IELTS - International English Language Testing System.
There are two versions of IELTS: Academic and General:
• First, Academic is designed for those who want to enroll in universities and other higher educational institutions, and professionals such as doctors and nurses who want to study or to get an internship in an English speaking country.
• Second, General is designed for those who are planning to get post graduate training, to gain work experience in a specific field, or to immigrate.
IELTS is recognized by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African higher educational institutions, over 2,000 academic institutions in the U.S. and a number of professional organizations. This test is also a prerequisite for immigration to Australia and Canada. It is criticized in Canada because English accents, which are used in section Listening, are very far from those used in a typical Canadian location.
The structure of the IELTS test
All candidates must complete four modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a final score, which is written in the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All the candidates perform the same modules: listening (Listening) and interviews (Speaking), while the reader (Reading) and the letter (Writing) differ depending on the version of the test - Academic and General.
The test duration - 2 hours 45 minutes.
Registration for the exam IELTS / IELTS Writing Exam
All the information you can get on the official site of the test:
http://www.ielts.org/
IELTS results
IELTS result or Test Report Form is valid for two years.
Assessment Scale
IELTS is measured at nine-point scale, where each point corresponds to a certain level of English:
9 Proficient user
Completely fluent in the language: uses English appropriately, accurately and easily with complete understanding. This result is hard to achieve.
8 Very good user
Almost completely is fluent in the language, rarely admits occasional inaccuracies and discrepancies. Proves own thoughts in a good way and understands others easily.
7 Good user
Good command of the language, though from time to time there are inaccuracies, inconsistencies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally knows how to use language well and understands others.
6 user awareness
An individual has effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inconsistencies, confusion. Properly can use and understand language, in particular, in normal everyday situations.
5 average user
Not fully understands the language, in general understands many situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate understands the number of those topics which are for professional or general interest.
4 Restricted User
Basic knowledge is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in the use of language.
3 Very limited user
Expresses and understands only general things in a limited number of familiar situations. Very often is confused in the use of language.
2 rambling user
Normal communication is not possible. Big problems in understanding written and spoken language.
1 Not one member
Does not really know the language, with the exception of a small number of individual words.
0 did not pass
Can not be estimated.
What is needed for preparation and delivery of the course?
Before you start preparing for the passing of international language examination IELTS, you need to provide teachers with information on:
1. The purpose of passing IELTS (immigration, training, education)
2. Approximate score, with which you need to pass the exam (target band)
3. Indicative period in which to prepare for the exam
4. Approximate date of the exam
These four aspects are very important for the teacher, because a teacher not only teaches you, but also serves as your advisor who in the smallest details can help you to ensure your successful preparation. He needs to know what kind of score is required by your employer, school or immigration, given the duration and the duration of the course (usually 3 months for the students to the level of Upper Intermediate), to offer you the most reliable and cost effective training schedule.
Usually, the course consists of 26-28 sessions. The first classes will be a test to determine the level of English. After passing it through, a teacher with you will analyze your mistakes and determine your level of knowledge of the English language in accordance with the international standard - Elementary (initial), Intermediate (average), Upper Intermediate (above average) Advanced (High). The first lesson the teacher will propose a strategy for learning English, which, in his opinion, would be the most effective for you - it may be a combination of studying certain grammatical material with a drill sections IELTS, IELTS purely training sections or, in the case of limited English proficiency, the teacher can advise you to visit a few lessons of General English course to improve your level of English, and then recommend a course of training to start IELTS.
IELTS course starts as a test pilot, and with reference to the examination itself, for which you will be provided with a copy of the informational booklet IELTS. With it you will learn everything you need for the test. The teacher will be happy to answer any questions about the exam and its structure. After that, he will provide you with textbooks that will be used in training. Educational-testing center has free access to the original literature, such as the Cambridge Press, Longman, MacMillan, so you'll be provided with all necessary materials during the course.
After determining your level and becoming familiar with the structure and procedures of IELTS you start training. Success in passing of any exam depends on the professionalism of the teacher, which we guarantee and on your diligence and perseverance. Be prepared for the fact that during the course instructor will provide you with a lot of materials for self-studying. Also it is recommended to attend classes regularly, as regularity is the key in the development of a foreign language competency. Friendly atmosphere, zeal and regularity will make a contribution to your success on the exam, and the teacher will be your mate after the first meeting and prior to the announcement of the results of your exam.