IELTS test modules explained for first timers
International English Language Testing system (IELTS) is required to enroll into any international university in most parts of the world. It is mainly taken in two forms
IELTS General Test and IELTS Academic test. Both of them have 4 testing modules – Listening, reading, writing and speaking modules respectively.
What to expect in IELTS listening test
IELTS listening test has 40 questions. It has 4 parts and each part is different from the others. The audio can be anything from announcements to conversation in many international accents of English ranging from Australian, US, English, NZ, Indian, South African, Arabic or just about every place on Earth. The test begins with the listening module. First the examiners explain how to take the IELTS listening test, where to write the answers etc. It is necessary to pay close attention to the instructions. The test takers are given pencils and the answer sheet. The audio is played once only. No headphones are given. The audio is played on speakers.
IELTS reading test explained avoid the pitfalls
Only someone who has really taken IELTS can describe the experience to those who are going to take it, help them avoid the pitfalls. Reading module happens right after the listening test. First a booklet is handed out. It contains 3 passages of about 2 pages each. The candidates are expected to read the passages and mark the answers in the booklet. They can later copy the answers to the answer sheet. This is a tricky part. If you have registered to take IELTS in Chiang Mai or Bangkok Thailand. You have to be careful in understanding the instructions because there is a good chance the examiners or assistants have a heavy Thai accents. Some students who came from Cambodia told me of it.
IELTS Writing test overview and strategies
It strikes fear in the hearts of students who have little or no writing experience. Normal schools teaching English would have some writing courses. Academic writing prepares students to take university courses. In the IELTS academic test there are two tasks. Task 1 and task 2. The first one is a graphic representation of data given in the form of a bar graph or a pie-chart and so on. The second task is writing an essay of about 250 words. Both tasks need to be completed in 60 minutes.
IELTS Speaking interview advice for Thai students
Several students of mine who have taken the IELTS in Thailand have one thing in common they struggle with certain sounds. Thai students usually find it difficult to end words. The ending sounds of most words are skipped. This is probably one of the reasons why they are difficult to understand. One such example is “house” is “houu”. Care should be taken to improve enunciation of syllables.
Where do you want to take IELTS if you are from Sakon Nakhon?
You can register online for IELTS
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