If there are any contributors to this forum who have experience of the IELTS examination, would they please be so kind as to share this with me? I have a student who is about to take the exam and we both need to know what to expect, he from the student's point of view, and me as his teacher in order to help him prepare. Thank you everyone in advance for your help.
If there are any contributors to this forum who have experience of the IELTS examination, would they please be so kind as to share this with me? I have a student who is about to take the exam and we both need to know what to expect, he from the student's point of view, and me as his teacher in order to help him prepare. Thank you everyone in advance for your help.
sheila cMar 20, 2013 @ 17:09
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-your-test/tips-candidates#
I've never taken the IELTS, but I've done the Cambridge proficiency test which is somewhat similar (at least 10 years ago). Assuming that the student has the appropriate level it's probably most important that he knows what kind of assignments there are and how questions are structured. There are lots of test materials available, for example through the link I gave you or in bookstores.
There are also lots of materials available for when the student has difficulty with certain elements of the English language. For example, before I did my Proficiency exam I bought a book on phrasal verbs.
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-your-test/tips-candidates#
I've never taken the IELTS, but I've done the Cambridge proficiency test which is somewhat similar (at least 10 years ago). Assuming that the student has the appropriate level it's probably most important that he knows what kind of assignments there are and how questions are structured. There are lots of test materials available, for example through the link I gave you or in bookstores.
There are also lots of materials available for when the student has difficulty with certain elements of the English language. For example, before I did my Proficiency exam I bought a book on phrasal verbs.
Edward B, Mar 20, 2013 @ 18:04
hopefully this will be useful:
http://www.ielts-exam.net
I think you can get some good material in Payot Bookstore. The one near Gare Cornavin has exercise books for TOEFL, GRE, SAT, IELTS, and many other standarized tests. Good luck!
I think you can get some good material in Payot Bookstore. The one near Gare Cornavin has exercise books for TOEFL, GRE, SAT, IELTS, and many other standarized tests. Good luck!
Juan Carlos F, Mar 20, 2013 @ 19:36
Hello Sheila,
I have taken the IELTS test and it may seem a little intimidating when one is preparing for it however, it is somehow easier on the exam day.
From what I remember, I took the exam on two different days. I first took the speaking exam which was about 15minutes where the examiner asks you questions on different topics.
The writing, reading and listening exam are done on the same day and they do take some time. Sorry I can't quite remember all the details but all I know is that the examiners are extremely strict and cautious. I think the students are given identification cards/numbers and a search may be conducted to ensure no cheating takes place. Its best that one just goes with the necessary stationery and a pencil is more important than a pen in this case.
The grading system for IELTS is on a 0-9 scale where 9 is the highest score but I have never heard of anyone who's scored a 9.
The exam center can sell preparation books and CD's but in my opinion, one can prepare with any good english learning materials.
Hope this helped and all the best.
Hello Sheila,
I have taken the IELTS test and it may seem a little intimidating when one is preparing for it however, it is somehow easier on the exam day.
From what I remember, I took the exam on two different days. I first took the speaking exam which was about 15minutes where the examiner asks you questions on different topics.
The writing, reading and listening exam are done on the same day and they do take some time. Sorry I can't quite remember all the details but all I know is that the examiners are extremely strict and cautious. I think the students are given identification cards/numbers and a search may be conducted to ensure no cheating takes place. Its best that one just goes with the necessary stationery and a pencil is more important than a pen in this case.
The grading system for IELTS is on a 0-9 scale where 9 is the highest score but I have never heard of anyone who's scored a 9.
The exam center can sell preparation books and CD's but in my opinion, one can prepare with any good english learning materials.
Hope this helped and all the best.
Gladys W, Mar 20, 2013 @ 20:36
"The exam center can sell preparation books and CD's but in my opinion, one can prepare with any good english learning materials."
I disagree; I think it's important to practice the specific kinds of questions that the exam uses, so you're not wasting time trying to understand what you need to do.
However, the exam center's materials are not your only option. You may also want to look at second-hand stuff (e.g. through Amazon).
"The exam center can sell preparation books and CD's but in my opinion, one can prepare with any good english learning materials."
I disagree; I think it's important to practice the specific kinds of questions that the exam uses, so you're not wasting time trying to understand what you need to do.
However, the exam center's materials are not your only option. You may also want to look at second-hand stuff (e.g. through Amazon).
Edward B, Mar 20, 2013 @ 22:16



