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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 the IDP. The best places for more details are the official IELTS site and Wikipedia.
The IELTS serves two roles: first, as a college and university English entrance examination (The Academic Module); second, as an immigration English test (General Module) for PR or citizenship. Many Canadian universities and colleges require IELTS, but a growing number are waiving it. The IELTS is distinct from the TOEFL, CAEL, and CELPIP for its face-to-face speaking interview. It's also more expensive than almost any other standardized test. Lastly, the IELTS is offered more frequently in Ottawa than is the TOEFL or CELPIP.
Many students complain that the IELTS assessment is unreliable and too subjective in the areas of writing and speaking. They further complain that the listening and reading tests are too detail-oriented. Despite their criticism of IELTS for its cost, test reliability, and even validity, test takers still often choose it over TOEFL or CELPIP.
Why? The IELTS is offered in a vast number of places, so it's the easiest test to make bookings near your residence, and you can do so at a convenient date. Moreover, you'll find no shortage of IELTS preparation resources, making self-study that much more convenient.
The IELTS serves two roles: first, as a college and university English entrance examination (The Academic Module); second, as an immigration English test (General Module) for PR or citizenship. Many Canadian universities and colleges require IELTS, but a growing number are waiving it. The IELTS is distinct from the TOEFL, CAEL, and CELPIP for its face-to-face speaking interview. It's also more expensive than almost any other standardized test. Lastly, the IELTS is offered more frequently in Ottawa than is the TOEFL or CELPIP.
Many students complain that the IELTS assessment is unreliable and too subjective in the areas of writing and speaking. They further complain that the listening and reading tests are too detail-oriented. Despite their criticism of IELTS for its cost, test reliability, and even validity, test takers still often choose it over TOEFL or CELPIP.
Why? The IELTS is offered in a vast number of places, so it's the easiest test to make bookings near your residence, and you can do so at a convenient date. Moreover, you'll find no shortage of IELTS preparation resources, making self-study that much more convenient.
Which test do I take - General or Academic?
If you are applying for citizenship, 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 normally required to take the academic course.
If you are applying to enter university, college or certain training courses, you are normally 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. However, the reading section for the first two passages is more designed for fast reading of specific information from commercial writing (classified ad, brochure, policy sheets, manuals, etc.).
Task 1 of the General Module writing section is an email.
In the Academic Module, the reading section includes three academic passages. It does not entail a business-style reading task. The Task 1 Writing Module does not require you to write an email. Instead, the task proscribes a summary of a visual representation, such as a graph, map or diagram.
In general, the Academic Module is more difficult, but be careful with this assumption. Both can be quite challenging.
Task 1 of the General Module writing section is an email.
In the Academic Module, the reading section includes three academic passages. It does not entail a business-style reading task. The Task 1 Writing Module does not require you to write an email. Instead, the task proscribes a summary of a visual representation, such as a graph, map or diagram.
In general, the Academic Module is more difficult, but be careful with this assumption. Both can be quite challenging.
What are the IELTS parts?
The IELTS test consists of 4 subskills (listening, reading, writing, speaking), administered in that order, all in one sitting. The Academic and General Module speaking and listening sections are the same, but reading and writing parts differ. You can go to the official site or Wikipedia for more information on the IELTS structure and requirements.
Listening (30 minutes and 40 questions)
The listening test contains 4 sections of 7 dialogues, with 10 questions per section, for a total of 40 questions. Each listening dialogue becomes progressively more difficult as the test continues. It lasts 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 5 and 6 = 10 questions (charts, multiple choice, diagrams, maps, short answers)
Section 4
Listening passage 7 = 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:
The Academic Writing Test consist s of 2 tasks. Task 1 requires a written response to one or more visuals, typically a graph, diagram or map. The requirement in Task 2 is to write a persuasive essay presented in independent, two-sided discursive or question-led form. You're advised to use no more than 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, all for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
General:
The General Writing Test includes two tasks. Task 1 specifies a written email on a topic with specific content requirements, while Task 2 requires that you produce a persuasive essay, with a topic much like those used in the Academic Module (independent, two-sided discursive, or question-led). You're recommended to spend 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 - 60 minutes all together.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
The speaking exam has 3 stages:
Stage 1 takes 4-5 minutes and contains more social, personal questions.
Stage 2 takes 3-4 minutes and involves a topic card used to make a 1-2 minute, monologue.
Stage 3 takes 4-5 minutes and returns the interview to a Q & A format. It involves deeper, more analytical questions than those in stage 1. Questions in stage 3 connect whichever stage 2 topic card was used.
Listening (30 minutes and 40 questions)
The listening test contains 4 sections of 7 dialogues, with 10 questions per section, for a total of 40 questions. Each listening dialogue becomes progressively more difficult as the test continues. It lasts 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 5 and 6 = 10 questions (charts, multiple choice, diagrams, maps, short answers)
Section 4
Listening passage 7 = 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:
The Academic Writing Test consist s of 2 tasks. Task 1 requires a written response to one or more visuals, typically a graph, diagram or map. The requirement in Task 2 is to write a persuasive essay presented in independent, two-sided discursive or question-led form. You're advised to use no more than 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2, all for a total of no more than 60 minutes.
General:
The General Writing Test includes two tasks. Task 1 specifies a written email on a topic with specific content requirements, while Task 2 requires that you produce a persuasive essay, with a topic much like those used in the Academic Module (independent, two-sided discursive, or question-led). You're recommended to spend 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2 - 60 minutes all together.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)
The speaking exam has 3 stages:
Stage 1 takes 4-5 minutes and contains more social, personal questions.
Stage 2 takes 3-4 minutes and involves a topic card used to make a 1-2 minute, monologue.
Stage 3 takes 4-5 minutes and returns the interview to a Q & A format. It involves deeper, more analytical questions than those in stage 1. Questions in stage 3 connect whichever stage 2 topic card was used.
How is the Computer Based Test (CBT) IELTS Different From the Paper Based Test (PBT)?
The computer is, essentially, no different but there are some slight obvious amendments. The content, question style, structure and scoring is the same. In the CBT, answers are keyed directly into the computer. The Speaking test is NOT conducted by computer and is done face-to-face with an examiner. |Like the PBT, you are provided rough paper. In the CBT, you have the option to navigate to any question at any time of the test just like the PBT. Spell check does not work in writing or any other section.
Here are the slight differences as stated in the official site
|1) There are more open dates for the computer test. If you need a test result fast this may be the way to go.
2) You are likely to take it with a smaller group of people since there are more frequent dates and so the load is spread over more time.
3) There is no more way to fail the test because you messed up on the answer sheet, as was sometimes the case in the listening and reading paper-based test. Obviously, there is no transfer to an answer sheet with the computer based test.
4) Since there is no answer sheet, there is no more added time to transfer answers to an answer sheet. Thus, the computer-delivered Listening test has slightly different timings from the paper-based test. Nevertheless, after the end of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to review your answers and have 2 minutes to check your answers at the end. In the paper based test you have 10 mins at the end of the test to transfer answers. The timing of the computer based Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.
5) They do not show an example first in the CBT Lisening section.
6) Obviously the computer based test typically uses headphones
Here are the slight differences as stated in the official site
|1) There are more open dates for the computer test. If you need a test result fast this may be the way to go.
2) You are likely to take it with a smaller group of people since there are more frequent dates and so the load is spread over more time.
3) There is no more way to fail the test because you messed up on the answer sheet, as was sometimes the case in the listening and reading paper-based test. Obviously, there is no transfer to an answer sheet with the computer based test.
4) Since there is no answer sheet, there is no more added time to transfer answers to an answer sheet. Thus, the computer-delivered Listening test has slightly different timings from the paper-based test. Nevertheless, after the end of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to review your answers and have 2 minutes to check your answers at the end. In the paper based test you have 10 mins at the end of the test to transfer answers. The timing of the computer based Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.
5) They do not show an example first in the CBT Lisening section.
6) Obviously the computer based test typically uses headphones
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 to a Canadian university or college, you generally need an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7 score to enter (see happyschools.com for a complete list). There are a few institutions that only require a score of 6, even some that accept 5.5. There are also a number of universities that grant exemptions. See graduateshotline.com for the full list of Canadian , UK and Australian universities that waive IELTS.
Many complain the IELTS is a frustrating test, arguing that the differences between band scores are vague. Furthermore, they contend that scores can greatly depend on the examiner or which test version you receive. However, complaints of widely fluctuating sub-skill scores are evident in many other standardized tests as well, such as CELPIP and TOEFL. Score improvement is often non-linear, and sub-skill scores between two IELTS tests can fluctuate widely, even within a 3-week interval. However, you'll definitely be much better off preparing for the test with training than taking the IELTS test without any guidance.
If you need the test to immigrate, you can take CELPIP, a slightly cheaper alternative. See our TPS site on the CELPIP exam. Of course, TOEFL is still an option for many universities in North America, as well.
Many complain the IELTS is a frustrating test, arguing that the differences between band scores are vague. Furthermore, they contend that scores can greatly depend on the examiner or which test version you receive. However, complaints of widely fluctuating sub-skill scores are evident in many other standardized tests as well, such as CELPIP and TOEFL. Score improvement is often non-linear, and sub-skill scores between two IELTS tests can fluctuate widely, even within a 3-week interval. However, you'll definitely be much better off preparing for the test with training than taking the IELTS test without any guidance.
If you need the test to immigrate, you can take CELPIP, a slightly cheaper alternative. See our TPS site on the CELPIP exam. Of course, TOEFL is still an option for many universities in North America, as well.
Find an IELTS Course
There is 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 one. We assign 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 as well as the pricing and policy page. Make sure that you understand what a course involves and 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 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.
Test Centers
There are now 5 locations for the IELTS exam, 2 of them are British Council administered and 3 are through the IDP. The addition of the Computer Based Test (CBT) has added the number of centers offering IELTS and opened up the range of test dates. To check out who is offering the IELTS go to our site of exams or choose a location near your home. Fees are different for different centers so check this issue at the page that lists centers.