The document discusses reasons for adopting the IELTS exam for English courses at Kuwait University's Language Center. It notes that using IELTS will provide internationally accepted grading standards, a vast bank of reading and listening materials, and motivation for students to improve their English in order to obtain jobs requiring the exam. The document also responds to objections about using IELTS books, stating that teachers can choose relevant sections and that the books develop skills needed for university study. It concludes that the IELTS materials properly prepare science students for both their studies and careers through academic English learning.

1. Kuwait University Language Center ELU, Science IELTS for 161 and 162 English CoursesPilot ProjectFall 2009 / 2010

2. Reasons for Adopting IELTS Students will have the possibility of being graded according to internationally accepted standards with external exams, but only if they choose to continue their English studies outside the unit, by having top-up courses before they sit IELTS exams. Coordinators and teachers will no longer be responsible for setting exam questions that may vary in level of difficulty from one year to the next. There is a vast bank of reading and listening passagesavailable in the existing IELTS textbooks.

3. Reasons for Adopting IELTS Students may be more motivated to pass English if they know that they will be able to sit internationally recognized exams, which may help them to obtain jobs in the future. All staff will be accountable and judged by the results of individual classes. However, this will be very informal and only if students in their classes choose to sit IELTS exams.

4. Reasons for Adopting IELTS There will be transparency of motives and goals. The unit will be competitive with rival institutions, such as AUK and GUST. The courses will create a multicultural atmosphere for international understanding. The courses will produce dynamic communicators.

5. Reasons for Adopting IELTS The development of the courses will allow for continuous research in the art and science of teaching and learning English. There will be a higher academic standard for all the skills. The unit will maintain a unified standard of performance and ability across the college and across the disciplines.

6. Reasons for using Objective IELTS (advanced): Covers all skills:

7. Response to Objections to Using IELTS Books: 1 Teachers can pick and choose which sections are relevant to the ELU Science students. 2 The courses give the students the opportunity to sit external IELTS exams. This will help them when they are trying to obtain jobs. 3 The IELTS books have been written to develop the needs of students studying in universities. 4 The unit does not expect or and will not force all the students to sit external exams.

8. Response to Objections to Using IELTS Books: 5 The 161 and 162 courses motivate bilingual students. 6 The CD-ROMs help the students master English. 7 The courses are integrated and based on interesting topics. 8 Teachers no longer have to select extra work from many different textbooks, if they need extra materials.

10. ELU Science = English Medium College Prepares studentsfor studies in English medium college. The end result of our courses is that the students will be able to study their science subjects effectively in English.

12. Number of Students who Studied IELTS, Fall Semester, 2009 – 2010

14. Grade Distribution

15. Breakdown of Marks for Second Semester, 2009 – 2010 (161) 30% for midterm 30% for final 20% for quizzes 10% for class work, homework and attendance 10% for speaking (5 for speech and 5 for presentation)

16. Breakdown of Marks for Second Semester, 2009 – 2010 (162) 15% for presentation and research booklet 35% for final 35% for midterm 15% for quizzes, class work, homework and attendance

17. Conclusion: ●We are preparing our students for their studies in the English-medium Faculty of Science. Our students need to learn academic English, and the IELTS books we have chosen are the best that are available for them. ● The books also prepare the students for their careers and give them the chance to sit external examinations. 17

18. Thank you