IELTS Preparation Guidelines

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an examination that tests your English ability in academic contexts. It provides proof that you have the English language skills necessary to study at a university in the UK, Australia, USA and New Zealand. International English Language Testing System tests students' English in academic contexts. It provides proof that they have the English language skills necessary to study at university in the UK. This is the right choice for them if they are planning to apply for a university Foundation course, a degree course or a postgraduate course, and they have an Intermediate Level of General English or higher.

What is IELTS? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an examination jointly assessed and run by Cambridge ESOL, the British Council and IELTS Australia: IDP Education Australia. Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Who is the 'IELTS Examination Preparation' course for? This course is suitable for students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate university courses, who already have an Upper-Intermediate level or higher of General English. What does the exam involve? The IELTS examination test involves Speaking, Listening, Academic Reading and Academic Writing and the syllabus ensures that they have extensive practice in all four parts.

Listening -This is a test of listening comprehension in the context of general language proficiency. The test is in four sections. The first two sections are concerned with social needs, while the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to educational or training contexts. Texts include both monologues and dialogues between two or three people, and are heard once only. Reading -The Academic Reading module consists of texts of general interest dealing with issues which are appropriate for, and accessible to, candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. The module consists of three passages or sections with forty questions. Question types include multiple choice, sentence or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases and identifying writers' views/attitudes. A variety of question types are used for the forty items, including multiple choice, short answer questions, notes/summary/flow chart completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram and matching. Writing - Appropriate responses for the Academic Writing module are short essays or general reports, addressed to tutors or to an educated non-specialist audience. There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1, requires at least 150 words. Task 2, the more heavily weighted, requires at least 250. words. In Task 1, Academic Writing module candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table or data and to present the information in their own words. In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to provide general factual information, outline and/or present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence.

Speaking -The Speaking Module takes between 11 and 14 minutes. It consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. There are three main parts. Each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and candidate output. 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. Why choose IELTS? IELTS is recognized as an entrance requirement by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA.

When can I take the examination? Students can take the IELTS examination in selected cities in India and throughout the world in any month.

When are the results published? Results are normally issued within two weeks of a candidate taking the test. IELTS provides a test Report Form giving a profile of ability to use English as assessed by the Test. A score in each of the four modules, and an overall score, are recorded as levels of ability, called 'Bands'. These Band scores are recorded on the candidate's Test Report Form. Each Band corresponds to a generalized descriptive statement of a candidate's English at that level. The profile provided on an IELTS Test Report Form is normally valid for a period of two years.

IELTS Tips and Information:

Preparing to Take: IELTS tests your ability to use English for academic or training purposes - for example, your ability to write assignments or interpret academic texts. You'll probably get a better result in the test if you prepare properly. Ways of Preparing:

1. Read the latest version of the IELTS Handbook (we can lend you one of these). The Handbook explains the test format and has examples of questions. 2. Buy some IELTS practice materials - available in the Library. 3. If you haven't got much time, or if you feel you need individual tuition to help you with any particular problems, we can offer 1-to-1 lessons as well as our English for IELTS group course.

4. Take an IELTS pre-test - this will give you an indication of your present IELTS level in the reading and writing modules. The Director of Studies can give you the pre-test.

How Do I Apply? You can get an application form from the Library. Please ask the Library staff. The Director of Studies will help you complete the form and will check available examination dates.

When Do I Get My Result? Your result should be available within two weeks. You will get an overall score, (called 'Band') and also an individual score for each of the 4 parts of the examination.