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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 Writing Reading. The Test.
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IELTS International English Testing SystemFamiliarisation Workshops English Language Centre Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Workshop Format • Overview - Structure - 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 minutes3 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
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 http://www.ugccepa.com • IELTS homepage http://www.ielts.org/index.htm • ELC homepage http://elc.polyu.edu.hk