07-12-2012, 01:14 PM
Handbook 2007
Handbook.pdf (Size: 461.69 KB / Downloads: 57)
Introduction
This Handbook gives an overview of IELTS for teachers,
administrators and other users, including staff in receiving
organisations such as universities, professional registration
boards and employers. It outlines the key features and
administrative procedures for IELTS.
The Handbook does not include complete samples of the test
components; these are given in the Official IELTS Practice
Materials pack, which can be bought from IELTS test centres,
or from Cambridge ESOL or IDP: IELTS Australia (see page 20).
Additional information is given on the IELTS website
What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System,
is designed to assess the language ability of candidates
who need to study or work where English is the language
of communication.
IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP: IELTS
Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards
of language assessment. It covers the four language skills –
listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many
countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK
and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies,
immigration authorities and other government agencies.
IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
Test Administration
IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world –
there are currently over 300 centres operating in more than 100
countries. Centres supervise the local administration of the test
and ensure the provision of qualified and trained examiners.
A full list of centres is available on the IELTS website.
Test centres run regular test administrations, according to local
need and results are available within two weeks. Candidates
receive only one copy of their results but additional copies may
be sent by the test centre directly to receiving organisations at
the request of the candidate.
Academic and General Training
IELTS is available in two formats – Academic and General
Training.
The Academic Reading and Writing tests assess whether
a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English
at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to
undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on
the results of these tests.
The General Training Reading and Writing tests are not designed
to test the full range of formal language skills required for
academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a
broad social and educational context. General Training is
suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking
countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake
work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or
for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Test Format
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and
speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking
tests. There is a choice between Academic and General Training
in the Reading and Writing tests.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from
non-user to expert user.
The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing –
must be completed in one day. There is no break between the
tests. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the
test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other
tests.
Preparing for the Test
It is not necessary to attend an IELTS preparation course though
it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test.
An order form is given at the end of this Handbook for an Official
IELTS Practice Materials pack. This includes a full practice test
with an answer key and a CD of the Listening test and sample
Speaking tests, so that candidates can get some idea of their
level and familiarise themselves with the format of the test.
Interpretation of Results
Assessment of performance in IELTS depends on how the
candidate’s ability in English relates to the language demands
of courses of study or training, not on reaching a fixed pass
mark. The appropriate level required for a given course of study
or training is ultimately something which institutions/departments/
colleges must decide in the light of knowledge of their own
courses and their experience of overseas students taking them.
The table below gives guidance on acceptable levels of
performance for different courses. It should be noted, however,
that many diverse variables can affect performance on courses,
of which language ability is but one.
Receiving organisations are advised to consider both the
Overall Band Score and the bands recorded for each individual
test, which indicate the candidate’s particular strengths or
weaknesses. Language skills can be matched to particular
courses. For example, if a course has a lot of reading and
writing, but no lectures, listening comprehension might not be
quite as important and a score of, perhaps, 5.5-6 in Listening
might be acceptable if the Overall Band Score was 7. However,
for a course where there are lots of lectures and spoken
instructions a score of 5.5-6 in Listening might be unacceptable
even though the Overall Band Score was 7. Receiving
organisations should also consider a candidate’s IELTS results in
the context of a number of factors, including age and motivation,
educational and cultural background, first language and
language learning history.