International English Language Testing System IELTS The test consists of 4 modules : Listening 30 minutes Academic Reading 60 minute Academic Writing 60 minutes Speaking minutes

IELTS MODULES

LISTENING Question types Question types : short answer multiple choice sentence completion notes/summary/diagram flow chart/table completion matching classification

ACADEMIC READING Question types : paragraph headings short answers multiple choice sentence completion notes/summary/diagram flow chart/table completion matching lists/phrases classification identification of writer´s views/claims Yes, No, Not given True, False, Not given

ACADEMIC WRITING Question types Question types : Information transfer exercise Candidates are presented with a given point of view or problem on which to base their writing

TIPS FOR WRITING Task two is harder, so start with that one which requires more words(at least 250 words). All tasks must be answered. Plan your essay before you start. Answer only the question

TIPS FOR WRITING Use supporting ideas. Organize your writing(introduce,develop and conclude your essay). Use high level of English(vocabulary,structure,etc.). Use as many linking words as possible.They will help your writing look cohesive.

TIPS FOR WRITING Use a pencil. You can fabricate but make it sound realistic. For task two,study the diagram and plan your writing. Use an introductory sentence. Overview/summarize the information at the beginning and at the end of your writing.

TIPS FOR WRITING Identify main features,include al main points. Use the information/data provided only.Include no other details or irrelevant information. Use linking words,be accurate and complete.

SPEAKING The speaking format in brief : Part 1 - Part 1 - you will be asked some questions based on everyday topics and your personal experiences.You should answer these as fully as possible without straying from the topic. Part 2 - Part 2 - you will have to speak for between one or two minutes on a topic nominated by the examiner.You will have a minute to prepare but then you must speak without stopping. Part 3 - Part 3 - you will be asked to speak on issues broadly related to the Part 2 topic.The examiner will lead the discussion but you are expected to interact fully and offer a broad range of language appropriate to the subject and situation.

TIPS FOR SPEAKING You will be in the room for 15 minutes. There will be one to one interaction. Your speaking will be recorded and assessed thoroughly. You wil be checked on fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. Speak clearly,naturally,slowly.

TIPS FOR SPEAKING No one is looking for your accent! Don’t mumble. Don’t speak fast to impress the examiner. Don’t use Turkish words ‘şey’ or ’yani’.Use instead ‘I mean’.

TIPS FOR SPEAKING Answer only the question /questions,no more than that. Don’t ask how you did on the exam. Don’t mention the mark you need to pass IELTS. Don’t memorise answers,do not prepare speeches. If the examiner notices,he would stop you and change the question.

TIPS FOR SPEAKING However,do not worry if the examiner stops you and asks further questions related to your talk. Try to relax.You will have plenty of time to speak.

TEST REPORT FORM

THE IELTS NINE-BAND SCALE

Band 9 - Expert User Band 9 - Expert User Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. Band 8 - Very Good User Band 8 - Very Good User Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation.

THE IELTS NINE-BAND SCALE Band 7 - Good User Band 7 - Good User Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. 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.

THE IELTS NINE-BAND SCALE Band 5 - Modest User Band 5 - Modest User overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. Band 4 - Limited User Band 4 - Limited User Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

THE IELTS NINE-BAND SCALE Band 3 - Extremely Limited User Band 3 - Extremely Limited User Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. Band 2 - Intermittent User Band 2 - Intermittent User No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.

THE IELTS NINE-BAND SCALE Band 1 - Non User Band 1 - Non User Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. Band 0 - Did not attempt the test Band 0 - Did not attempt the test No assessable information provided.

FAQS

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 1.What level of English do I need to take IELTS? IELT5 can provide a test result for ail candidates from beginner to very advanced. Remember, however, that the examination is pitched at intermediate level and above. 2.How often can I sit IELTS? There is no limit to the number of times you may sit IELTS. However, you are not permitted to re-sit the IELTS test within three months at the centre where you last took it, or at any other centre in the world.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 3.How often is IELTS available? There are no set dates for IELTS. Most test centres offer the test at least once a month and busy centres may conduct more sessions at peak times of the year. 4.Where is IELTS available? There are over 250 approved test centres in over 105 different countries. Contact UCLES, the British Council or IDP Education Australia for an up-to-date list of centres. The IELTS Handbook can answer more of your questions.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 5.Do I receive a certificate? No. You will receive a Test Report Form (TRF) from the centre where you sat the test showing your band score in each part of the test. 6.How long is a test score valid? As with a/I language proficiency tests, a result has a maximum 'shelf life' of approximately two years. To be valid after two years, an IELTS TRF should be accompanied by evidence that you have maintained your level of English through study or effective use of the language.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 7.What score do I need to get into university? This depends upon the institution to which you are applying. While some will accept you at Band 5, most universities require a minimum score of 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6 in each sub-test. Some courses with a heavy emphasis on language may ask for a higher score. You should seek advice from the Faculty or University to which you are applying. 8.Do I need to pass each paper to pass IELTS? There is no actual 'pass mark' for IELTS. You will receive a TRF which shows your performance on the 9 band scale in each of the four modules. These fourscores are then combined to produce your overall band score. There are no IELT5 certificates -just this form.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 9.How long does it take to get an IELTS result? You will receive your result within two weeks of sitting the test. The result will come from the centre where you sat the test. 10. If I reach a satisfactory level in one part of the test but not in other parts, do I have to sit the whole test again? Yes. You have to sit all four Modules each time you sit IELTS. Your score on all parts of the test will be recorded on each TRF.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 11. How long does it take to go from one Band level to the next? This depends on your personal circumstances - your motivation to learn, your exposure to English and the amount of time you spend studying. 12. Do I have to study at an English language school before I take IELTS? No. However, it is important to be familiar with the types of, questions you will meet in the test. Spending time in an IELTS preparation class with other students will certainly be helpful because IELTS differs from other English examinations.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 13. Do I have to sit all parts of the test on the same day? The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken on the same day. The Speaking test is usually on this day but may be held up to two days later - at the discretion of the centre. 14. Is IELTS available on computer? A computerised version of IELTS - known as CBIELTS - will be available at some centres for the Listening and Reading tests. You can choose whether to take the Writing test on screen or on paper. However, you will always be able to take the pen and paper version of the test at all centres.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 15. What age must I be to sit IELTS? IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of Is there a difference between an Academic and a General Training IELTS score? Yes. The Academic module is designed to assess whether you are ready to study in an English language medium at undergraduate or postgraduate level. A General Training score cannot be used for entry to a university as the emphasis of GT is on basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. The results are not interchangeable.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 17. Which module should I sit if I want to emigrate to Australia or New Zealand? You should sit the General Training Module. A score of 5.5 is generally required. 18. How many times will I hear the Listening module? There are four sections to the Listening module and you will hear each part ONCE only.

IELTS TOP 20 QUESTIONS 19. Will I be penalised if I cannot spell a word properly in the Listening test? Poor spelling and grammar in your answers will be penalised though minor misspellings are overlooked. Both British and American spelling is accepted, however. 20. Is there a choice of questions in the Writing Test? No. There will be one Task 7 question and one Task 2 question. You must answer both questions in the time allowed.

Q & A