Got my IELTS results this morning after sitting my test on the 20th Oct - Listening 8.5, Reading 9.0, Writing 8.5, Speaking 9.0 - Overall band score 9.0!! SO happy, as I was really worried after that stupid navigation section in the reading test. Hope everyone one else did ok!
Mags
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Congratulations!!!!! My hubby's got his booked for the 1st December at Manchester, he's dreading it, practising like mad and driving us all insane!!! Did you take the academic or general test? Was it easier than you thought? Once again, well done

Congratulations!!

My OH passed his today too - 3 x 9 and 8.5 in writing. Obviously a lucky day for everyone!

I can now say, if anyone in the UK wants the IELTS book and CD, please PM me and I will post it to you. I daren't offer it before now in case he failed. LOL.

Hi All Glad to say I passed my Ielts with an overall 8.5 score. Really recommend the IeltsHelpNow website: Bought some stuff from them and practised. The format of everything, including the listening tests, were spot on. Worth the money. Good luck to all who are still to take the test. Even if you are a native english speaker, I would encourage you to do a bit of practise even if it's just to get used to the format.

Lots of luck.
Suuz

Had a PM claiming the book, so I'll have to withdraw the offer now - sorry folks!!

Thanks guys! Congrats to Fly Away's OH, Suuz & everyone else who passed today! Doesn't it feel GREAT!! Mary - I did the general test as I only had 115 points without it. Now I have 125! More than enough for my 175 visa! Tell your hubby not to worry! As long as he's done some practice exercises so that he's familiar with the format he should be fine. It's important to read the questions carefully & try not to loose concentration - especially with the listening test as you only get to hear the recordings once. Just tell him to relax, although it is a bit like being back at school sitting your exams! Well worth it in the end though!

Mags
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Thanks for that, i've got him practising like mad! Sounds like we're in the same boat, at the moment we've only got 115 points but if he passes in December then we'll have 125 - and then i will really start panicking Congratulations by the way

Got the results today, HE PASSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We've now got a few IELTS practise books that we're happy to pass on if anyone wants one.

Many Congratulations!! Now the fun really starts!!

Excellent news!!! Well done him!! Now get that visa application filled out!
Good luck
Mags
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That was my intention until i read tonight that passports must be valid for 2 years when you apply - both the kids run out in April 08, so we've made an appointment at the passport office for Saturday to renew them straightaway - I'm determined to apply before Christmas!

Oh dear! More expense eh?! We replaced my hubby's passport before our application, even though it was only 16 months old...silly man went swimming with it in his pocket when we were in Surfers Paradise on our reckie trip in March! It wasn't too badly damaged, and they let him out of the country with it. Didn't want to take any chances on it getting refused with the visa though, after watching Boarder Control on Sky...they are so strict and go over passports with a fine tooth comb! So that was another £72 to add to the rrunningcosts!!
Good luck with your application anyway!
Mags
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I've just read a thread saying that i don't need to renew before i apply, that i should just get it sorted before we actually go, so i'm going to put it through the post office instead and save about £80, which means i'm applying online TONIGHT

Hi Mary!
Did you get your application sent online yesterday then? Nice to get it in before Xmas!
Mags
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Yes and no, filled in 90% of the form but i've decided to get kids passports renewed on Saturday and then i can forget it. Hubby's still got loads of documents to scan, so i'm now aiming for Saturday Night!

I've also booked the medicals for the 3rd January in Manchester. I must admit the price made me gulp but the xray and medical will be over and done with the same day. Bit worried about the medicals to be honest, although i'm ok, i've got a history of cancer in my family, should i mention it?