The document provides an overview of the IELTS exam, which tests English proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking. It describes the format, timing, scoring and general strategies for each section. The listening section contains four parts with 40 multiple choice questions. The reading section contains three passages and 40 questions. Writing consists of two tasks - a 150 word report and a 250 word essay. Speaking involves a 10-15 minute interview with an examiner consisting of introduction, individual talk, and discussion questions. Scores are reported on a band scale from 1 to 9.

1. IELTS
INTERNATIONAL ENGLISHLANGUAGE TESTING
SYSTEM

2. Workshop Format
 Overview
- Structure
- Scoring
- Help
- Q & A
 Speaking and Listening
 Writing
 Reading

3. The Test
 All Candidates are tested in listening, reading,
writing and speaking.
 Listening 30 mins
 Reading 60 mins
 Writing 60 mins
 Speaking 11 – 14 mins
 Total test time 2 hours 45 minutes excluding
breaks.

4. Listening
 Time: 30 minutes 4 sections, 40 questions
 Real-world listening situations
 Difficulty
 Range of topics and tasks
- listening for specific information e.g.dates,
place names
- understanding gist
- understanding speaker attitude/opinion

5. Listening Test Format
 Section 1: conversation – 2 speakers
 Section 2: monologue
 Section 3: conversation – 4 speakers
 Section 4: lecture

6. General listening strategies
 Recording is played once
 Read question CAREFULLY BEFORE listening
 Familiarise yourself with question types
- completing a chart
- selecting pictures
- note-taking exercises

7. Reading

Time: 60 minutes 3 reading passages, totally
40 questions
 Texts are taken from books, magazines,
journals and newspapers
 Question types
- find detailed information
- identify attitudes and views
- complete a diagram

8. General Reading Strategies
 Identify reading skills being tested
 Practise these skills

9. Writing
 Time: 60 minutes 2 tasks
 Task 1(20mins): descriptive report of a table or
diagram, 150 words
 Task 2(40 mins):250 word essay in response
to an opinion or a problem.
 Discuss issues, construct an argument and
use the appropriate tone and register.

10. General Writing Strategies
 Read the question carefully
 Familiarise yourself with descriptions of data –
in newspapers, textbooks
 Practise formulating your own ideas on topics

11. Speaking
 Time: 10 – 15 minutes
 Face to face interview between one candidate
and one examiner.
 Part 1(4-5mins): Introduction and interview
 Part 2(1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk
 Part 3(4-5 mins): Discussion topics

12. Speaking
 Speak fluently and link ideas coherently
 Demonstrate a range of appropriate
vocabulary
 Use accurate grammar and appropriate
register
 Speak so that a listener can understand

13. Speaking strategies
 Part 1
 Take the initiative if possible
 Always say more than yes or no
 Try to overcome nerves

14. Speaking Strategies
 Part 2
- Take the 1 min preparation time
- write down some main ideas
- Sound interested in the talk

15. Speaking Strategies
 Part 3
- Give informed responses
- Demonstrate your control of the language
- Attempt to express abstract ideas
- Support your opinions
- Show that you are willing to provide extended
replies

16. Scoring
 IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s
ability to use English
 Candidates receive a score on a Band Scale
from 1-9

17. Scores on the IELTS test are graded into nine
bands as follows:
 Band 0-Did not attempt the test
 Band 1-Non User
 Band 2-Intermittent User
 Band 3-Extremely Limited User
 Band 4-Limited User
 Band 5-Modest User

18.  Band 6-Competent User
 Has generally effective command of the
language despite some inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can
use and understand fairly complex language,
particularly in familiar situations.

19.  Band 7-Good User
 Band 8-Very Good User

Band 9 -Expert User

20. General Strategies
 Familiarise yourself with the test.
 Practise
 Time Management

21. Useful websites
 UGC Introductory site
http://www.ugccepa.com
 IELTS homepage
http://www.ielts.org/index.htm
 ELC homepage http://elc.polyu.edu.hk