A I T D : 27 February 2011

Mar 5, 2011

Mar 2, 2011

English Grammar Contents

ADJECTIVES

ADVERBS

DETERMINERS

DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH

-ING FORM

NOUNS

PASSIVE

POSSESSIVE WITH 'S AND '

possessive

RELATIVE CLAUSES

THE INFINITIVE

TO GET

VERBS AND VERB TENSES

IELTS an international testing system, gauges both knowledge and communication skills of students in the English language. It is a necessary tool that assists people who plan to work in English speaking countries. The test of the pudding is in the eating; hence students taking the IELTS test would be required to hone their language skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing English as per Cambridge and British Council standards.

IELTS Test Dates are on stipulated days every few months. Not all centers conduct tests on all the dates specified. Usually two dates are marked for General Training every month. Four dates in a month are marked for Academic tests.

The IELTS modules on Listening, Reading and Writing will be held on the same day. The module on Speaking can be taken any time within the week. Those aspiring to study in English speaking universities and institutions of higher education would take the Academic Version of IELTS Test. In the case of those desiring to immigrate for work purposes, the General Training Version of IELTS would be applicable

IELTS British Council

Thirty nine cities in India have registered under IELTS British Council. There is a wide range offered in the line of registration and payment selections. The benefit on registering with the British Council is the receipt of a copy of IELTS past papers provision for students. Practice modules through online preparations are offered. The online services are provided only by selected test centers managed by the British Council.

IELTS Application form should be submitted at the British Council Office along with IELTS fee by DD in favor of The British Council. Provision for top IELTS books are also made at IELTS selected centers of the British Council. IELTS results are obtained from the website of the British council managed IELTS centers. IELTS Results are processed through the Express Marking system. IELTS Exam Dates must be checked by students and confirmed online.

IELTS coaching centers

Student preparation for IELTS Courses through coaching centers is conducted in several centers all over the world. IELTS India coaching centers are found in the cities and towns like Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai and others. IELTS material along with IELTS practice is provided to students. IELTS is accepted in all of Britain, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa. Moreover other professional organizations as well as around 2000 academic institutions in the U.S. accept IELTS. This test is necessary for those immigrating to places like Canada and Australia. IELTS books are available for IELTS preparation. Free downloads of IELTS test material as well as test practice aids are available on IELTS websites.

IELTS Score

The scale of IELTS Test scores range from abilities of non-user to expert user. The nine band scale corresponds to a specific competency in the language. IELTS score calculator is used to calculate the IELTS score as per the score table. The final scoring is shown on the IELTS score card. Score processing and reporting is carried out by trained IELTS professionals. The score report can be mailed within a fortnight of the IELTS test. IELTS scores can be checked on IELTS websites.

The Nine Band Description of IELTS scores is:

0. Did not attempt the test
1. Non User
2. Intermittent User
3. Extremely Limited User
4. Limited User
5. Modest User
6. Competent User
7. Good User
8. Very Good User
9. Expert User

The IELTS Test

It is helpful to understand how the IELTS test is conducted and how to avoid the potential pitfalls. We will tell you what goes on during the test so that you are familiar with the procedure before you even take it. Anyone who has taken an exam for the second time knows how much easier it is compared with the first - simply because they know what to expect.
We will look briefly at what the IELTS test is for to make sure you are taking the right exam! We will then discuss all aspects of the IELTS test from application to receiving your result. In depth details of each of the modules - listening, reading, writing and speaking - can be found on their own pages, but read this page first to understand how the test is conducted and be aware of any hazards along the way.

What is the IELTS test?

IELTS is an English testing system designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. It is not considered suitable for candidates under 16 years old.

Many academic institutions, employers and immigration authorities require you to have a certain IELTS score before your application is accepted.
Parts of the IELTS test, namely the reading and writing modules, differ depending on whether you are taking the Academic or General Training version. Academic is for those wanting to study abroad while General Training is aimed at those wishing to emigrate or work abroad.
If you haven’t already done so, you should visit the official IELTS website to get information in more depth. I would recommend you download the IELTS Information for Candidatesbooklet.
If you don't have a reader for PDF files you can download Adobe Reader here (free).

Should you take the IELTS test?

The IELTS test is necessary only if you want to work, study or emigrate abroad andan IELTS score is required either by the organisation you are going to or the immigration authorities.

Remember, IELTS is a business, not a charity. To be successful in business you need to have a good product. This involves extensive research and development. The IELTS Handbook explains how Cambridge ESOL develop and validate the IELTS tests. Needless to say this costs money. This, together with the increasing demand for IELTS, goes some way towards explaining the test fee.
As the cost of the IELTS test varies from country to country you will need to check with your local centre to find the actual cost to you.

It can be very expensive to take the IELTS test. Those of you in developing countries in particular will be aware of this. Not only do you need to pay the examination fees, you should also consider the cost of travel to the nearest IELTS test centre andaccommodation while you are there. In some countries you may have to travel hundreds, perhaps thousands, of kilometres to the nearest IELTS test centre. IELTS preparation, if required, can also be costly and should be taken into consideration.
You should note that there are other similar English testing systems used by universities, organisations and immigration authorities, notably TOEFL. Do not assume that IELTS will be acceptable to the university or organisation to which you want to apply. Some only accept TOEFL so be sure to check first.
You should also be aware that IELTS recommends that your IELTS result is valid for up to 2 years and some organisations will only accept your result if it is more recent than that. So, don’t take the IELTS test just because it might be useful in the future …
If all you want is a measure of your own English ability it is likely you will find a better, and possibly cheaper, alternative to the IELTS test.
You can see from our comments above that you should be certain the IELTS test isnecessary for you – unless, of course, money is no object. Don’t waste your money on something you don’t need.
One last consideration is that, even though an organisation may require an IELTS score, you may be able to convince them otherwise. Some universities and organisations will waive this requirement if you already have some other equivalent qualification (TOEFL, perhaps) or if you can demonstrate your English ability in some other way such as a telephone interview. They are more likely to be amenable to this request if you have a good reason for not wanting to take the IELTS test, e.g. you would have to travel a long way to do it. So make enquiries, it could save you a lot of money!

Applying for the IELTS test

Again, this information is best obtained from the official IELTS website or your local Test Centre to ensure you have up-to-date information. The IELTS Handbook and Information for Candidates both explain how to apply to take the IELTS test; however, we will explain the process briefly here and add some of our own comments.
You apply to your local IELTS Test Centre, so first you need to find out where your nearest IELTS Test Centre is. You can use our Test Centre search facility or go direct to the IELTS site and use their's. You can find your nearest IELTS Test Centre together with its address and contact details as well as upcoming test dates.
If convenient, go to the IELTS Test Centre yourself and get any free information they have, as well as an application form. Test Centres also sell specimen materials. If it’s not easy for you to go to the Test Centre you can download the application form from the official IELTS website. Alternatively you could contact them and ask them to post details and an application form to you.

One thing we don’t like about the application form is that you are expected to provide personal information that is notrelevant to taking the IELTS test. We can understand that IELTS can make good use of this information for statistical purposes but don’t see why you should be obligedto provide this information e.g. questions 12-15, 21-22.
They then have the gall to ask you to pay £10 for the privilege of seeing the data they are storing on you!

When you have decided what date you want to take the IELTS test, fill in the application form. Read the form carefully and complete it as directed. Make sure you enter the correct format, Academic or General Training depending on the requirements of the organisation you wish to apply to. You will be completing it in your second language so don’t be afraid to ask a native English speaking friend, or someone with very good English (a teacher?), to check you have completed the form correctly. If you are applying at short notice the last thing you want is to have your application returned.
Before signing your application be sure to read the Declaration carefully – not that you have much choice but to agree if IELTS is a requirement of the university or organisation you wish to attend.
A note about your ID. You must provide the same ID on test day as you put on your application form – a different ID will result in you not being allowed to take the IELTS test. If, for some reason, you have to renew your ID or if you lose it, contact the IELTS test centre immediately so that they can find some other way of verifying your identity. If you do not notify the IELTS test centre before test day your ID will not be acceptable.

All this concern about ID may lead you to think that IELTS is being overly paranoid. We can assure you that their concerns are fully justified. The stakes are high so the temptation to substitute a candidate with another person is always going to be present.
If IELTS failed to take this seriously the credibility of the exam results would suffer. So bear with the administration staff and examiners when they check your ID.

Renewing your ID often results in a new number being issued. Some IELTS test centres also require a photocopy of your ID and if this is different, even if it has the same number, you will not be allowed to take the IELTS test. If in doubt, contact your IELTS test centre.
After completing the form, take or post it to the IELTS test centre together with the test fee and two passport sized photos.
Be sure to read and keep page (i) of the application form (part of the separate pages fixed in the middle). This lists the Rules and Regulations as well as giving advice and information. You should read this again, just before going to the test centre, to ensure you don’t inadvertently infringe any of the rules that could result in your disqualification from the IELTS test.
Many centres do speaking interviews on a different day to the main test. If you need to have the interview on the same day as the main test be sure to write a covering letter indicating this and explaining why. The IELTS test centre will oblige if possible.
Once your application has been received and processed you will be sent a confirmation letter with details of the time and date of the test. You will also receive other instructions such as what to do on arrival, where to go and so on. Read these carefully. Every IELTS test centre is different so we can’t give you more specific details here.

A note on cheating:
DON’T!
The stakes are high and so the temptation to cheat is bound to be there. Quite apart from the fact that cheating is immoral, if you are caught you will not be given an IELTS result and may be refused any future application to do the test.
The test is designed such that it is very difficult to cheat and get away with it. Even if you are not actually caught cheating during the test you can be sure that the examiners marking it will detect it and mark accordingly.
As an example, it is easy for an IELTS examiner to spot memorised scripts and they are marked down accordingly. So, even by cheating, you are unlikely to get a higher score than you warrant.
As a final thought on this subject, do you really want an IELTS score that is higher than your true English level? Minimum IELTS scores are required for a reason. If it’s for study, you can be sure that you need this level to be able to complete your course satisfactorily. Imagine the stress when you can’t understand what your lecturer is saying or what’s in the texts you’re reading. If it's for emigration, imagine the frustration of not being able to communicate with your neighbours or colleagues.
Your aim should be to get the IELTS score you merit. Not a higher one by cheating and certainly not lower - that’s why Your IELTS Guide is here to help you!

Test Day

When you arrive, follow the instructions you have been sent by the IELTS test centre. Every IELTS test centre is different but you will need to register your arrival and have your ID checked. You will then be shown to your seat in the examination room. There will be a place assigned specifically to you. You will not be allowed to take your belongings, including mobile phones, into the exam room and will be asked to leave them in a separate area outside the room.
The exam room doors will be closed at a specifci time before the start of the exam. The exact time will depend on the Test Centre but anyone arriving after this time will not be allowed to take the IELTS test. Listen carefully to the instructions the invigilator gives you. If you can’t hear the invigilator clearly, put up your hand and tell them your problem. They will speak up or increase the volume.
Note that once the exam has officially started you are not allowed to talk. If you require assistance raise your hand. You will know when the test has officially started because the invigilator will state this clearly.
During the test you will be asked to write your name not only on the answer sheets but also on the question papers. This is to ensure all papers are returned.
Whilst it is important to fill in your details correctly, don’t get concerned if you later think you forgot to fill something in. It is not uncommon for candidates to go to the invigilator after the test because they think they forgot to put their name on one of the answer or question sheets. In most cases they have completed the information correctly. In any case, there is a lot of redundancy built in so, as long as your candidate number is on the form, there should not be a problem. The invigilators should also be checking the answer sheets as they collect them so they will notice if any haven’t been completed properly. In other words, don’t fret about filling in the answer sheets correctly once they have been collected – just get on with the rest of the exam. IELTS is not trying to catch you out!
The listening module is the first to be tested followed by reading and then writing. The speaking module is tested separately and you will be interviewed individually.
Each module, listening, reading, writing and speaking, is discussed in detail on its own page.
Once the final module, writing, has been completed and the papers collected in, the invigilator will thank you for you cooperation and allow you to leave.
Please remember that other candidates may still be finishing their IELTS test in other rooms so please be quiet as you rush to the toilets. ;-)
Once you have completed this morning and your speaking interview it just remains for you to wait for your IELTS test results, which will be issued after 13 days. It might be possible at some Test Centres to arrange to collect your Test Report Form on the 13^th day, but you will need to check with the test centre about that. Test Centres are not allowed to notify any results by phone, by fax or by e-mail.

Can have / Could have

We can use 'could have' to talk about something somebody was capable of doing but didn't do.
I could have gone to Oxford University but I preferred Harvard.

She could have married him but she didn't want to.

They could have bought a house here 20 years ago but chose not to.

Often, there is a sense of criticism.
You could have phoned me to let me know.

They could have helped me instead of just sitting there.

I could have done more to help you. Sorry.

We can use 'couldn't have' to talk about something we were not capable of doing.
I couldn't have managed without you.

I couldn't have got the job. He was always going to appoint his nephew.

I couldn't have enjoyed myself more. Thank you for a lovely day.

We can use 'could have' to speculate about what has happened. (We can also use 'may have' or 'might have' in these situations.)
She could have taken the earlier train.

Simon could have told her.

They could have overheard what we said.

We can also use 'can have' to speculate about what has happened but only in questions and negative sentences and with words such as 'hardly', 'never' and 'only'.
Can she have forgotten about our meeting?

He can't have seen us.

They can hardly have thought that I was not interested in the job.

We can also use 'could have' to speculate about something that didn't happen.
You could have broken your neck, jumping out the window like that.

He could have hurt somebody, throwing a bottle out of the window like that.

I could have done well in my exam if I'd worked harder.

You can also use 'could have' to talk about possible present situations that have not happened.
I could have been earning a lot as an accountant but the work was just too boring.

He could have been Prime Minister now but he got involved in a big financial scandal.

They could have been the market leaders now if they had taken his advice.

Past simple

We use the past simple to talk about actions and states which we see as completed in the past.
We can use it to talk about a specific point in time.
She came back last Friday.

I saw her in the street.

They didn't agree to the deal.

It can also be used to talk about a period of time.
She lived in Tokyo for seven years.

They were in London from Monday to Thursday of last week.

When I was living in New York, I went to all the art exhibitions I could.

You will often find the past simple used with time expressions such as these:
Yesterday

three weeks ago

last year

in 2002

from March to June

for a long time

for 6 weeks

in the 1980s

in the last century

in the past

e

Present simple or continuous

The Present Simple is used for:
regular actions or events
He plays tennis most weekends.

facts
The sun rises in the east.

facts known about the future
We leave at 8.30 next Monday

thoughts and feelings about the time of speaking
I don't feel very well.

The Present Continuous is used for:
the time of speaking ('now')
Shh, I'm trying to hear what they are saying .

things which are true at the moment but not always
We're looking for a new flat.

present plans for the future
We're having dinner with them next week .

Look at these examples :
I don't usually have cereals for breakfast but I'm having some this morning because there is nothing else.

I often cycle to work but I'm taking the car this morning because it's raining very hard.

I'm thinking about having my hair cut short but I don't think my husband will be very happy about it.

My parents live in Washington but I'm just visiting.

A I T D

Why Is training needed everywhere?

Mar 5, 2011

English Language Learners

Mar 2, 2011

English Grammar Contents

English Grammar Contents

IELTS

IELTS British Council

IELTS coaching centers

IELTS Score

The IELTS Test

What is the IELTS test?

Should you take the IELTS test?

Applying for the IELTS test

Test Day

Can have / Could have

Past simple

Present simple or continuous