Overview

1. IELTS Preparation:an update on teaching strategiesSarah FlemingIshbel GallowayMarti SevierEnglish Bridge ProgramDepartment of LinguisticsSimon Fraser UniversityBC TEAL ConferenceMay 8, 2009

2. Overview • IELTS overview • Writing • Reading • Speaking • Questions

3. IELTS introduction • A test of communicative proficiency in English • for study or work in English • tests all four language skills • A test of international English • Cultural or linguistic bias minimised • content produced and checked internationally • variety of accents used • A task based test • model of communicative competence • whole text contexts, not discrete point • performance-based

4. Listening 30 minutes, 4 sections, 40 items Academic Reading 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items General Training Reading 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items Academic Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks General Training Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks Speaking 11 - 14 minutes, 3 parts Test Format

5. Specific features • Offered in Academic and General Training versions • Administered through local test centres • Face-to-face interview

6. Recent developments • Format Speaking revised 2001 GT Reading revised 2009 • Assessment Wholistic  Analytical Speaking revised 2001 Writing revised 2005 Pronunciation scales revised 2008 • Recognition governmental/institutional candidature

7. Implications • Spread of use post-secondary institutions immigration to Canada professional associations (nurses) • Standardization/Security test versions test day procedures examiner training/maintenance • Test strategies preparation cheating