IELTS
International English Testing System
Familiarisation Workshops
English Language Centre
Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
Workshop Format
Overview
-
Structure
Scoring
Help
Q&A
Speaking and Listening
Writing
Reading
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.
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
Listening Test Format
Section
Section
Section
Section
1:
2:
3:
4:
conversation – 2 speakers
monologue
conversation – 4 speakers
lecture
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
-MC questions
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
General Reading Strategies
Identify reading skills being tested
Practise these skills
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.
General Writing Strategies
Read the question carefully
Familiarise yourself with descriptions
of data – in newspapers, textbooks
Practise formulating your own ideas
on topics
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
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
Speaking strategies
Part 1
– Take the initiative if possible
– Always say more than yes or no
– Try to overcome nerves
Speaking Strategies
Part 2
- Take the 1 min preparation time
- Jot down some main ideas
- Sound interested in the talk
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
Scoring
IELTS provides a profile of a
candidate’s ability to use English
Candidates receive a score on a Band
Scale from 1-9
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
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.
Band 7-Good User
Band 8-Very Good User
Band 9 -Expert User
General Strategies
Familiarise yourself with the test.
Practise
Time Management
Help
CILL – Centre for Independent Language
Learning, Core A 3/F
SAP – Speaking Assistance Programme
Core A 3/F
WAP – Writing Assistance Programme
Core A 3/F
Useful books
Cambridge IELTS 3 with answers
Insight into IELTS – Vanessa
Jakeman & Clare McDowell (CUP)
Useful websites
UGC Introductory site
http://www.ugccepa.com
IELTS homepage
http://www.ielts.org/index.htm
ELC homepage
http://elc.polyu.edu.hk