An Overview of the Required Tests February 2008 Doha, Qatar SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS.

An Overview of the Required Tests

February 2008Doha, Qatar

SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS

http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx

http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx

Admission TestsSATACT

English Language Proficiency TestsTOEFLIELTS

Presenters

Carol Blythe – SAT

Patrick Bourgeacq – ACT

Terry Axe – TOEFL

Craig McWilliam - IELTS

SATCarol BlytheInterim DirectorOffice of International EducationWashington, DC

Overview

The SAT is a university admission test that measures the critical thinking and problem solving skills that are learned in high school and important for success in college.

It is made up of 3 parts:• Writing

• Mathematics

• Critical Reading

Overview

There are 6 International test dates per year• October, November, December, January, May and June

Fees • SAT Reasoning Test………………$45

• International Processing Fee……..$25

• Register on the Web………...……..FREE

www.collegeboard.com

Section Content No. of Items Time

Critical Reading Extended reasoning 36-40 70 minutes (two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section)

Literal comprehension 4-6

Vocabulary in context 4-6

Sentence completions 19

Total 67

Mathematics Number & Operations 11-14 70 minutes (two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section)

Algebra & functions 19-22

Geometry & measurement 14-16

Data analysis, statistics, & probability

5-8

Total 54

Writing Essay 1 60 minutes (one 25-minute essay and one 25-minute multiple choice section and one 10-minute multiple choice section)

Improving sentences 25

Identifying sentence errors 18

Improving paragraphs 6

Total 50

Format

The SAT has 10 total testing sections.

• The first section is always a 25-minute essay

• The last section is always a 10-minute multiple-choice writing section.

• Sections two through seven are 25-minute sections.

• Sections eight and nine are 20-minute sections.

• Test-takers sitting next to each other in the same session may have test books with entirely different content orders for sections two through nine (math, critical reading, and writing).

Format

Format (Writing Section)

The writing section:

• The SAT begins with an essay. You'll be asked to present and support a point of view on a specific issue. Because you have only 25 minutes, your essay is not expected to be polished—it is meant to be a first draft.

• The SAT writing section also includes three types of multiple-choice questions:

• Improving sentences (25 questions)

• Identifying sentence errors (18 questions)

• Improving paragraphs (6 questions)

Format (Writing Section) Time

• 60 min.

Content• Grammar, usage, and word choice

Item Types • Multiple choice questions (35 min.) and student-written essay (25

min.)

Score • 200-800

Format (Critical Reading)

Time• 70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section)

Content• Critical reading and sentence-level reading

Item Types• Reading comprehension, sentence completions, and paragraph-

length critical reading

Score• 200-800

Format (Mathematics)

Time• 70 min. (two 25-min. sections and one 20-min. section)

Content • Number and operations; algebra and functions; geometry;

statistics, probability, and data analysis

Item Types• Five-choice multiple-choice questions and student-produced

responses

Score • 200-800

Format (Time)

The total testing time for the SAT is 3 hours and 45 minutes—not including breaks, check-in time, and pre-administration activities. The total time you should plan on being at the test center is approximately five hours.

When should you take the SAT?

Students need to plan to take the test so that the results reach the university by the university application deadline.

Many students take the test in May or June of their Junior year (Grade 11)

Students might also take the test in October, November, or December of their senior year (Grade 12)

Why do colleges value the SAT?

Helps them overcome the challenges of unequal opportunities, variable standards and grade inflation.

Provides a valid, nationally consistent measure of what students have learned and how well they apply that knowledge.

Helps colleges match the right student with the right institution to maximize student success.

Colleges’ Use of Scores

SAT adds more value to student transcripts and other admission information

High correlation between SAT scores and college success

SAT writing section used in admission and placement

Preparation Tips

Become familiar with the test

If available take PSAT or PSSS

Challenge yourself with a rigorous high school curriculum.

Take an official SAT practice test (on-line, preparation booklet…)

• Reinforce your test-taking skills

• Learn which areas need additional study

• Practice with the same directions found on the actual SAT

• Understand how to complete the grid-in, student-produced response section

Free Test Preparation Tips


Official SAT Practice Questions

The Official SAT Question of the Day™Practice with a daily question, hint, and explanation.

Official SAT Practice TestPrint and take a practice test, then get a score report and answer explanations.

The Official SAT Online Course™

The online course features: Six official SAT practice tests

Answer explanations for every question

Interactive instruction

Immediate essay scoring Price $69.95

The Official SAT Study Guide™ Price $19.95

Other Test Preparation Tips

Coming soon in May 2008SAT Skills Map

The SAT Skills Map is a free, online resource that shows students exactly the types of skills that are tested on the SAT.

The SAT Skills Map shows students how specific academic skills yield specific scores, and provides sample SAT questions and answers for skills that are taught in high school and measured on the SAT.

The SAT Skills Map shows students which skills they can sharpen to do better in school, on the test, and in college.

Scores• The SAT has three scores, each on the scale

of 200 to 800.

• Your score includes writing (W 200-800), mathematics (M 200-800), and critical reading (CR 200-800).

• Two subscores are given for the writing section: a multiple-choice subscore on a scale of 20-80, and an essay subscore on a scale of 2-12.

Scores

The SAT Online Score Report

The SAT online score report is available free to every student who takes the SAT—all you need is a free collegeboard.com account.

While you'll still receive your SAT score report in the mail, the SAT online score report contains additional features to help you understand your SAT scores.

Fall 2007: the SAT online score report now shows you more about how you performed on each section of the SAT Reasoning Test™. It gives you the types of questions, level of difficulty, and how many in each group of questions you answered correctly, incorrectly, or omitted. Percentile information has also been enhanced to give you better comparisons with other groups of test-takers.

https://ecl.collegeboard.com/account/login.jsp

Student’s Score Report

Sending SAT Scores

In addition to the score reports you chose to send when you registered for the SAT, you can send scores to other colleges and scholarship programs for an additional fee. We will report scores that are available and reportable at the time your request is received.

Only score reports from completed and scored tests will be sent. You can only send scores that appear next to test dates on your SAT Status page. Scores from future tests for which you have registered, but have not yet completed, will not be included.

Scores are mailed to you, and the additional colleges and programs requested, approximately four weeks after we process your request. Please remember that an additional week may be needed for the score recipients to process your scores, once they receive them.

Rush reporting is available for an additional fee. Rush scores are sent two business days after your request is received. Be sure to check with the institutions before requesting this service: not all colleges can accept rush reporting.

Remember, most colleges and universities require official score reports sent from the College Board.

Additional Information

Your official printed score report will be mailed to you, your high school, and to colleges and scholarship programs designated on your Registration Form about five weeks after the test.

You may also get your SAT scores with Scores by Phone. An additional fee applies.

Scores

Contacts


[email protected]

212-713-3389 (phone number)

College-Entrance Exam

For Entry into U.S. Colleges and Universities

Patrick Bourgeacq

Director, International Service Relationships

ACT, Inc.

Iowa City, Iowa USA

Overview

What is “the ACT”?

• The ACT is a college-entrance exam.• It is used by colleges and universities in the United

States and elsewhere.• They use it to evaluate applicants to their institutions, as

well as to place incoming students in first-year courses of appropriate difficulty.

Overview

What Does the ACT Measure?

• The ACT measures a student’s ability to perform university-level work.

• It contains five curriculum-based tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Writing.

• Because the ACT is curriculum based, performance on these five tests has a direct relationship to a student’s educational achievement.

• In short, the ACT measures what students are learning in high school and what they are expected to know when entering university.

Overview

Philosophy Behind the ACT

The ACT is based on the philosophy that the best way to measure students’ readiness for postsecondary education is to measure as directly as possible the knowledge and skills students will need to perform university-level work.

ACT chose to focus on the curriculum for the exam because these are skills that students can learn.

The ACT has Two Parts1. The Multiple-Choice Exam

2. The Optional Writing Exam

Format

Exam Duration• Total testing time for the multiple-choice exam is 2 hours and 55

minutes.• Total testing time for the optional Writing exam is 30 minutes.

Format

Cost to Take the ACT

• The ACT (just multiple choice) – US$30.00• The “ACT Plus Writing” – US$44.50

Note: If taken outside the US and Canada, an international surcharge of US$22.00 applies.

Format

Multiple-Choice Exam• The multiple-choice exam covers the following content areas:

1. English2. Mathematics3. Reading4. Science Reasoning

• The four multiple-choice tests are scored individually (1-36) and as an overall Composite score (also 1-36)

• The Composite score is the average of the scores from the four individual multiple-choice tests.

Format

ACT English Test• Measures understanding of standard written English (punctuation,

grammar & usage, sentence structure).• Measures rhetorical skills (strategy, organization, style).• Spelling, vocabulary, and rote recall of rules of grammar are not

tested.

75 questions, 45 minutes• Usage/Mechanics

– Punctuation (10 questions)– Grammar and Usage (12 questions)– Sentence Structure (18 questions)

• Rhetorical Skills– Strategy (12 questions)– Organization (11 questions)– Style (12 questions)

Format

ACT Math Test• Measures the math skills students typically acquire in courses taken up to

the start of their last year in secondary school.• Requires students to use reasoning skills to solve practical problems in

math.• Assumes knowledge of basic formulas and computational skills, but does

not require memorization of complex formulas or extensive calculation.• Calculators are permitted.

60 questions, 60 minutes– Pre-Algebra (14 questions)– Elementary Algebra (10 questions)– Intermediate Algebra (9 questions)– Coordinate Geometry (9 questions)– Plane Geometry (14 questions)– Trigonometry (4 questions)

Format

ACT Reading Test• Measures reading comprehension as a product of referring and

reasoning skills.• Requires students to derive meaning from texts by (1) referring to

what was explicitly stated in the text, and (2) reasoning to find implicit meanings.

• Uses four prose passages representative of the level and types of writing encountered in first-year university study.

40 questions, 35 minutes– Prose Fiction (10 questions)– Humanities (10 questions)– Social Studies (10 questions)– Natural Sciences (10 questions)

Format

ACT Science Test• Measures the student’s interpretation, analysis, evaluation,

reasoning, and problem solving skills required in the natural sciences.

• Four content areas are covered: (1) Biology, (2) Earth/Space Sciences, (3) Chemistry, and (4) Physics.

• 40 questions, 35 minutes• Three stimulus formats are used to present information for students to react

to:– Data Representation (15 questions)– Research Summaries (18 questions)– Conflicting Viewpoints (7 questions)

Format

ACT Writing Test (Optional)

• In addition to the standard multiple-choice exam, students also have the option of taking the ACT Writing Test.

• Measures writing skills emphasized in high school English classes and in entry-level university composition courses.

• One prompt, 30 minutes• The prompt defines an issue and describes two points of view on that issue.• Students are asked to write in English about their position on that issue.

Format

Why is the ACT Writing Test Optional?

• It’s optional because not all colleges and universities use it.• Before deciding whether to take the ACT Writing Test, students can

go to www.actstudent.org to find out if the institutions they are applying to require or recommend it.

Importance of the ACT to Universities

The ACT is used by every 4-year college and university in the United States. In addition to admissions, the ACT is used for—

– Student recruitment– Academic advising– Freshman course placement decisions– Awarding course credit, especially for English and Math courses– Awarding scholarships– Talent identification

When Should StudentsTake the ACT?

• Students should consider taking it during the Spring semester of their 11th grade, as they will likely have taken the necessary ACT subject material in school by that time.

• Testing in 11th grade gives them enough time to re-test if their scores aren’t what they had hoped for.

• Spring ACT test dates are in February, April, and June.• Also note that the optional Writing test is currently

offered internationally in April and in October.

When Should StudentsTake the ACT?

Available International ACTTest Dates

• The ACT is offered internationally in October, December, February, April, and June.

• Students wishing to take the ACT should go to www.actstudent.org to see exact dates and locations.

How to Preparefor the ACT

General PreparationSince the ACT is a curriculum-based exam, it is ACT’s belief that the best way to prepare

for the test is to take challenging courses in school and to work hard in those courses to learn the material.

Specific Preparation• Students will also find it helpful to take a practice test to familiarize themselves with

the structure and organization of the ACT and the types of questions they will see.• ACT offers a free sample test in the booklet “Preparing for the ACT,” which we send to

all guidance counselors who request it, free of charge. Students can also download it at www.actstudent.org/testprep/index.html.

• Students can find many free sample questions for each of the four multiple-choice tests by going to www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html.

• Students can find a free sample Writing prompt and sample responses by going to www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/index.html.

How to Preparefor the ACT

ACT Prep Materials for PurchaseIn addition to the free materials described in the earlier slide, ACT also

offers the following two additional test prep materials for purchase:– “The Real ACT Prep Guide”– “ACT Online Prep”

“The Real ACT Prep Guide”• Three practice tests used in previous actual test administrations—

each with an optional Writing Test • Explanations for all right and wrong answer choices • An in-depth look at the optional Writing Test and how it is scored • Valuable test-taking strategies for each test section: English,

Mathematics, Reading, Science, and the optional Writing • All you need to know about the ACT—formatting, structure,

registration, and how colleges interpret your scores • A review of important topics in English, math, science, and writing • How to prepare—physically, mentally, and emotionally—for test day• Price: $25.00

“ACT Online Prep”

• Practice tests with real ACT test questions • Practice essays for the new optional ACT Writing Test,

with real-time scoring • Comprehensive content review for each of the ACT's

four required tests—English, Math, Reading, and Science

• Diagnostic test and personalized Study Path • Anywhere, anytime access via the Internet• Price: $19.95

ACT Test-Taking Tips

• Pace yourself – don’t spend too much time on a single passage or question.

• Answer the easy questions first, then go back and answer the more difficult ones.

• Answer every question. Scores on the ACT multiple-choice tests are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for guessing.

• Go to www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html for many more test taking tips.

UnderstandingYour ACT Scores

The composite score is the average of your scores on the four multiple-choice subject area tests, rounded to the nearest whole number. (If you left any multiple-choice test completely blank, no Composite score is computed.) Your rank is expressed in numeric and graph form as the percentage of ACT-tested students the same as or lower than your score in your state and in the U.S.


This section shows your scores on each of the multiple-choice subject area tests and your associated subscores. Subscores give you information about your specific strengths and weaknesses in the areas these tests cover. The subscores are computed separately; there is no arithmetic relationship between subscores and a test score (i.e., the test score is not the sum of the subscores). If you left any multiple-choice test completely blank, that test score is reported as a dash (--).

The graph represents your ranks, expressed as the percent of ACT-tested high school students in the U.S. who scored the same as or lower than your scores on the multiple-choice subject area tests and your subscores. These ranks allow you to compare your scores to others.


• If you took both the English Test and the optional Writing Test, this section shows two additional scores: (1) a Combined English/Writing score and (2) a Writing subscore. Taking the Writing Test does not affect your Composite score.

• The Combined English/Writing score takes into account your English Test score and your Writing subscore from the same test date.

• The Writing subscore is the sum of the ratings from 1 (low) to 6 (high) given to your essay by two trained readers. Your report also provides some comments about your essay. One of the readers who rated your essay selected these comments to give you feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of your essay.


This section provides information about each of your first four college choices that you listed at the time you registered or tested, along with your self-reported information. You can compare information colleges provided about the profile of the colleges' enrolled first-year students.

The <<Your GPA>> field is calculated based on the grades that you provided when you registered.


This section allows you to compare important factors about your college choices you listed at the time you registered, such as the availability of your program of study, college costs, and percentage of students receiving financial aid.


Career-Planning with the ACT• As part of the registration process for the ACT, students

answer 72 questions about their likes and dislikes. Students answer whether they would Like, Dislike, or Are Indifferent To certain activities.

• Sample activities among the 72 asked:– Help someone make an important decision– Teach people a new hobby– Discuss a misleading advertisement with a salesperson– Present information before a group– Develop new rules or procedures– Find errors in a financial account

• When students receive their ACT scores, they also receive information about careers and occupations that match to their interests using our World-of-Work Map.

World-of-WorkMap

• All college majors and occupations differ in how much they involve working with four basic work tasks: working with People (care, services), Things (machines, materials), Data (facts, records), and Ideas (theories, insights). These four basic tasks are the compass points on the World-of-Work Map.

• The map is divided into 12 regions, each with a different mix of work tasks. The map shows the locations of 26 Career Areas (A-Z). Each Career Area contains many occupations that share similar work tasks.

Education & CareerPlanning Report

The ACT Interest Inventory measures preferences for working with four basic work tasks: working with people, things, data, and ideas. The Interest Inventory results are shaded on the World-of-Work Map.

This section lists Career Areas in line with your preferences. Students can use these results to explore educational and career options.


This section shows the college major the student you indicated when registering or testing. Because many students consider several options before selecting a major, this section lists related majors for the student to explore.


This section shows the occupation the student indicated when registering or testing. Because many students consider several options before making definite career plans, this section lists related occupations for the student to explore.


The student’s interest inventory results are expressed as shaded regions of the ACT World-of-Work Map.

The world of work is huge, so ACT makes career exploration easier by dividing the map into 12 regions.

The map regions contain groups of Career Areas in line with the student’s interests.


Registering to Take the ACT

Three Simple Steps:

1. Visit www.actstudent.org

2. Establish your free student Web account

3. Register for the ACT

TOEFL® iBT … Go Anywhere

Terry Axe

Associate Director, TOEFL

ETS, Princeton, NJ USA

63Confidential. Copyright © 2008 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo, TOEFL and TSE are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the United States of America and other countries throughout the world. Propell and TOEFL Accelerator are trademarks of ETS.

What is the TOEFL Test and Who Takes It?

• The Test of English as a Foreign Language™ measures the ability of nonnative English speakers to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings

• Primary reason to take TOEFL – Application for admission into universities or colleges where English is the language of instruction

• Also used for immigration, licensing, scholarships, and placement


The World’s Leading Academic English Proficiency Test

• 20 million test takers since 1964• Nearly 1 million registrations in 2007 • Available in more test centers in more

countries than any other English language proficiency test

• Recognized by more agencies and institutions than any other English language proficiency test


TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) Overview

• Delivered via the internet• Administered in official, secure test centers• Four sections taken in one session:

– Reading – Listening – Speaking– Writing

• All sections reflect academic English communication skills

• Note taking allowed


TOEFL iBT Reading Section

• 3 to 5 reading passages– Reading passages approximately 700

words long– Followed by 12 to 14 questions for each

reading passage– Includes multiple-focus passages

(e.g., cause/effect, compare/contrast)• Glossary feature to define words not

commonly used• Review feature


TOEFL iBT Listening Section

• 4 to 6 lectures; 2 or 3 with classroom dialogue

– 3 to 5 minutes long

– Each has 6 questions• 2 or 3 conversations with 2 speakers (1

is student)

– 2 to 3 minutes long

– Each has 5 questions


Reflects the kind of academic speaking you’ll need to do at a college or university

• Six different questions– Independent speaking

• Speaking about familiar topics– Integrated speaking

• Speaking about campus situations• Speaking about academic course content

• Responses scored by 3-6 different raters

who do not know the test taker

TOEFL iBT Speaking Section


TOEFL iBT Writing Section

• Independent writing – 30 minute essay– Response based on personal experience or

opinion• Integrated writing

– Reading/Listening/Writing– Short academic listening and reading

material– 20-minute response

• Typing is required• Each response scored by 2 different raters

who do not know the test taker


TOEFL iBT Scores

• Four skill scores

– Reading 0-30

– Listening 0-30

– Speaking 0-30

– Writing 0-30

– A total score: 0-120• Scores available 15 business

days after test


SAMPLE ONLY


Taking TOEFL iBT in Qatar

• 6 Test Locations

– Higher Education Institute

– Qatar Foundation

– University of Qatar

– Al-Attiyah Training Centre

– Cisco Training Center

– HumanSoft, Expression


How to Prepare for TOEFL iBT

• TOEFL iBT Tips – Download for Free www.ets.org/toefl

• TOEFL Sampler– Free with Registration

• TOEFL Practice Online www.ets.org/toeflpractice• The Official Guide to the New TOEFL® iBT, book/audio

CD


Why Do Universities Value TOEFL iBT?

• 40 years of experience using TOEFL scores

• Objective, valid and reliable scores

• Simulates actual university communication

• More authentic academic material

• Provides information universities want about your ability to communicate in English


What TOEFL iBT Offers You

• More convenience

• More flexibility

• More relevant academic communication

• More fair and objective testing and scoring

• More feedback

• More opportunities


“Truly an International Test of English…”

Because of “the coordination of marking for all tests…done centrally, rather than in individual countries”

Jeffrey Smart, Director of International Admissions at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia


“The Most Important Beneficiaries Are the Test Takers…

Who will now have the confidence of knowing they have the skills they need to communicate effectively on campus.”

“The integration of skills provides a real-world foundation from which score users can make admissions decisions with more certainty and clarity.”

Fred Davidson, University of Illinois at

Urbana Champaign


TOEFL iBT – Gold Standard inEnglish Language Testing

• Evaluates language skills in the way you will use them at colleges and universities

• Authentic test content – Based on actual materials and activities used in universities

• Standardized test delivery - Fair to all test takers

• Most objective and valid scoring

• Used by universities for over 40 years to select qualified international students


Show What You Know

Impress universities with your ability to communicate in English

Take the test universities know and trust

Take TOEFL iBT and Go Anywhere!


For More Information

• TOEFL iBT – Website: www.ets.org/toefl – Take the online tour

• Contacts:– Abu Einain Ibrahim:

[email protected] – [email protected]

IELTS – Opening doors and creating opportunities for students worldwide

Craig McWilliamRegional Development Manager –Middle East and North AfricaUniversity of Cambridge ESOL ExaminationsCambridge, UK

What is IELTS?

• IELTS is the International English Language Testing System

• Designed to assess the English language ability of people who intend to study

or work where English is the language of communication

What is IELTS?

• Original four-skills English language test – since 1989. Covers all four skills –

listening, reading , writing, speaking - and includes a face-to-face speaking

test to ensure that candidates can really communicate effectively in English

• Test of communicative proficiency in English – not a test of grammar

What is IELTS?

• Close to one million people rely on IELTS every year to access opportunities

in study, careers and migration throughout the English-speaking world and

beyond

The increasing popularity of IELTS

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A global test for a modern worldIELTS is a truly international test in every aspect

• The IELTS international partnership

• British Council

• IDP:IELTS Australia

• University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

• Test production - item writers in Australia, New Zealand, UK and the U.S.

• Test content – sourced globally, covering all the main national varieties of English

• Test delivery – Available in over 120 countries

• Test recognition- recognised by over 6,000 institutions

Fair and Reliable

• Every aspect of the IELTS test - from test design and administration, to the marking and reporting of results – is subject to the highest quality controls, security procedures and integrity management practices

• The rigorous processes used to produce the test materials ensure that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty

• IELTS Quality Assurance and Examiner Management Systems assure that results are consistent wherever and whenever the test is taken

• Fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality, background, gender or lifestyle

Proven

• Since 1989, it has been trusted by both candidates and institutions to provide a

secure, global, authentic test which measures true to life ability to communicate in

English

• Trusted by institutions worldwide to provide a true indication of candidates English

language proficiency

• Trusted by students worldwide to take them where they want to go

Face-to-face Speaking

• Realistic interactive conversation

• Shows your real life communication skills

... interview is the top advantage of IELTS…

said Andrea Scott, director of graduate admissions and recruiting for the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities…

In IELTS, the person is trained to gauge the student’s ability, and to increase or decrease the difficulty of the conversation to tell more,” Scott said.

– Inside Higher Ed, 7 August 2006

Accessible and convenient

• Available in over 300 locations across 120 countries worldwide

• You can choose from up to 4 test dates each month

• Results available 13 days after the test

• Test fee payable in local currency

• Wide range of practice materials to help you prepare for the test

• One personal copy of your Test Report Form

• Up to five Report Forms sent free to receiving organizations

• Personal and friendly service from our test centre staff

IELTS is trusted and accepted by over 6,000 education institutions and organizations worldwide.

• Institutes of further and higher education:

– Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, the United

Kingdom, United States and many other countries worldwide

– In the USA, IELTS is accepted by close to 1,400 institutions including Harvard, Yale and Princeton

– Exit test at Hong Kong universities

Global acceptance – one test for many countries and many purposes

• Professional bodies:

– Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and USA

• Immigration authorities:

– Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK

• Government agencies and departments:

– Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, UK, USA

• Academic TestFor entry to universities, colleges

For professional registration

• General Training TestFor immigration

Check before you enrol

Fit for purpose test – IELTS is available in two formats

IELTS Test FormatListening

30 minutes, 4 sections, 40 items

General Training Reading

60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items

Academic Reading 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items

General Training Writing

60 minutes, 2 tasks

Academic Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks

Speaking 11 - 14 minutes, 3 parts

Listening • 30 minutes

• 40 questions, 4 sections

• Each question is worth one mark

• No penalty for wrong answers

• Spelling is important – can use both British and American spelling

• Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts. Includes monologues and

conversations in a variety of English accents

Academic Reading • 60 minutes

• 40 questions in 3 sections

• Each question is worth one mark

• No penalty for wrong answers

• Spelling is important- can use both British and American spelling

• Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written

for a non-specialist audience

• At least one of the text contains a detailed argument

Academic Writing

• 2 Tasks in 60 minutes

• Allocate about 20 minutes Task 1

40 minutes Task 2

• Task 2 is worth more marks

• Task 1: write description of at least 150 words based on material found in a chart,

table, graph or diagram

• Task 2: essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question

Speaking

• 11- 14 minutes face to face Speaking Test with a trained and certified

Examiner which is as close to real life situation as possible

• Part 1: introduction and interview

• Part 2: Candidate speaks uninterrupted for 2 minutes on a given topic. 1 minute

preparation time.

• Part 3: a two-way discussion where the candidate is asked to participate in a

discussion of a more abstract nature. Discussion is related to topic in part 2

IELTS Test Results

• Candidates receive scores on a scale from 1 to 9 – these are called Band

Scores

• A score is given for each skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and

Speaking). They are reported in whole bands or half bands

• Scores in each skill are combined to produce an ‘Overall Band Score’

between 1 to 9

IELTS Test Report Form

The IELTS 9 Band Scale

• Band 9 - Expert User

• Band 8 - Very Good User

• Band 7 - Good User

• Band 6 - Competent User

• Band 5 - Modest User

• Band 4 - Limited User

• Band 3 - Extremely Limited User

• Band 2 - Intermittent User

• Band 1 - Non User

Preparing for the Test

• On-line practice www.ielts.org

• Published preparation materials

-Official IELTS Practice Materials

-IELTS Scores Explained DVD

• Preparation courses

How to Apply?

• An application form

• A copy of your valid passport or national ID

• 2 photos (passport size) which have been taken within the last 6 months

• The IELTS test fee

• Global list of test centres and test dates

• IELTS Handbook

• Information for Candidates

• Practice Materials

• Application Form

• List of universities, colleges and other institutions worldwide accepting IELTS scores

Visit www.ielts.org for

For more information regarding IELTS in Qatar contact:

British CouncilPO Box 299293 A: Sadd StreetDoha

Tel: 974 425 1888Email: [email protected]: http://www.britishcouncil.org/qatar

College of North AtlanticBldg 3-278Box 24449Doha Tel: 974 495 2745 / 974 495-2741Email: [email protected]

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Questions?

An Overview of the Required Tests February 2008 Doha, Qatar SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS.

Documents

Transcript of An Overview of the Required Tests February 2008 Doha, Qatar SAT, ACT, TOEFL, IELTS.