Which IELTS Test?
#16
Re: Which IELTS Test?
There really is nothing remarkable about my ability to read, write, speak and listen in my native tongue. It is more likely that the ones who struggle are the unusual cases and I think there is no need to scare everyone who asks about it on BE because of that. I am not suggesting that there are no exceptions, but the average literate native English speaker will not have too much trouble with IELTS.
#17
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Re: Which IELTS Test?
There really is nothing remarkable about my ability to read, write, speak and listen in my native tongue. It is more likely that the ones who struggle are the unusual cases and I think there is no need to scare everyone who asks about it on BE because of that. I am not suggesting that there are no exceptions, but the average literate native English speaker will not have too much trouble with IELTS.
I accept that many native English speakers can breeze through it, but, as I believe I've said before, I think assuming that all native speakers have the perfect & correct English skills needed is more than a little naive.
#18
Re: Which IELTS Test?
I've come across a fair few very literate native English people who have struggled with IELTS - the main reasons seem to be firstly native English speakers aren't taught English with the aim of passing tests like this. Many non-native speakers learn with one goal, to pass the tests. Hence they are taught and coached towards that goal. No different to learning history, for instance, - learning it with the goal of gaining a qualification is very different to learning it by reading more accessible texts written in a more colloquial way. Secondly many people who sit for IELTS are tradies doing it purely for points. They may not ever need to write more than their name and address, they may never read anything more taxing than a trashy airport holiday novel; they may well struggle because of unfamiliarity with the type of English used. Then you have those people who simply panic or freeze under exam conditions.
I accept that many native English speakers can breeze through it, but, as I believe I've said before, I think assuming that all native speakers have the perfect & correct English skills needed is more than a little naive.
I accept that many native English speakers can breeze through it, but, as I believe I've said before, I think assuming that all native speakers have the perfect & correct English skills needed is more than a little naive.
The odd people that have had trouble with it have historically made a massive fuss on forums about how hard it is and I think that needs to be tempered. It is a literacy test, it is not an O level. We have very high literacy rates in UK and thus my conclusion is that most would have little trouble. I would never assume that a tradie can do little more than write their own name.
#19
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Joined: Feb 2012
Location: Preston, Lancs
Posts: 33
Re: Which IELTS Test?
Speaking to a variety of potential Oz emmigrants when I did my IELTS, a common concern was "they only want swots" Not all trades need to have the same level of English, but are still highly skilled at what they do.
If I get a plumber in fixing my boiler, I want someone who will do the job efficiently and safely. I don't care that they have not gone through a highly artificial English test!
Also, if you have any level of dyslexia you are automatically going to struggle, and maybe the immigration door may be slammed, despite having the skills needed.
If I get a plumber in fixing my boiler, I want someone who will do the job efficiently and safely. I don't care that they have not gone through a highly artificial English test!
Also, if you have any level of dyslexia you are automatically going to struggle, and maybe the immigration door may be slammed, despite having the skills needed.
#20
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Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
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Re: Which IELTS Test?
Seriously Polly. You should see it, you don't need test skills. For example in listening they speak one or two sentences unnaturally slowly and then ask a simple question on what they just said and it is mutiple choice answers! The reading test took me 15 minutes and an hour is allowed.
The odd people that have had trouble with it have historically made a massive fuss on forums about how hard it is and I think that needs to be tempered. It is a literacy test, it is not an O level. We have very high literacy rates in UK and thus my conclusion is that most would have little trouble. I would never assume that a tradie can do little more than write their own name.
The odd people that have had trouble with it have historically made a massive fuss on forums about how hard it is and I think that needs to be tempered. It is a literacy test, it is not an O level. We have very high literacy rates in UK and thus my conclusion is that most would have little trouble. I would never assume that a tradie can do little more than write their own name.
#22
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 100
Re: Which IELTS Test?
Seriously Polly. You should see it, you don't need test skills. For example in listening they speak one or two sentences unnaturally slowly and then ask a simple question on what they just said and it is mutiple choice answers! The reading test took me 15 minutes and an hour is allowed.
The odd people that have had trouble with it have historically made a massive fuss on forums about how hard it is and I think that needs to be tempered. It is a literacy test, it is not an O level. We have very high literacy rates in UK and thus my conclusion is that most would have little trouble. I would never assume that a tradie can do little more than write their own name.
The odd people that have had trouble with it have historically made a massive fuss on forums about how hard it is and I think that needs to be tempered. It is a literacy test, it is not an O level. We have very high literacy rates in UK and thus my conclusion is that most would have little trouble. I would never assume that a tradie can do little more than write their own name.
#23
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 22
Re: Which IELTS Test?
Thanks for the amazing debate everyone!
I finally did the General Test and it was a bit tricky in places.
The key for me was to use the online pre-test information that was sent through by IELTS when I applied for the test, which amounted to about 30hrs worth of material.
This helped refresh the things I had learned a long time ago, and I got good marks because of it.
That's the next step completed. Now to wait for a case officer for the visa application........
Thanks again for the replies, it was really useful.
Ben.
I finally did the General Test and it was a bit tricky in places.
The key for me was to use the online pre-test information that was sent through by IELTS when I applied for the test, which amounted to about 30hrs worth of material.
This helped refresh the things I had learned a long time ago, and I got good marks because of it.
That's the next step completed. Now to wait for a case officer for the visa application........
Thanks again for the replies, it was really useful.
Ben.
#24
Just Joined
Joined: May 2012
Location: Perth
Posts: 11
Re: Which IELTS Test?
Good luck with the visa application :-)