IELTS TESTS
#16
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 25
Re: IELTS TESTS
that may well be the case - but I certainly need 20 points, so a pass at 8.
Im sure many more people will do too. If you are one of the lucky ones not needing to take the test due to an abundance of points then
Im sure many more people will do too. If you are one of the lucky ones not needing to take the test due to an abundance of points then
#17
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 113
Re: IELTS TESTS
Questions in all the sections are easy and in simple english but they are just tricky. Once you gain the understanding of the way they take the exam you are good.
For me listening and Reading was the hardest part. I am a non english speaker and had lived in States for 3.5 yrs before taking IELTS. I attempted IELTS after couple of hours study of the exam pattern.
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 154
Re: IELTS TESTS
From what I understand from reading the guidelines on the immi site, you have to have 65 points in total to pass the new points test. It doesn't say that you have to take the IELTS. The IELTS part applies to people who need to take it for their occupation. Some people might not need the IELTS test to make the required 65 points but others will, it really depends on individual circumstances. For example some people might have a lot of work experience and if they are in the right age bracket they'll get more points.
The reason I questioned KurlyK is because I thought she was saying that you have to have a score of 8 if you are applying for the 176 visa. As mentioned earlier some people won't need the score of 8 on the IELTS because they have enough work experience and other points to make up the 65.
In regards to the IELTS test, I took it a few weeks back and recommend revising for it. It's not that it's hard but it's really the time factor and the way in which you are expected to answer the questions. For example, the reading test has 40 questions and there is a thick booklet that you have to read and even if you are a quick reader and great with comprehension, you still have to really think about the answers to the questions, and for some questions they require a particular word limit. As I say it's not hard but just tricky in parts.
The reason I questioned KurlyK is because I thought she was saying that you have to have a score of 8 if you are applying for the 176 visa. As mentioned earlier some people won't need the score of 8 on the IELTS because they have enough work experience and other points to make up the 65.
In regards to the IELTS test, I took it a few weeks back and recommend revising for it. It's not that it's hard but it's really the time factor and the way in which you are expected to answer the questions. For example, the reading test has 40 questions and there is a thick booklet that you have to read and even if you are a quick reader and great with comprehension, you still have to really think about the answers to the questions, and for some questions they require a particular word limit. As I say it's not hard but just tricky in parts.
Last edited by beachlady; Mar 23rd 2011 at 8:25 pm.
#19
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Joined: Mar 2011
Location: ramsgate kent
Posts: 89
how hard is ielts
hi me again just wondering how hard this test is, im a bricklayer so don't do much writing, this is the most i have done for years, is the test done on computer? or handwriting. do you lose points for spelling? (god i hope not) thanks for your time.
#20
Re: how hard is ielts
The test is all hand-written and you do lose points for poor spelling and grammar. It is by no means easy. I would recommend that you buy an IELTS practice book and have a practice at a few tests.
You can also find samples online for free.
Definitely have a look at ielts.org and google for 'ielts samples'
There have been a few born and bred' English speakers not get the required grades in the last few years since it's introduction.
I did the Academic test (which is slightly different) and got 9.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.0 but I had practised and also just finished a degree so my writing skills were pretty fresh.
My experience is here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ighlight=ielts
Good luck.
You can also find samples online for free.
Definitely have a look at ielts.org and google for 'ielts samples'
There have been a few born and bred' English speakers not get the required grades in the last few years since it's introduction.
I did the Academic test (which is slightly different) and got 9.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.0 but I had practised and also just finished a degree so my writing skills were pretty fresh.
My experience is here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ighlight=ielts
Good luck.
#21
Account Closed
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 14,188
Re: how hard is ielts
The test is all hand-written and you do lose points for poor spelling and grammar. It is by no means easy. I would recommend that you buy an IELTS practice book and have a practice at a few tests.
You can also find samples online for free.
Definitely have a look at ielts.org and google for 'ielts samples'
There have been a few born and bred' English speakers not get the required grades in the last few years since it's introduction.
I did the Academic test (which is slightly different) and got 9.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.0 but I had practised and also just finished a degree so my writing skills were pretty fresh.
My experience is here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ighlight=ielts
Good luck.
You can also find samples online for free.
Definitely have a look at ielts.org and google for 'ielts samples'
There have been a few born and bred' English speakers not get the required grades in the last few years since it's introduction.
I did the Academic test (which is slightly different) and got 9.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.0 but I had practised and also just finished a degree so my writing skills were pretty fresh.
My experience is here: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ighlight=ielts
Good luck.
#22
Re: how hard is ielts
I reckon there is probably a not insignificant number of native English speakers who would fail to achieve a 7 score.
#24
Forum Regular
Joined: Dec 2009
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 113
Re: IELTS TESTS
Aa a native english speaker one certainly knows the language and the level of english in IELTS is just beginner. What makes it difficult is the way they ask questions. Its just tricky.
If an english speaker wants to score good in IELTS then s/he dont have to learn basics of the english but the tricks and techniques and need to do some practice to take the exam in short amount of time.
You can see so many people from non-english speaking countries get 7/8 score in IELTS does that mean they are as good as native english speakers? No, they just learn the techniques.
I apologies If I was not clear in my previous post.
#25
Re: IELTS TESTS
Please do not quote me partially.
Aa a native english speaker one certainly knows the language and the level of english in IELTS is just beginner. What makes it difficult is the way they ask questions. Its just tricky.
If an english speaker wants to score good in IELTS then s/he dont have to learn basics of the english but the tricks and techniques and need to do some practice to take the exam in short amount of time.
You can see so many people from non-english speaking countries get 7/8 score in IELTS does that mean they are as good as native english speakers? No, they just learn the techniques.
I apologies If I was not clear in my previous post.
Aa a native english speaker one certainly knows the language and the level of english in IELTS is just beginner. What makes it difficult is the way they ask questions. Its just tricky.
If an english speaker wants to score good in IELTS then s/he dont have to learn basics of the english but the tricks and techniques and need to do some practice to take the exam in short amount of time.
You can see so many people from non-english speaking countries get 7/8 score in IELTS does that mean they are as good as native english speakers? No, they just learn the techniques.
I apologies If I was not clear in my previous post.
Anyway regardless of what you or I believe, no one should be led to believe it's easy. It's not.
#26
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 36
IELTS Validity
Hi All,
I just want to know how long is the IELTS results valid for?
Thanks
Andy
I just want to know how long is the IELTS results valid for?
Thanks
Andy
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 198
Re: IELTS Validity
Depends on what you need it for. For my registration and skills assessment it had to be no older than 12 month, for DIAC it's 2 years (I think), don't know if there are other institutions that have other regulations.
#28
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 198
Re: how hard is ielts
I think there is the option of doing the test on a computer, at least I think I've seen that there is this option for certain testing centres. Where I did my test nobody used a computer.
#30
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 43
Re: IELTS Validity
IELTS results are valid for two years from the date of passing the test.
Hope that answers your query !
Hope that answers your query !