Academic Institutions of Higher and Further Education
The Academic format is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General Training for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

It should be noted that certain professions require an Academic test result for registration and migration purposes.

Test Scores:
How is the IELTS test marked?
IELTS uses a unique 9-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.

When do candidates receive their test scores?
Candidates receive their Test Report Form in the mail 13 days after the test date.

For how long is an IELTS test score valid?
IELTS scores have a recommended two year validity period.

Test Format
IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts.

[~Shaam~]

How to improve your IELTS performance?

LISTENING

* Read instructions carefully, don't just glance at them. They are not always the same as in practice or previous tests.

* Try and anticipate what the speaker will say. This requires concentration, easy in your own language, but more difficult in English.

* Remember if you want a high score you should aim to get all questions in parts one and two correct. Don't make any careless mistakes in the easier sections.

* Small errors can lead to low scores so be careful with your spelling at all times.

* Don't panic if you think the topic is too difficult or the speaker is too fast. Relax and tune in.

* Read, write and listen at the same time. Tricky, but practice well.

* Don't leave blanks

[~Shaam~]

READING

* Leave a question if you can't answer. To spend a long time on one answer is disastrous. Go back later if you have time and guess if you have to.

* Don't panic if you don't know anything about the subject matter covered in the passage.

* All the answers are in the passage and you don't need any specialist knowledge.

* Remember you have no extra time to transfer your answers, many candidates think because they have extra time in listening they are able to do this in reading too. You can't.

* Before the exam, read as widely as possible (e.g. newspapers, magazines, journals). Don't limit yourself to one type of text and read articles with an academic style where possible.

* Look at the ways paragraphs are organised.

* Try and predict content of paragraphs from the opening sentence.

* Give every paragraph you read an imaginary heading.

* Don't concentrate on words you don't know. It wastes valuable time.

* Careless mistakes cost many marks. Copy the answer correctly if it is in the passage.

* Check spelling.

* Only give one answer if that is all that's needed.

* Be careful with singular/plural.

* Don't leave blanks

[~Shaam~]

WRITING

* Highlight/circle key words.

* Clearly divide paragraphs.

* Don't repeat ideas in a different way.

* Stick to the topic.

* Careful with timing - don't rush Task Two, it's longer and is worth more points.

* Paragraph simply, with one idea in each paragraph.

* Avoid informal language.

* Learn to recognise how long 150 words looks in your handwriting. You don't really have time to count.

* Get used to always spending several minutes re-reading and correcting your essays.

* Don't memorise model answers, they won't fit the question and you will make more careless mistakes.

[~Shaam~]

SPEAKING

* It tests your ability to communicate effectively, not just your grammatical accuracy.

* Don't learn scripts of prepared answers. The examiner is trained to spot this and will change the question.

* Develop your answers as much as possible.

* Speak more than the examiner.

* Ask for clarification if necessary.

* Remember it is not a test of knowledge and there is no single answer, but ensure that you give your opinion. Don't worry if you feel it is not sophisticated enough.

* The areas covered are fairly predictable and not infinite so practise at home recording ideas onto a tape recorder.

[~Shaam~]

Twenty tips for IELTS success

1 In Listening, use the example at the beginning of the first section to familiarize yourself with the sound, the situation, and the speakers.

2 Keep listening until the recording stops, looking only at the questions that relate to the part being played.

3 There are often pauses in the recording between different sections. Use these to prepare for the next set of questions.

4 Answer Listening questions in the order they appear on the Question Paper. Remember that they normally follow the order of the information in the recording.

5 At the end of the recording you have some time to transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet. Check your grammar and spelling as you do so.

6 In Academic Reading, begin by going quickly through each passage to identify features such as the topic, the style, the likely source, the writers purpose and the intended reader.

7 As you read, dont try to understand the precise meaning of every word or phrase. You dont have time, and those parts of the text might not be tested anyway.

8 Reading tasks sometimes have an example answer. If this is the case, study it and decide why it is correct.

9 Some tasks require you to use words from the text in the answer; in others you should use your own words. Check the instructions carefully.

10 The instructions may also include a word limit, e.g. Use no more than three words. Keep to this by avoiding unnecessary words in your answer.

11 In Academic Writing, you must always keep to the topic set. Never try to prepare sections of text before the exam.

12 Keep to the suggested timing: there are more marks possible for Task 2 than Task 1.

13 Organize and link your ideas and sentences appropriately, using a wide range of language and showing your ability (in Task 2) to discuss ideas and express opinions.

14 If you write less than 150 words in Task 1 or less than 250 in Task 2 you will lose marks, but there is no maximum number of words for either.

15 When you plan your essay, allow plenty of time at the end to check your work.

16 In Speaking, dont try to give a prepared speech, or talk about a different topic from the one you are asked to discuss.

17 Always speak directly to the Examiner, not to the recording equipment.

18 Whenever you reply Yes or No to the Examiners questions, add more details to your answer. In each case, aim to explain at least one point.

19 Remember that you are not being tested on your general knowledge but on your ability to communicate effectively.

20 Organize and link your ideas and sentences appropriately, talking clearly at normal speed and using a wide range of structures and vocabulary.

[~Shaam~]

As Salam u Alaikum!

Dear Fellows,

If you have any question regarding IELTS, please leave your words here and if somebody wants to share something more on this topic so welcome :rose

[JANAT KI TALASH]

[COLOR="#4B0082"]WAlaikum ASAalm !!

and Welcome

Excellent Thread
May ALLAh bless u alwaz :dua

Keep Sharing [/COLOR]

[~Shaam~]

Thank you :rose

INSHAA ALLAH I'll.