Listening Test Format
Section Section Section Section 1: 2: 3: 4: conversation – 2 speakers monologue conversation – 4 speakers 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
Speaking and Listening Writing Reading
The Test
All Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. Listening Reading Writing Speaking Total test excluding 30 mins 60 mins 60 mins 11 – 14 mins time 2 hours 45 minutes breaks.
Reading
Time: 60 minutes 3 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
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
IELTS
International English Testing System Familiarisation Workshops
English Language Centre Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Workshop Format
Overview
Structure Scoring Help Q&A
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
ring
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:
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
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
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.
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
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
Useful websites
UGC Introductory site IELTS homepage /index.htm
ELC homepage .hk
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)
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
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