native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
#31
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
Yeah, I can imagine. I've checked the available dates for the test at Manchester University and they seem to be all on Saturdays. I can think of a lot of other things i'd rather be doing on a Saturday but looks like I have no choice if I want these points
#32
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
As a former EFL teacher, I am totally bemused by this policy. The IELTS exams were never designed to test native speakers – they are designed to demonstrate how closely an applicant’s English is to that of a native speaker. So it’s a bit like comparing a fish with a fish…
#33
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
I've just sat the test and got the required level without a problem. It's a bind I agree, but small price to pay if you need the extra points as I do.
#34
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
This doesn't affect me but I sympathize with your OH. You could speak the Queen's English like Stephen Fry but be rubbish at test.
If he could get hold of a past IELTS test paper, perhaps that would put his mind at rest that it'd be a doddle. And 25 points can come in handy.
Best of luck
-d
If he could get hold of a past IELTS test paper, perhaps that would put his mind at rest that it'd be a doddle. And 25 points can come in handy.
Best of luck
-d
I reckon it'll be ok and can't be too difficult!
#35
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
Additionally, some native speakers may not do well in the exam and may not qualify for the full 25 points even though their communication skills are at least “proficient”. Possible reasons for this are any kind of literacy problem, or more likely “exam fright”.
Last edited by I_Will_Freckle; Aug 4th 2007 at 4:44 am.
#37
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
I will be taking my IELTS test in 2 weeks time (I've done one before and got 9 in all parts of the test). I will let you all know in more detail what the test entails (my previous test was 7 years ago so may be out of date).
I reckon it'll be ok and can't be too difficult!
I reckon it'll be ok and can't be too difficult!
thanks tking, that would be very helpful.
there is a sample paper on ielts website, which we will have a look at later ...
#38
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
Id be interested to see examples of questions if anybody knows any. Probably be asking where the museum is and ordering a coffee with cream if anything like foreign languages at school
#41
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
Writing a letter of complaint about a dodgy heater and debating the question of whether smoking should be allowed in public places. Piece of cake. Im sure they are not expecting Tolkien, Orwell et al
#42
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: North Wales
Posts: 10
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
Also, are you the main applicant? If you are, then I think it's ONLY you that needs to take and pass the test to gain the points.
#43
Just Joined
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
#44
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,810
Re: New visa English requirements-Question!
Two threads now merged to keep things together
#45
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: Sydney
Posts: 12
Re: native english speakers - changes on 1st sept?
Hi all,
Yes, general test is all you need unless your occupation requires the academic test eg doctors.
Hello from a chilly Sydney.
Regards,
Kim
Yes, general test is all you need unless your occupation requires the academic test eg doctors.
Hello from a chilly Sydney.
Regards,
Kim