IELTS International English Testing System Familiarisation Workshops SD43 International Ed (Adaptation)

Workshop Format Overview - Structure Speaking and Listening Writing - Scoring - Help - Q & A Speaking and Listening Writing Reading

The Test All Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening 30 mins Reading 60 mins Writing 60 mins Speaking 11 – 14 mins Total test time 2 hours 45 minutes excluding breaks.

Listening Time: 30 minutes 4 sections, 40 questions Real-world listening situations Difficulty Range of topics and tasks - listening for specific information e.g.dates, place names - understanding gist - understanding speaker attitude/opinion

Listening Test Format Section 1: conversation – 2 speakers Section 2: monologue Section 3: conversation – 4 speakers Section 4: lecture

General listening strategies Recording is played once Read question CAREFULLY BEFORE listening Familiarise yourself with question types - completing a chart - selecting pictures - note-taking exercises -MC questions

Reading Time: 60 minutes 3 reading passages, totally 40 questions Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers Question types - find detailed information - identify attitudes and views - complete a diagram

General Reading Strategies Identify reading skills being tested Practise these skills

Writing Time: 60 minutes 2 tasks Task 1(20mins): descriptive report of a table or diagram, 150 words Task 2(40 mins):250 word essay in response to an opinion or a problem. Discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register.

General Writing Strategies Read the question carefully Familiarise yourself with descriptions of data – in newspapers, textbooks Practise formulating your own ideas on topics

Speaking Time: 10 – 15 minutes Face to face interview between one candidate and one examiner. Part 1(4-5mins): Introduction and interview Part 2(1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk Part 3(4-5 mins): Discussion topics

Speaking Speak fluently and link ideas coherently Demonstrate a range of appropriate vocabulary Use accurate grammar and appropriate register Speak so that a listener can understand

Speaking strategies Part 1 Take the initiative if possible Always say more than yes or no Try to overcome nerves

Speaking Strategies Part 2 - Take the 1 min preparation time - Jot down some main ideas - Sound interested in the talk

Speaking Strategies Part 3 - Give informed responses - Demonstrate your control of the language - Attempt to express abstract ideas - Support your opinions - Show that you are willing to provide extended replies

Scoring IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s ability to use English Candidates receive a score on a Band Scale from 1-9

Scores on the IELTS test are graded into nine bands as follows: Band 0-Did not attempt the test   Band 1-Non User    Band 2-Intermittent User   Band 3-Extremely Limited User  Band 4-Limited User   Band 5-Modest User  

Band 6-Competent User   Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 7-Good User   Band 8-Very Good User   Band 9 -Expert User  

General Strategies Familiarise yourself with the test. Practise Time Management

Useful websites UGC Introductory site http://www.ugccepa.com IELTS homepage http://www.ielts.org/index.htm ELC homepage http://elc.polyu.edu.hk