IELTS International English Testing System Familiarisation Workshops English Language Centre Hong Kong Polytechnic University

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

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 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 0-Did not attempt the test Band 1-Non User Band 1-Non User Band 2-Intermittent User Band 2-Intermittent User Band 3-Extremely Limited User Band 3-Extremely Limited User Band 4-Limited User Band 4-Limited User Band 5-Modest User Band 5-Modest User

Band 6-Competent 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 7-Good User Band 8-Very Good User Band 8-Very Good User Band 9 -Expert User Band 9 -Expert User

General Strategies Familiarise yourself with the test. Practise Time Management

Help CILL – Centre for Independent Language Learning, Core A 3/F SAP – Speaking Assistance Programme Core A 3/F WAP – Writing Assistance Programme Core A 3/F

Useful books Cambridge IELTS 3 with answers Insight into IELTS – Vanessa Jakeman & Clare McDowell (CUP)

Useful websites UGC Introductory site IELTS homepage ELC homepage