Test Advice - IELTS

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System,is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study orwork where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is requiredfor entry to university in the UK and other countries.

IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in manycountries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and theUSA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities andother government agencies.

More than 700,000 people a year take the test.

You can choose between the Academic or General Trainingversions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speakingsections.

The test has four sections:

• Listening- 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
• Speaking -interview, 15 minutes
• Reading -different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60minutes
• Writing -different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

Score
Out of 9 for each section and an overall score out of 9.

Level Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scoressuch as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7.They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections. IELTS scorescompare with TOEFL and the Cambridge exams approximately as follows:

IELTS tests areadministered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world - there arecurrently more than 300 Centres, in over 120 countries.

At some centres you can take the computer-based versionof IELTS. This is only available for academic modules at some centres only

Arrange with your closest test centre. There are frequentdates, usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.

Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around £90GBP or $140 USD.

Speaking Example 1

This section provides a sample of Part Two of the Speaking Module. There are three main parts to the IELTS Speaking Module.  In Part One the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their home/family and other such personal topics.  This part lasts about four-five minutes.  Part Two is sampled below and in Part Three the candidate and Examiner engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are related to the topic in Part Two.

Speaking Part Two Sample

Describe a teacher who has greatly influenced you in your education.

You should say:
where you met them;
what subject they taught;
what was special about them;
and explain why this person influenced you so much.

You will have to talk about the topic for 1 to 2 minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes if you wish.

General Training Writing

Writing Task 1

You should spend about 20 minutes on this task.

You rent a house through an agency. The heating systemhas stopped working. You phoned the agency a week ago but it has stillnot been repaired.
Write a letter to the agency. In your letter

introduce yourself
explain the situation
say what action you would like the agency to take

Write at least 150 words.
You do NOT need to write any addresses.

Begin your letter as follows:
Dear.......................,

Writing Task 2

You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

Some businesses now say that no one can smoke cigarettesin any of their offices. Some governments have banned smoking in allpublic places. This is a good idea but it takes away some of ourfreedom.

Do you agree or disagree?
Write at least 250 words.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

General Training Reading

Read the passage below and answer Questions 1-10.

Daybreak Trips by Coach

SPRING IS IN THE AIR!
Welcome to our Spring Daybreak programme which continues thetradition of offering daytrips and tours at unbeatable value for money.All the excursions in this brochure will be operated by Premier TravelServices Limited or Millers Coaches; both companies are part of the CHLGroup, which owns Cambridge's Cambus fleet.

WE'RE PROUD OF OUR TRADITION
Premier was established in 1936; the Company now offers the higheststandards of coach travel in today's competitive operating environment.Millers has an enviable reputation stretching back over the past 20years, offering value for money coach services at realistic prices.We've travelled a long way since our early days of pre-war seasidetrips. Now our fleet of 50 modern coaches (few are more than five yearsold) operate throughout Britain and Europe but we're pleased tomaintain the high standards of quality and service that were thetrademark of our founders nearly sixty years ago.

EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
All Daybreak fares (unless specifically stated otherwise) includeadmission charges to the attractions, shows and exhibits we visit. Manyfull day scenic tours are accompanied by a fully trained EnglishTourist Board 'Blue Badge' guide or local experienced driver/guide.Some Daybreaks include lunch or afternoon tea. Compare our admissioninclusive fares and see how much you save. The cheapest is notnecessarily the best and value for money is guaranteed with Daybreaks.If you compare our bargain Daybreak fares beware - most of ourcompetitors do not offer an all inclusive fare.

SEAT RESERVATIONS
We value the freedom of choice, so you can choose your seat when youbook. The seat reservation is guaranteed and remains yours at all timeswhen aboard the coach.

NO SMOKING COMFORT
With the comfort of our passengers in mind, coaches on all ourDaybreaks are no smoking throughout. In the interests of fellowpassengers' comfort, we kindly ask that smokers observe our 'nosmoking' policy. On scenic tours and longer journeys, ample refreshmentstops are provided when, of course, smoking is permitted.

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Do I need to book?
Booking in advance is strongly recommended asall Daybreak tours are subject to demand. Subject to availability,stand-by tickets can be purchased from the driver.

What time does the coach leave?
The coach departs from CambridgeDrummer Street (Bay 12) at the time shown. There are many additionaljoining points indicated by departure codes in the brochure. If you arejoining at one of our less popular joining points, you will be advisedof your pick up time (normally by telephone) not less than 48 hoursbefore departure. In this way, we can minimise the length of pick-uproutes and reduce journey times for the majority of passengers.

What time do we get back?
An approximate return time is shown foreach excursion. The times shown serve as a guide, but road conditionscan sometimes cause delay. If your arrival will be later thanadvertised, your driver will try to allow for a telephone call duringthe return journey.

Where can I board the coach?
All the Daybreaks in the brochureleave from Cambridge Drummer Street (Bay 12) at the time shown. ManyDaybreaks offer additional pick-ups for pre-booked passengers withinCambridge and the surrounding area. This facility must be requested atthe time of booking.

Questions 1-10

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage above?

In boxes 1-10 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement condradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

1. Millers Coaches owns Cambridge's Cambus fleet.
2. Premier is an older company than Millers.
3. Most of the Daybreak coaches are less than 5 years old.
4. Daybreak fares are more expensive than most of their competitors.
5. Soft drinks and refreshments are served on most longer journeys.
6. Smoking is permitted at the rear of the coach on longer journeys.
7. Tickets must be bought in advance from an authorised Daybreak agent.  
8. Tickets and seats can be reserved by phoning the Daybreak Hotline.  
9. Daybreak passengers must join their coach at Cambridge Drummer Street.  
10. Daybreak cannot guarantee return times.