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IELTS TIPS |
2006-2-15 19:54:13
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Ever since the IELTS was certified for visascreen purposes
nurses, doctors, and others have moved towards it in hopes that it would be easier to pass than the TOEFL/TWE/TSE series of tests. Actually the old TOEFL/TWE/TSE is rapidly being phased out across the world. Frankly, that is good news. Very good news. The TOEFL-iBT is replacing it, but discussion on that test from me will come at a later time. But, back to the original point: The average scores for the IELTS are below what is needed as minimum for visascreen purposes. The TOEFL average scores are well above what is needed for visascreen. With the TOEFL/TWE/TSE regimen the stumbling block has always been the TSE. I have already dealt with the various myths
surrounding the TSE. Those same myths are primarily responsible for the low TSE scores. Now, let s get to some of the more prominent myths surrounding the IELTS.
Myth: A top 10 or top 20 rating by the British Council or IDP Australia
means an IELTS "reviewer" is very good.
Reality: Wrong. The rating given by the IELTS administrator is only for how many people the "reviewer" has registered for tests. It has nothing to do with the quality of their service or their "review". The British Council and the IDP Australia do not endorse any review centers. Showcasing a "top 10" rating is merely a marketing ploy - It means nothing to you and should never be used as a guide to choosing a reviewer.
Myth: If I choose a reviewer with an 88% or 94% or 100% pass rate I will do better.
Reality: As I stated in the myths of the TSE, companies use statistics like drunk people use lamp posts - to support a shaky proposition. Test results are all up to you. These claims of high pass rates (I m waiting for the day they get to 100% or even 110%!) are based on anything the reviewer decides - and they are pretty much meaningless. In fact the average (AVERAGE!) test results for the IELTS in the Philippines, India, and many other countries is below what is needed for visascreen purposes. Local reviewers, those that
use local instructors that learned English in the same schools you attended, are not a very good choice for you. Why would you re-learn English as you already learned it, especially when you know it is not good enough to pass the IELTS? Your reviewer must not only give you a short "conversation" with a native American English speaker (or native British English or Australian English speakers), but they must provide you with review materials in American, British, or Australian English and all their instructors must be native English speakers - otherwise you are in a zero-sum game.
Myth: The General test is the one for nurses and other healthcare
professionals.
Reality: No! You must take the Academic test version of the IELTS for
visascreen purposes. Pharmacists and Therapists are not eligible for the IELTS. They must take the TOEFL/TWE/TSE or the TOEFL-iBT.
Myth: You must sound like a Britisher or an Australian when you take the Speaking Module.
Reality: If you have had more exposure to British or Australian manners of pronunciation, diction, intonations, then you should use that as your model. However, in this day and age, more people around the world have had more exposure to American English. If that is the case with you then use normal American English pronunciations.
Myth: Test question "leakage" will help me prepare better for the IELTS.
Reality: Don t ever use "leaked" questions to prepare! You will never know what is going to be on the prompt card during the Speaking Module. You will also never really know what topics you will be given to write on until you are in the testing facility. The only effective method of preparation, acknowledged by the IELTS and all other English language proficiency test administrators, is total immersion in English: Reading, writing, speaking, and listening. There is no substitution for practice.
Myth: The IELTS makes it hard for examinees because they only let you take the test once every ninety (90) days.
Reality: The IELTS is changing their policy, but not their philosophy. The policy will allow candidates to take the test as often as they want. The philosophy put forth by the IELTS is that no appreciable progress in one s English skills is possible in less than ninety days (ninety days of hard work and total immersion). The change is purported by the IELTS to be in response to candidates who are at a disadvantage timewise to complete their college entrance requirements or for visascreen purposes. Actually, I believe that it is due to pressure from their competition (the ETS with their TOEFL-iBT) and the need to increase revenues. Don t ever forget that this is all about making money.
Myth: Having a live interviewer for the Speaking Module of the IELTS makes the test easier.
Reality: The live interviewer is welcome by some, and a source of great nervousness and anxiety by others. Some people prefer making a recording, others thrive with the live interviewer. Much of this particular myth was precipitated from the Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB). The MELAB English test was passed by nearly 100% who took it (at least the speaking portion). The MELAB was disallowed for healthcare workers visascreen purposes years ago at MELAB s request. Popular opinion is that the test was much too easy and that the visascreen folks wanted it made more difficult - something that could not be easily done. In any event, urban
legend had it that because the MELAB had a live interviewer and was easy to pass the IELTS must be easy to pass because it also incorporates a live interviewer for the Speaking Module. Not so, folks.
Myth: The Speaking Module of the IELTS, if passed with a 7.0 or higher, can be combined with the TOEFL for visa screen purposes.
Reality: The IELTS and TOEFL are two separate tests administered and created by two separate companies. They may not be combined for any purpose. How this myth got started is hardly a mystery. Desperate people wishing to complete all the requirements to work overseas will try anything. In short, however, I have to tell you that trying to pass the IELTS by using instructors who took the same English classes as you, in the same country you are from, is like learning to swim by riding a bicycle. You need a native British or American English speaker as a model. You also need total immersion in the English language.
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