Online IELTS Preparation - Why Does It Make Sense?


  • Because IELTS is a difficult test. While most agree that IELTS is a reasonable test, it is generally regarded as one of the most challenging tests of its type.

  • Because IELTS has question types peculiar to it. Among the ten or so question types IELTS commonly uses, about half are used only by it or in ways unique to it. In particular, the Reading Task questions about identifying the writer's point of view is unique to IELTS and particularly challenging, since it requires "reading between the lines," a skill that usually has to be taught.

  • Because IELTS uses familiar question types in unique ways. IELTS short answer questions, for example, are asked in three different ways. In all cases, at least at most testing centers, the unwritten rule is that the answers must be no longer than three words each. So, even if you have the write answer but have expressed it in more than three words, your answer will be counted as wrong.

  • Because IELTS sometimes asks even familiar question types in deliberately tricky ways. IELTS may, for example, provide a statement expressed in positive language as a true-or-false question when the answer in the Listening or Reading exercise appears in negative terms that have the same meaning as the positive words in the question. IELTS also may ask questions that require candidates to combine information from different places to arrive at the correct answer. In the Listening test, IELTS sometimes asks questions at the end of a section that require candidates to have been keeping track throughout the exercise; so, if the candidate has not read the question first, he or she may not be prepared to answer.

  • Because IELTS has specific formats it wants followed. It's not enough merely to write or speak well, for the IELTS Writing and Speaking tasks, it is critical that candidates answer in the ways IELTS expects them to. That means following often detailed formats that can be learned only in IELTS Preparation courses. In particular, there are rules about the Speaking task - and particular its middle section, during which candidates speak on their own - that are not explained to candidates in advance.

  • Because IELTS penalizes candidates as much as whole band point for not answering questions as asked. For example, if the Writing Task 2 question asks a candidate his or her opinion on a topic and the candidate writes about the various opinions pro and con with respect to that topic, there will be a penalty of an entire band point no matter how well the candidate writes.
  • There is no substitute for good, solid English skills. They are what IELTS measures. But without an in-depth introduction to the many things that are either specific to the IELTS test or the particular ways IELTS expects common tasks to be performed, it is unlikely that a candidate will earn the highest possible score.

    Svend Nelson is a university lecturer and internet entrepreneur. He is director of UniRoute Limited, a Hong Kong based company with offices in Bangkok and London providing IELTS Online Preparation and other web-based courses for university preparation. Svend lived and worked in various countries across Latin America, Europe and Asia before settling with his wife in Thailand.


    MORE RESOURCES:

    Masters of mystery component speak language of their own in BCS polls
    The Birmingham News - al.com, AL - 1 hour ago
    There's no need to e-mail Wes Colley with complaints. He recognizes his computer rankings look goofy each week in the Bowl Championship Series standings. ...


    Language issue splits Rosemead officials
    Whittier Daily News, CA - 4 hours ago
    "If someone spoke another language, it's basically saying they need not apply," Clark said. "When this is in a brochure sponsored by the city, ...
    Website provides free English instruction The California Aggie Online
    all 5 news articles


    World Language Awareness Day Exposes Students to Cultural Diversity
    EVLiving - 13 hours ago
    Mesa, AZ - Students celebrated cultural diversity at the World Languages Awareness Day event on Wednesday for Mesa Community College’s International ...
    From Russia With Love Military.com
    all 2 news articles


    RatePoint Expands Online Reputation Management with International ...
    MarketWatch - 17 hours ago
    Unhindered by language barriers, businesses using the RatePoint Site Seal provide consumers with instant visual confirmation that their business is credible ...


    RatePoint Adds New Language Support
    Web Host Industry Review - 13 hours ago
    Companies can also provide the option of using more than one language at once, says RatePoint. This is particularly significant for companies like web ...


    Glencoe Literature Programs Customized to Align with Alabama's ...
    MarketWatch - 14 hours ago
    The skills and strategies within Glencoe/McGraw-Hill's new inquiry-based reading and language arts program seamlessly integrate with literature and ...


    Ad Council To Teens: Anti-Gay Language Isn't Cool
    MediaPost Publications, New York - 20 hours ago
    ... will only make it harder for the Advertising Council's new effort to educate teenagers about how painful and harassing anti-gay language can be. ...


    Hoboken411.com

    Hoboken parents divided over dual language program
    The Jersey Journal - NJ.com, NJ - Nov 18, 2008
    Parents who spoke in favor praised the merits of language immersion and said it would encourage parents to send their children to the public schools. ...
    Kids will The Jersey Journal - NJ.com
    all 5 news articles


    The Gazette (Montreal)

    Looking for support in Quebec election, PQ to talk language and ...
    The Canadian Press, MONTREAL - 2 hours ago
    MONTREAL — Parti Quebecois Leader Pauline Marois is introducing the party's platform on the hot-button issues of culture and language Thursday morning. ...
    Premier widens lead to possible majority, poll says The Gazette (Montreal)
    Rules for debate give Marois a break as PQ leader has right to ... The Gazette (Montreal)
    Downtown CHUM 'a dead-end project,' Dumont says The Gazette (Montreal)
    all 545 news articles


    Menominee language finds new life in schools
    Green Bay Press Gazette, WI - 21 minutes ago
    But it's more of a challenge to others who may not have been as exposed to the native language. "I just want them to try," said Snow, one of two language ...

    Language - Google News

    Home | Articles Site Map