IELTS test takers and the organisations which rely on IELTS test results benefit from IELTS continuing investment in quality assurance, research and development to ensure that the test remains robust and relevant. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials and we invest in on-going research to ensure that IELTS remains fair and unbiased – wherever and whenever the test is taken – and that IELTS encourages, reflects and respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality, background, gender or lifestyle. The rigorous processes used to produce the test materials ensure that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty, so that candidates’ results are consistent wherever and whenever they take the test. These and the other benefits of IELTS today build on our history of English language testing over many decades. The English Language Testing Service (ELTS), as it was then known, made its first appearance in 1980 when it replaced the English Proficiency Test Battery (EPTB), a traditional largely multiple choice test battery that had been used by the British Council in its overseas student recruitment operation since the mid 1960s for the purpose of screening international applicants to universities and colleges in the UK. The new test had an innovative format that reflected changes in language learning and teaching theory and developments in language testing. In particular, the ELTS was influenced by the growth in ‘communicative’ language learning and ‘English for specific purposes’. Test tasks were based on an analysis of the ways in which language was used in academic contexts and were intended to reflect the use of language in the ‘real world’. The ELTS test offered a choice of six modules covering five broad areas of study of UK tertiary education, plus one non-specific area. The six modules were: There was also a Non-Academic test for vocational candidates. Each candidate was required to take three sections in their subject area or module and two common tests in the General section: A further feature of the test was that the three subject area modules were thematically linked: candidates were required to write on a topic connected to one of the texts in the Study Skills paper. Similarly, in the Interview the candidate would be asked to discuss a topic already covered in M1. ELTS continued in the form outlined above until 1989. During the 1980s the test numbers were quite low (4000 in 1981 rising to 10,000 by 1985), and it was clear that there were practical difficulties with the administration of the test, relating to the number of test items and the time taken to complete the test; there were also powerful reasons for change on the grounds of test redundancy. In 1987 British Council and UCLES EFL (now known as Cambridge ESOL) commissioned Edinburgh University to conduct a validation study. (see Criper and Davies, 1988; Hughes, Porter and Weir, 1988). Following this report the ELTS Revision Project, under the academic direction of Professor Charles Alderson of Lancaster University, was set up to oversee the design and construction of the revised test. (Alderson and Clapham, 1993) There was consensus to broaden the international participation in the revision project and in response to this the International Development Program of Australian Universities and Colleges (IDP), now known as IDP Education Australia, joined British Council and UCLES to form an international partnership, reflected in the new name for the test: The International English Language Testing System. The immediate outcome of this partnership was the secondment of an Australian academic, Professor David Ingram of Griffith University, to the revision project. The recommendations of the revision team to simplify and shorten ELTS were accepted and a compromise was sought "between practicality and maximum predictive power". The number of subject-specific modules was reduced from six to three and the Non-Academic test was replaced by the General Module. IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) first became operational in 1989. (Clapham and Alderson, 1997) From 1989 IELTS candidates took two non-specialised modules, Listening and Speaking, and two specialised modules, Reading and Writing. The non-specialised modules tested general English while the specialised modules were intended to test skills in particular areas suited to a candidate's chosen course of study. Specialised reading and writing modules (incorporating a direct link between the reading and writing activities) were available in three discipline fields which linked together related fields that had previously been separate modules in the ELTS battery, as shown below: Over the next five years the number of people taking the test rose by around 15% each year so that by 1995 there were over 43,000 candidates in 210 test centres around the world. In keeping with the commitment of the IELTS partners to respond to developments in applied linguistics, measurement theory and teaching practice, further modifications to the test were implemented in April 1995. In addition to a number of modifications to improve security and administration, there were three areas of significant change: A brief summary of the 1995 revision of IELTS can be found in Charge and Taylor (1997). In keeping with this history of innovation, the IELTS partners continue to be committed to the ongoing development of the test. A revision project for the Speaking Test was launched in 1998 and the revised IELTS Speaking Test was introduced in July 2001. New assessment criteria for the Writing Test were operational from January 2005. A computerised version of IELTS was also introduced in 2005 at a number of IELTS centres. Information on all these projects can be found in past issues of the IELTS Annual Review, and in Cambridge ESOL’s quarterly publication - Research Notes. The current test retains many of the features of the 1980 ELTS including the emphasis on the comprehension of extended text in the receptive papers (Reading and Listening), and the direct testing of performance through a face-to-face Speaking test and the use of the essay and report formats in the Writing test. Other innovations such as the links of theme and content between papers and the experiment with subject specific modules have proved less successful and have not survived into the current incarnation. However, the distinction between academic and vocational purposes has stood the test of time and is still reflected in the choice of Academic and General Training modules. In recent years, the candidature has continued to grow rapidly, and by 2003 the total number of Academic and General Training candidates had exceeded half a million. A full account of the development ELTS/IELTS and its place in the history of testing English for academic purposes is in preparation as a volume in the Studies in Language Testing series.The beginning
Test format
The ELTS Revision Project
Format of the 1989 IELTS
1995 revision of IELTS
Continuing development
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
History of IELTS
Cambridge Publications
Research Notes is Cambridge ESOL's quarterly newsletter reporting on matters relating to research, test development and validation of all of Cambridge ESOL's language testing products and teaching awards. Research Notes regularly includes articles on IELTS which report on test performance and keep test stakeholders up to date with ongoing development of the test. Issues of Research Notes are available for download from the Cambridge ESOL website at cambridgeesol.org/researchnotes Each issue can be downloaded as an Acrobat PDF file. Viewing PDF files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, and free software is available from Adobe. If you are looking for articles on IELTS or related topics, you can use the Search facility. Search by Exam, Skill or Area, and then download the article you are interested in. Search for Research Notes articles Studies in Language Testing is a series of volumes focusing on important developments in language testing. The series is produced by Cambridge ESOL in conjunction with Cambridge University Press under the editorship of Dr Michael Milanovic and Prof Cyril Weir. Titles in the series will be of considerable interest to test users, language test developers and researchers; several of the volumes due to appear in 2005/6 will have a specific focus on IELTS. The volumes can be ordered direct from Cambridge University Press (click here) or are available from local booksellers.Research Notes
Studies in Language Testing
After the test (Results)
IELTS knows that you, and those relying on and using your IELTS score, want quick results – IELTS results are available 13 days after taking the test.
You can have copies of your Test Report Form sent to up to five institutions free of charge.
IELTS uses a unique nine point scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner – wherever and whenever the test is taken. This scoring system is internationally recognised and understood, giving you a reliable international currency.
It’s quick and easy to find out which organisations will recognise your IELTS score. You can use the onlineGlobal Recognition System (GRS) to look for, and link to, them.
How to Apply
You must apply to a test centre to take an IELTS test prior to the test date. Applications are made on an IELTS Application Form which you can send or take into a test centre, along with the test fee, two passport sized photographs, and a photocopy of your passport/national identity card. You will also need to include your passport number, or in some circumstances a national identity card number, on the application form – check with your test centre. Once you have applied, the test centre will confirm your IELTS test date and time. On the test day, make sure you bring the same evidence of identity as the number entered on the Application Form.
Computer Based IELTS
1. What is Computer-based IELTS (CB IELTS)? CB IELTS is a computer-based version of IELTS. It consists of the Listening, Reading and Writing tests. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests will still be conducted face-to-face. 2. Where is CB IELTS available? Bangladesh, Dhaka – British Council more information 3.Why is CB IELTS not available everywhere? CB IELTS is being introduced initially at a limited number of IELTS centres, which have been chosen on the basis of specific technical and administrative requirements. The availability of the computer-based test will gradually be increased to meet the developing needs of both candidates and test score users globally. 4. Will CB IELTS be available in other countries in the future? The IELTS partners intend to gather feedback from the initial rollout and plan to expand the number of centres offering the computer-based test in the future. 5. How can someone apply to take CB IELTS? To apply for CB IELTS, you should contact one of the centres listed above. Please be aware that places are limited so you should apply for a test as early as possible. 6. How much does the CB IELTS test cost? The computer-based test costs the same as the paper-based test. 7. How are the CB IELTS tests marked? The CB IELTS Listening and Reading tests are marked by computer, while the Writing test responses are marked by qualified IELTS examiners, in the same way as the paper based version. This approach maintains the security, validity and consistency for which IELTS is internationally recognised. 8. Do candidates have to take the Speaking test on computer in CB IELTS? The Speaking test is not taken electronically. To maintain our personal approach, all IELTS Speaking tests are conducted face-to-face. CB IELTS and paper-based IELTS are scored using the same nine-band scale. 10. Which is easier, the computer-based test or the paper-based test? There is no difference between the difficulty of the computer-based test and the paper-based test. 11. When do candidates get the results of their CB IELTS test? All IELTS candidates receive their test scores 13 calendar days after taking the test. 12. Will the receiving institution know that a candidate has taken the computer-based version of IELTS? A candidate’s Test Report Form will look the same whether they have sat the test in its computer-based or paper-based format. 13. Is General Training IELTS available as a computer-based test? At this stage CB IELTS is only available for the Academic module. The IELTS partnership intends to make the General Training module available in the future.
Egypt, Alexandria – British Council more information
Egypt, Cairo Agouza – British Council more information
India, New Delhi – British Council more information
India, New Delhi – IDP Education Australia more information
Italy, Milan – British Council more information
Jordan, Amman – British Council more information
Kenya, Nairobi – Australian University Studies Institute more information
UAE, Abu Dhabi – British Council more information
UAE, Dubai – British Council more information
Vietnam, Hanoi – British Council more information
Valid and Secure
Across all areas of test delivery, test administration and test results, IELTS is valid and secure. Every aspect of the IELTS test is subject to the highest quality controls, cutting edge security and integrity management practices. The IELTS nine (9) band score system measures and reports test scores in a consistent manner. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. The rigorous processes used to produce the test materials ensure that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty, so that your results are consistent wherever and whenever the test is taken. IELTS scores are proven and valid regardless of where you take the test. IELTS has an integrated system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring of IELTS Examiners. This ensures that they are fully qualified, experienced and effective, and provide a standardised testing and assessment system around the world. IELTS has a rigorous, quality assured system for marking every IELTS test, proven by the half million IELTS tests conducted every year. The performance of each IELTS Examiner is regularly monitored and evaluated and they are tested every two years to retain their certification. IELTS test centres are operated by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia or by independent organisations that meet strict standards of quality, security and customer service. The free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms and safeguard against fraudulent report forms using a safe and secure online database. E Downloads is the quick and secure way to receive IELTS test results. Download IELTS test results from IELTS secure website. The electronic bulk download facility enables registered users to download IELTS results for all candidates who have applied to their organisations.
Free Samples
We produce a wide range of learning and practice materials to help you to prepare for your test. There are some free samples here for you to download, and you can purchase a full set of practice materials from your nearest test centre . It is not necessary to attend an IELTS preparation course though it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. The IELTS Official Practice Materials have been produced according to Cambridge ESOL's Question Paper Production cycle and are the only preparation resources that are endorsed by all three IELTS partners. The IELTS Official Practice Materials book was updated in January 2005, containing a complete new Listening test and nine new Academic and General Training Writing tasks. There is also a detailed explanation of the revised assessment criteria for Writing tests, with 10 scripts rated according to the new rating scales plus examiner comments. Click here to order the IELTS Official Practice Materials. Click here to view the Official IELTS Practice materials – Half Bands updates Academic Reading Sample If you would like further assistance with test preparation, many IELTS test centres and language schools offer IELTS preparation courses. There are also other publications available from bookshops or direct from the publishers which familiarise candidates with the format and style of the IELTS test.IELTS Official Practice Materials
Online Sample Materials
Academic Writing Sample
General Training Reading Sample
General Training Writing Sample
Speaking Sample
Saturday, September 20, 2008
IELTS Official Practice Materials
We produce a wide range of learning and practice materials to help you to prepare for your test. There are some free samples here for you to download, and you can purchase a full set of practice materials from your nearest test centre. The IELTS Official Practice Materials book was updated in January 2005, containing a complete new Listening test and nine new Academic and General Training Writing tasks. There is also a detailed explanation of the revised assessment criteria for Writing tests, with 10 scripts rated according to the new rating scales plus examiner comments. Click here to order the IELTS Official Practice Materials.IELTS Official Practice Materials
Special Circumstances
IELTS aims to assess the English language communication skills of all test takers fairly and objectively. Our test centres can make arrangements to accommodate special circumstances or requirements to enable test takers to attend a test centre, and to understand questions and tasks and give their answers. If you have a disability or another condition which might require special arrangements, you should let the test centre at which you will be doing your test know as soon as you can. Each case is considered individually, so they will need a medical certificate from you to put arrangements in place. Test centres require three months’ notice to put special arrangements in place. They need to confirm arrangements with Cambridge ESOL, and modified versions of the test may need to be prepared (for example, in Braille). A range of options is available, including enlarged print, and brailed question papers. Answers may be recorded in a variety of ways, e.g. via an amanuensis, or using a Braille machine or word-processor, and extra time may be allowed for completion of Reading and Writing Modules. A special needs version of the Listening Module is also available. If you have partial hearing loss and can hear with the help of headphones or special amplification equipment you may ask for permission to use this equipment when taking listening modules. A lip-reading version of the Listening Module is available. In the case of severe hearing difficulties, you can apply for exemption from the Speaking and/or Listening Modules. You can apply for up to 30 minutes extra time to complete the Reading and Writing Modules, and can also apply to write your answers using a typewriter or word-processor, if you normally write this way. If you are genuinely ill on the day of or during the test you should let the test supervisor know. Special consideration may be given to test takers who report their illness on the day of the test.Visual difficulties
Hearing difficulties
Learning difficulties (eg: dyslexia)
Illness
IELTS Test Structure
All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking to obtain an IELTS Test Report Form. Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules. Total Test Time 2 hours 45 minutes The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules. The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
IELTS Band Scale
IELTS is scored on a nine band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. The Band Scores are in either whole or half Bands. The nine bands are described as follows: Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. It would be very hard to attain this score. Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle basic communication in his or her own field. Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language. Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
9 Expert User
8 Very Good User
7 Good User
6 Competent User
5 Modest User
4 Limited User
3 Extremely Limited User
2 Intermittent User
1 Non Use
IELTS
The IELTS incorporates the following features:
- A variety of accents and writing styles presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias.
- IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
- Band scores used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").
- The speaking module - a key component of IELTS. This is conducted in the form of a one-to-one interview with an examiner. The examiner assesses the candidate as he or she is speaking, but the speaking session is also recorded for monitoring as well as re-marking in case of an appeal against the banding given.
- IELTS is developed with input from item writers from around the world. Teams are located in the USA, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other English speaking nations.
IELTS Test Structure
All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a Band, which is shown on an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
Total Test Duration 2 hours 45 minutes
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test center, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
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