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Test Preparation Services (TPS)
TPS is a leading tutor school in English test preparation in Ottawa Gatineau for IELTS, SAT, SSAT, CanTEST, CELPIP, Exit Exams and TOEFL
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TPS - Understanding the IELTS Exam
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TPS tutors like students to fully understand the IELTS exam before beginning tutorials. This way, both the student and tutor are concentrating on building skills and strategies, as opposed to spending valuable time on the structure and requirements of IELTS. For this reason, tutors generally prefer that students do a bit of research and do a few practice tests before starting any IELTS classes, so that they understand what a course entails. I will provide you with the most trustworthy links in a way that will save you the time of going through detailed presentations of the exam.
If you feel you are at the stage that you are ready to register, the best place is the official site. To register for the test, you are required to search for the testing center from the official IELTS site fill out the application form and take it to the center with your photo to apply. |
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What is IELTS?
The IELTS is a standardized English test developed by Cambridge and administered by a number of organisations, the largest being the British Council and IDP. The best places for more details are the official IELTS site and Wikipedia.
The IELTS serves two functions: first, as a college and university English entrance examination (The Academic Module); and second, as an immigration English test (General Module) for PR or citizenship. Most Canadian Universities and many colleges require it but there are a growing number of colleges that are waiving it. It distinguishes itself from the TOEFL and CELPIP test by being the only one that involves a face-to-face speaking test. It is also the most expensive of the standardized tests. It is offered more frequently in Ottawa than TOEFL or CELPIP, but many students complain that the assessment of it is unreliable and often too subjective in the areas of writing and speaking and that the listening and reading tests are too detail oriented. Despite the fact that the IELTS has come under fire for its cost, test reliability and even validity, it is often still chosen over TOEFL or CELPIP because it is offered in so many places and because the IELTS has no shortage of preparation resources.
The IELTS serves two functions: first, as a college and university English entrance examination (The Academic Module); and second, as an immigration English test (General Module) for PR or citizenship. Most Canadian Universities and many colleges require it but there are a growing number of colleges that are waiving it. It distinguishes itself from the TOEFL and CELPIP test by being the only one that involves a face-to-face speaking test. It is also the most expensive of the standardized tests. It is offered more frequently in Ottawa than TOEFL or CELPIP, but many students complain that the assessment of it is unreliable and often too subjective in the areas of writing and speaking and that the listening and reading tests are too detail oriented. Despite the fact that the IELTS has come under fire for its cost, test reliability and even validity, it is often still chosen over TOEFL or CELPIP because it is offered in so many places and because the IELTS has no shortage of preparation resources.
Which test do I take - General or Academic?
If you are applying for citizenship of Canada, Permanent Residence or some specific occupation, you are usually required to take the General Module.
If you are applying to enter university, college or certain training courses, you are required to take the academic course.
If you are applying to enter university, college or certain training courses, you are required to take the academic course.
What is the difference between General and Academic modules?
In the General Module the speaking and listening sections are the same but the reading section for the first 2 passages are more designed for fast reading for specific information from commercial writing (eg classified ad, brochure, policy sheets, manuals etc).
The task 1 in the writing is also different. Task 1 in the general module is an email.
In the Academic module the reading are three academic passages so there are no commercial writing. Task 1 in the writing module is not an email. It is a visual representation such as a graph, map or diagram)
In general, the Academic Module is more difficult but be careful with this assumption because both can be quite challenging.
The task 1 in the writing is also different. Task 1 in the general module is an email.
In the Academic module the reading are three academic passages so there are no commercial writing. Task 1 in the writing module is not an email. It is a visual representation such as a graph, map or diagram)
In general, the Academic Module is more difficult but be careful with this assumption because both can be quite challenging.
What are the IELTS parts?
The IELTS test is comprised of 4 subskill tests; Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, given in that order usually in one sitting. The Academic Module and General Module differ in their reading and writing subsections but are the same in their speaking and listening sections. For more on the IELTS you can go to the official site or Wikipedia.
Listening (30 minutes - 40 questions)
There are 4 sections in the listening test and each section gets progressively more difficult. There are 6 listening passages, 10 questions in each section, for a total of 40 questions. The listening test goes on for 30 minutes.
Section 1
Listening dialogues 1 and 2 = 10 questions (form/chart fill ins, short answers, multiple choice)
Section 2
Listening passages 3 and 4 = 10 questions (multiple choice, charts, maps, short answers)
Section 3
Listening passage 4 and 5 = 10 questions (charts, multiple choice, diagrams, maps, short answers)
Section 4
Listening passage 6 = 10 questions (diagrams, charts, multiple choice, short answers)
Reading (1 hour - 40 questions)
The reading passage involves 3 passages that involve 12-15 questions, totaling 40 questions. The reading test is not a progressive test in that the difficulty of the passages does not get more difficult, although it may feel that way. The reading test takes a full hour.
Academic:
Passage 1
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram, heading/info match,)
Passage 2
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
Passage 3
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
General:
Section 1
Advertisement (1 page information) 6-8 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer)
Policy/Brochure (1 page information) 6-8 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer)
Section 2
Functional/Advice information article (1 page) 5-7 questions (short answer, diagrams, heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG)
Functional/ Advice information article (1 page) 5-7 questions (short answer, diagrams, heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG)
Section 3
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
Writing (1 hour - 2 passages)
Academic:
Writing involves 2 parts. One is writing in response to one or more visuals like a graph, diagram or map, while the other is a persuasive essay that requests you to take an independent, two sided discursive or question led essay. Task 1 is suggested to take 20 minutes, while Task 2 is suggested to take 40 minutes for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
General:
Writing involves 2 parts. One is writing an email on a topic with content requirements, while the other is a persuasive essay with a topic much like the Academic module - either an independent, two sided, discursive or question led essay. Task 1 is suggested to take 20 minutes, while Task 2 is suggested to take 40 minutes for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
The speaking exam follows 3 stages.
Stage 1 takes 4-5 minutes and involves more social/personal questions.
Stage 2 takes 3-4 minutes and involves a topic card that the candidate uses to make a 1-2 minute monologue presentation.
Stage 3 takes 4-5 minutes and goes back to Q & A but has deeper more analytical questions that connect to the stage 2 topic card.
Listening (30 minutes - 40 questions)
There are 4 sections in the listening test and each section gets progressively more difficult. There are 6 listening passages, 10 questions in each section, for a total of 40 questions. The listening test goes on for 30 minutes.
Section 1
Listening dialogues 1 and 2 = 10 questions (form/chart fill ins, short answers, multiple choice)
Section 2
Listening passages 3 and 4 = 10 questions (multiple choice, charts, maps, short answers)
Section 3
Listening passage 4 and 5 = 10 questions (charts, multiple choice, diagrams, maps, short answers)
Section 4
Listening passage 6 = 10 questions (diagrams, charts, multiple choice, short answers)
Reading (1 hour - 40 questions)
The reading passage involves 3 passages that involve 12-15 questions, totaling 40 questions. The reading test is not a progressive test in that the difficulty of the passages does not get more difficult, although it may feel that way. The reading test takes a full hour.
Academic:
Passage 1
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram, heading/info match,)
Passage 2
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
Passage 3
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
General:
Section 1
Advertisement (1 page information) 6-8 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer)
Policy/Brochure (1 page information) 6-8 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer)
Section 2
Functional/Advice information article (1 page) 5-7 questions (short answer, diagrams, heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG)
Functional/ Advice information article (1 page) 5-7 questions (short answer, diagrams, heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG)
Section 3
Academic article (2 page article) = 10 questions (heading/info match, T/F/NG, Y/N/NG, short answer, chart, diagram)
Writing (1 hour - 2 passages)
Academic:
Writing involves 2 parts. One is writing in response to one or more visuals like a graph, diagram or map, while the other is a persuasive essay that requests you to take an independent, two sided discursive or question led essay. Task 1 is suggested to take 20 minutes, while Task 2 is suggested to take 40 minutes for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
General:
Writing involves 2 parts. One is writing an email on a topic with content requirements, while the other is a persuasive essay with a topic much like the Academic module - either an independent, two sided, discursive or question led essay. Task 1 is suggested to take 20 minutes, while Task 2 is suggested to take 40 minutes for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
The speaking exam follows 3 stages.
Stage 1 takes 4-5 minutes and involves more social/personal questions.
Stage 2 takes 3-4 minutes and involves a topic card that the candidate uses to make a 1-2 minute monologue presentation.
Stage 3 takes 4-5 minutes and goes back to Q & A but has deeper more analytical questions that connect to the stage 2 topic card.
How is IELTS scored?
A clear chart is provided at examenglish.com.The IELTS is scored from 1-9 band score. Check out the official website and Wikipedia as well. Notice that there are slight differences in the listening and reading scores and that there are fairly big differences between the General and Academic reading.
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Listening Scoring System (General + Academic)
9 = 39-40 8.5 = 37-38 8 = 35-37 7.5 = 32-34 7 = 30-31 6.5 = 26-29 6 = 23-25 5.5 = 18-22 5 = 16-17 4.5 = 13-15 4 = 10-12 3.5 = 8-9 3 = 6-7 2.5 = 4-5 |
Academic Reading Scoring System
9 = 39-40 8.5 = 37-38 8 = 35-37 7.5 = 33-34 7 = 30-32 6.5 = 27-29 6 = 23-26 5.5 = 19-22 5 = 15-18 4.5 = 13-14 4 = 10-12 3.5 = 8-9 3 = 6-7 2.5 = 4-5 |
General Reading Scoring System
9 = 40 8.5 = 39 8 = 37-38 7.5 = 36 7 = 34-35 6.5 = 32-33 6 = 30-31 5.5 = 27-29 5 = 23-26 4.5 = 19-22 4 = 15-18 3.5 = 12-14 3 = 9-11 2.5 = 6-8 |
Both writing tasks 1 and 2 are scored from 1-9 with scoring based on individual scores in:
Speaking is scored from 1-9 with scoring based on individual scores in:
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Speaking is scored from 1-9 with scoring based on individual scores in:
- Task Achievement
- Coherence and Cohesion
- Lexical Resource
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy
Is IELTS For Me?
If you are applying in a Canadian University or College you generally need IELTS 6.5 to 7 score to enter (see happyschools.com for a complete list) but there are a few that only require a 6 and even a couple that accept 5.5). There are also a number of Universities that are providing exemptions. See graduateshotline.com for the full list of Canadian , UK and Australian universities that waive IELTS.
Many complain that IELTS is a frustrating one to train for because the difference between band scores is vague and scores can depend a lot on the examiner or which version of the test you get. However, complaints of wide fluctuations in the scoring of sub-skills are found in many other standardized tests as well, such as CELPIP and TOEFL. Score improvement is often nonlinear, and if you are taking tests with a short duration in between, sub-skill scores can fluctuate widely. However, there is no doubt that you are much better off to receive training than to try it without any.
If you need the test for immigration purposes, there is now a cheaper alternative called CELPIP. See our TPS site on the CELPIP exam and of course TOEFL is an option for many Universities in North America.
Many complain that IELTS is a frustrating one to train for because the difference between band scores is vague and scores can depend a lot on the examiner or which version of the test you get. However, complaints of wide fluctuations in the scoring of sub-skills are found in many other standardized tests as well, such as CELPIP and TOEFL. Score improvement is often nonlinear, and if you are taking tests with a short duration in between, sub-skill scores can fluctuate widely. However, there is no doubt that you are much better off to receive training than to try it without any.
If you need the test for immigration purposes, there is now a cheaper alternative called CELPIP. See our TPS site on the CELPIP exam and of course TOEFL is an option for many Universities in North America.
Find an IELTS Course
There are no shortage of IELTS courses throughout the Ottawa area but many students find it difficult to find a program that will 1) Quickly assess their strengths and weaknesses and devise a course around their needs and 2) Combine skills strategies and topic practice. In other words, a good course must be specialized and comprehensive at the same time. Look through the IELTS course in the Tutor Program Page. This provides an overview of what is involved, but of course all tutorial programs are highly tailor-made so feel free to express your specific requirements and issues to the tutor.
Find an IELTS Tutor
TPS tutors are more than knowledgeable and skillful teachers. They must also be able to devise a specialized program and work with you as a partner in a program. We have tutors in Ottawa, Alymer, Hull & Plateau, West Carleton, Kanata & Goulbourn, Gatineau City, Nepean and Gloucester Cumberland, Vanier and Rockcliffe. Make sure that you also look at the times available page, the student and tutor obligations page as well as the pricing and policy page. Make sure that you understand what a course involves and you understand both pricing and policies before booking an appointment.
IELTS TIPS and Practice
There are many ways to self-study IELTS at no cost. We provide our own tips as well as useful links to in our IELTS Tips page. There you will find a wealth of resources and free exams from the more reputable sources. For free practice we provide a page on reading, listening, speaking and writing.You can record answers on the site for speaking and submit your essays for a few analysis and score.