About IELTS:

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evaluation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. IELTS is a jointly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education, Australia. IELTS is recognized by universities and colleges, as well as employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies in Britain, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand. In the United States, the recognition list includes seven of the eight universities in the Ivy League. The majority of the recognising schools ranked as "Top Schools" in the U.S. News and World Reports on America's Best Colleges 2007, and also the top 25 institutions hosting international students. The prestigious Duke University Graduate School states on their website that IELTS is their "preferred English language test". Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours). IELTS is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections. The Academic modules assess whether you are ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The General Training modules emphasize basic skills in a broad social and educational context not at degree level. Listening + General Training Reading + General Training Writing + Speaking Or Listening + Academic Reading + Academic Writing + Speaking Most Hong Kong undergraduate students will take the Academic modules, and register through the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme (CEPAS) see below. The total test time of the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of listening, reading, writing and speaking components. Listening Section (4 parts; 40 questions; 30minutes): Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down their answers. General Training Reading (3 parts; 40 questions; 60 minutes): The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books to test the candidates ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative. Academic Reading (3 parts; 40 questions; 60 minutes): There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals, and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument.

General Training Writing (2 parts; 60 minutes): The first task requires candidates to write a letter of at least 150 words either asking for information, or explaining a situation. For the second task, candidates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. You are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct an argument, and discuss issues. Academic Writing (2 parts; 60 minutes): Candidates are asked to write a description of at least 150 words. This is based on material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram and should demonstrate their ability to present information and to summarise the main features of the input. For the second task, you will write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. You are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct and argument and discuss abstract issues. Speaking (interview; 15 minutes): The speaking test takes the form of a face-to-face interview. You will be assessed on your use of spoken English to answer short questions, to speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner. Scoring: The test is scored on a scale of 1-9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections.

IELTS Online Materials

Details Title: IELTS HIPPO Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: Help with IELTS Preparation and Practice On-line (HIPPO) is an on-line resource to help HKUST students to prepare for the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS) examination, which has been selected by the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC) as a recognised exit examination for Hong Kong undergraduate students. This site includes and introduction to IELTS as well as how to prepare for the exam and practice tests. Title: IELTS UGC CEPA Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Location http://hippo.ust.hk

http://www.ugccepa.com/200708/index.asp

Features: This is the official web site for the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme (CEPAS), set up by the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC) to handle the administration of the test when taken as an exit examination by final year undergraduate students.

Title: IELTS Home Page Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: This is the official web site for ielts.org. You can download the IELTS Handbook, which contains helpful information about the test. The third link is to the Teacher Resource page that, although designed for teachers, contains sample tasks. Simply click on any of the following from the menu bar on the left: Academic reading, Academic Writing, General Training Reading, General Training Writing, Listening, or Speaking, do access information and questions about that part of the test. Title: IELTS EnglishExam.com Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: You can read a brief introduction to the test and then check your knowledge by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the highlighted links: Listening test, General reading test, or Academic reading test. Title: IELTS About.com Preparing for the IELTS for free on the internet Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: This section of the popular About.com web site includes information and tips for studying for the IELTS test. The 2nd URL listed opposite contains links that lead you to various free IELTS practice resources on the Internet. Title: IELTS Preparation Web Site

http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx http://www.ielts.org/_lib/pdf/1649_IELTShb k_2005.pdf http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/

http://www.examenglish.com/IELTS/index.p hp

http://esl.about.com/cs/quizzesandtests/a/blie lts.htm http://esl.about.com/cs/quizzesandtests/a/blie lts_2.htm

http://international.holmesglen.vic.edu.au/IE

Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: This site, managed by Australias Holmsglen Institute, offers information about IELTS as well as interactive tasks that you can do online and information you can download and print. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on any of the four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking) that you wish to practise. Sample answers are included. Title: IELTS - Exercises Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: In the following pages you will find exercises to practice all four parts of the IELTS. Click on the skill you wish to test yourself on and read the introduction before printing out the exercises. The style of these paper-based questions does not exactly resemble those given in the actual IELTS test; however the question types are similar. Check your answers by clicking on the answers link found at the end of the questions. Title: IELTS Teacher Joe IELTS Preparation Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: Teacher Joe is a former IELTS examiner and youll find plenty of practice activities at this site, especially speaking exercises. Title: IELTS - Longman.com Exams Resource Library Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: On this Longman ELT website, there are lots
of ideas and free resources for English language exams. Try fun online activities, download free support materials and get helpful tips on studying for IELTS simply clicking on the IELTS star button. Youll be directed to a page that contains a description of the exam and student resources such as study tips and interactive exercises and quizzes.

LTS01.htm

http://www.ielts-test.com/exercises.htm

http://teacherjoe.us/IELTSSpeak.html

http://www.longman.com/exams/caecpe/cae/students-activities.html

Title: IELTS - English-online.org EFL Exam Practice Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A

http://www.english-online.org.uk/exam.htm

Features: Youll find plenty of exam advice and practice exercises at this site. Click on IELTS and youll be given a description of the exam. From the menu bar at the top you can access information on the different skills that each exam focuses on. Click on Introduction to find out more about that part of the exam. Then click on the different Parts to see examples of questions, answers, and examiners comments. Title: IELTS - One Stop English - Exams Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: This section of One Stop English contains a variety of materials designed to help teachers prepare students for the IELTS exam. Worksheets and answer keys are provided free of charge for this substantial IELTS section. Click on the language area you wish to test yourself on. Title: IELTS - SelfAccess.com Free Sample Lessons and Exercises Units/pgs: Type: Web Accent: N/A Features: This site offers two types of online ESL lessons for a monthly or annual subscription. You can also sign up for a three day free trial of all the material on the site. To try a quick sample, go to the top of the menu bar on the left, click on Free Sample Lessons and Exercises to access a selection of activities from different levels and different skill areas. The Academic English lessons are longer than the General English lessons and are perfect for intermediate-level and above students who need to prepare for English tests like IELTS. All of the lessons and exercises are based on topical Reuters news articles and current events. The Academic English exercises contain the types of questions and tasks used in ESL tests such as the IELTS test.

http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp? sectionType=listsummary&catid=58071&do cid=144744

http://www.selfaccess.com/