Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admission requirement for many graduate schools in the United States, in other English-speaking countries and for English-taught graduate and business programmes world-wide. Created and administered by Educational Testing Service (or ETS) in 1949, the exam aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. The GRE General Test is offered as a computer-based, computer adaptive exam administered by selected qualified testing centers; however, paper-based exams are offered in areas of the world where computer-based testing is not available.
In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
The cost of the general test varies between US$160 and $210, depending on the country of taking the test, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain circumstances. They are promoting financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic hardship. ETS erases all test records that are older than 5 years, although graduate program policies on the admittance of scores older than 5 years will vary. StructureThe exam consists of four sections. The first section is a writing section, while the other three are multiple-choice style. One of the multiple choice style exams will test verbal skills, another will test quantitative skills and a third exam will be an experimental section that is not included in the reported score. The entire test procedure takes about 4 hours.
Verbal section
The verbal section consists of analogies, completions, and reading comprehension passages. Multiple-choice response sections are graded on a scale of 200-800, in 10-point increments. This section primarily tests vocabulary, and average scores in this section are substantially lower than those in the quantitative section. In a typical examination, this section may consist of 30 questions, and 30 minutes may be allotted for it.
Quantitative section
The quantitative section, the other multiple-choice section, consists of problem solving and quantitative comparison questions that test high-school level mathematics. Multiple-choice response sections are graded on a scale of 200-800, in 10-point increments. In a typical examination, this section may consist of 28 questions, and test takers may be given 45 minutes to complete the section.[9] This section typically includes 14 quantitative comparison questions, 10 discrete quantitative questions (multiple-choice) and 4 data interpretation questions.
Analytical writing section
The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The essays are written on a computer using a word processing program specifically designed by ETS. The program allows only basic computer functions and does not contain a spell-checker or other advanced features. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holistic scale. If the two scores are within one point, the average of the scores is taken. If the two scores differ by more than a point, a third reader examines the response.
Issue task
The test taker will be able to choose between two topics upon which to write an essay. The time allowed for this essay is 45 minutes.Issue topics are selected from a pool of questions.
Argument task
The test taker will be given an "argument" and will be asked to write an essay that critiques the argument. Test takers are asked to consider the argument's logic and to make suggestions about how to improve the logic of the argument. The time allotted for this essay is 30 minutes. Arguments are selected from a pool of topics.
Experimental section
The experimental section, which can be either a verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing task, contains new questions that ETS is considering for future use. Although the experimental section does not count toward the test-taker's score, it is unidentified and appears identical to the real (scored) part of the test. As test takers have no clear way of knowing which section is experimental, they are forced to complete this section. This section does not appear on all GRE examinations. Furthermore, an identified and unscored section of such experimental questions, asked for research purposes, can appear at the end of the test.
Scoring
Computerized adaptive testingThe common (Verbal and Quantitative) multiple-choice portions of the exam currently use computer-adaptive testing (CAT) methods that automatically change the difficulty of questions as the test taker proceeds with the exam, depending on the number of correct or incorrect answers that are given. The test taker is not allowed to go back and change the answers to previous questions, and some type of answer must be given before the next question is presented.
The first question that is given in a multiple-choice section is considered to be an "average level" question that half of the GRE test takers will answer correctly. If the question is answered correctly, then subsequent questions become more difficult. If the question is answered incorrectly, then subsequent questions become easier, until a question is answered correctly. This approach to administration yields scores that are of similar accuracy while using approximately half as many items. However, this effect is moderated with the GRE because it has a fixed length; true CATs are variable length, where the test will stop itself once it has zeroed in on a candidate's ability level.
The actual scoring of the test is done with item response theory (IRT). While CAT is associated with IRT, IRT is actually used to score non-CAT exams. The GRE subject tests, which are administered in the traditional paper-and-pencil format, use the same IRT scoring algorithm. The difference that CAT provides is that items are dynamically selected so that the test taker only sees items of appropriate difficulty. Besides the psychometric benefits, this has the added benefit of not wasting the examinee's time by administering items that are far too hard or easy, which occurs in fixed-form testing.
An examinee can miss one or more questions on a multiple-choice section and still receive a perfect score of 800. Likewise, even if no question is answered correctly, 200 is the lowest possible.
Scaled score percentilesThe percentiles of the current test are as follows:
GRE Subject TestsIn addition to the General Test, there are also eight GRE Subject Tests testing knowledge in the specific areas of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology. The length of the exams are 170 minutes.
GRE and GMAT (The Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer adaptive standardized test in mathematics and the English language for measuring aptitude to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of many selection criteria for admission into an MBA program. However, there are many business schools that also accept GRE scores.
The following are criteria of certain business schools:
Also, higher mathematical ability is required on the GMAT to get a good score. The GRE is more appealing to international MBA students and applicants from a non-traditional background.
Preparation:
A variety of resources are available for those wishing to prepare for the GRE. Upon registration, ETS provides preparation software called PowerPrep, which contains two practice tests of retired questions, as well as further practice questions and review material. Since the software replicates both the test format and the questions used, it can be useful to predict the actual GRE scores. ETS does not license their past questions to any other company, making them the only source for official retired material. ETS used to publish the "BIG BOOK" which contained a number of actual GRE questions; however, this publishing was abandoned. Several companies provide courses, books, and other unofficial preparation materials.
ETS has claimed that content of the GRE is un-coachable; however, test preparation companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review claim that the test format is so rigid that familiarizing oneself with the test's organization, timing, specific foci, and the use of process of elimination is the best way to increase a GRE score.
Testing locations
While the general and subject tests are held at many undergraduate institutions, the computer-based general test is only held at test centers with appropriate technological accommodations. Students in major cities in the United States, or those attending large U.S. universities, will usually find a nearby test center, while those in more isolated areas may have to travel a few hours to an urban or university location. Many industrialized countries also have test centers, but at times test-takers must cross country borders.
Validity
An analysis of the GRE's validity in predicting graduate school success found a correlation of .30 to .45 between the GRE and both first year and overall graduate GPA. The correlation between GRE score and graduate school completion rates ranged from .11 (for the now defunct analytical section) to .39 (for the GRE subject test). Correlations with faculty ratings ranged from .35 to .50.
GRE PREPARATION
When applicants take the revised GRE General Test in 2007, they'll take a longer test that has been revised to better focus on skills that are necessary for success in graduate school.
The new test will last about 4 hours and 10 minutes and contain seven sections. The Verbal Reasoning measure will feature two 40-minute sections instead of the single 30-minute section in the current General Test. The Quantitative Reasoning measure will feature two 40-minute sections instead of the single 45-minute section in the current test. The Analytical Writing measure will feature 30-minute Issue and Argument tasks instead of the 45-minute Issue and 30-minute Argument task in the current test. A seventh section will be either a pretest section or research section and will not count toward an individual's score.
"The test length for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections has increased because the sections are changing from computer-adaptive tests, where the questions presented to each examinee vary according to his or her performance, to linear tests, where all examinees testing at the same time receive the same questions." said Dawn Piacentino, Associate Director of GRE Client Relations in ETS's Higher Education Division. "Linear tests allow for minimal reuse of test questions and this greatly enhances test security."
Pretest and Research Sections Questions in the unidentified pretest section are either being pretested for possible use in future tests or being used to ensure that scores on new editions of the test are comparable with scores on earlier test editions.
Some test takers may be presented with a clearly identified research section in place of the pretest section. The research questions are designed to help ETS researchers make improvements to the test in the future.
Section Order The Analytical Writing Sections will always be first in the test. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Sections and the pretest section may appear in any order following the Analytical Writing Sections. If a research section is included in the test, it will always be clearly identified and the last section. Directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in that particular section and the time allotted to answer them.
A Typical Revised GRE General Test The chart below shows a typical revised GRE General Test:
GRE Ebooks and Preparation Material
GRE Preparation GuidesLong time no see guys. Busy as bee I have been, unable to post or reply to your comments. Well its my birthday today (28th Feb) and I decided what better time than this to post on my favourite blog.
Well coming straight to the point, from most of the comments you have made, it appears that the GRE big book is the single most popular book you need! Well, I did post a direct link to it but it was so overused that the bandwidth limit of the googlepages site got exceeded and everyone could not download it.
Anyways, below are rapidshare links to the big book and some other GRE preparation stuff that will help you. By the way, if you're a new visitor, don't forget to check the blog's archive in the sidebar. Maybe I have already posted links to something you need in the blog.
The GRE Big Book
http://rapidshare.com/files/25410505/bigbook.zip
(Please paste the links in your browser and click enter. For some reasons I cannot link directly to rapidshare stuff. This goes for all the stuff emntioned below)
Vocaboly Software
http://rapidshare.com/files/25413579/Vocaboly.rar
5 Quants GRE tests
http://rapidshare.com/files/73539115/5_Quants_GRE_tests.zip
800score.com 28 maths tests
http://rapidshare.com/files/73540181/800score.com_28MATHS_29.zip
CAT simulator useful for GRE
http://rapidshare.com/files/73540589/CAT_27s_Simulator_GRE.zip
Nova Prep Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/44846489/Nova.pdf
NICE BLOG>>>
In the graduate school admissions process, the level of emphasis that is placed upon GRE scores varies widely between schools and between departments within schools. The importance of a GRE score can range from being a mere admission formality to an important selection factor.
The cost of the general test varies between US$160 and $210, depending on the country of taking the test, although ETS will reduce the fee under certain circumstances. They are promoting financial aid to those GRE applicants who prove economic hardship. ETS erases all test records that are older than 5 years, although graduate program policies on the admittance of scores older than 5 years will vary. StructureThe exam consists of four sections. The first section is a writing section, while the other three are multiple-choice style. One of the multiple choice style exams will test verbal skills, another will test quantitative skills and a third exam will be an experimental section that is not included in the reported score. The entire test procedure takes about 4 hours.
Verbal section
The verbal section consists of analogies, completions, and reading comprehension passages. Multiple-choice response sections are graded on a scale of 200-800, in 10-point increments. This section primarily tests vocabulary, and average scores in this section are substantially lower than those in the quantitative section. In a typical examination, this section may consist of 30 questions, and 30 minutes may be allotted for it.
Quantitative section
The quantitative section, the other multiple-choice section, consists of problem solving and quantitative comparison questions that test high-school level mathematics. Multiple-choice response sections are graded on a scale of 200-800, in 10-point increments. In a typical examination, this section may consist of 28 questions, and test takers may be given 45 minutes to complete the section.[9] This section typically includes 14 quantitative comparison questions, 10 discrete quantitative questions (multiple-choice) and 4 data interpretation questions.
Analytical writing section
The analytical writing section consists of two different essays, an "issue task" and an "argument task". The writing section is graded on a scale of 0-6, in half-point increments. The essays are written on a computer using a word processing program specifically designed by ETS. The program allows only basic computer functions and does not contain a spell-checker or other advanced features. Each essay is scored by at least two readers on a six-point holistic scale. If the two scores are within one point, the average of the scores is taken. If the two scores differ by more than a point, a third reader examines the response.
Issue task
The test taker will be able to choose between two topics upon which to write an essay. The time allowed for this essay is 45 minutes.Issue topics are selected from a pool of questions.
Argument task
The test taker will be given an "argument" and will be asked to write an essay that critiques the argument. Test takers are asked to consider the argument's logic and to make suggestions about how to improve the logic of the argument. The time allotted for this essay is 30 minutes. Arguments are selected from a pool of topics.
Experimental section
The experimental section, which can be either a verbal, quantitative, or analytical writing task, contains new questions that ETS is considering for future use. Although the experimental section does not count toward the test-taker's score, it is unidentified and appears identical to the real (scored) part of the test. As test takers have no clear way of knowing which section is experimental, they are forced to complete this section. This section does not appear on all GRE examinations. Furthermore, an identified and unscored section of such experimental questions, asked for research purposes, can appear at the end of the test.
Scoring
Computerized adaptive testingThe common (Verbal and Quantitative) multiple-choice portions of the exam currently use computer-adaptive testing (CAT) methods that automatically change the difficulty of questions as the test taker proceeds with the exam, depending on the number of correct or incorrect answers that are given. The test taker is not allowed to go back and change the answers to previous questions, and some type of answer must be given before the next question is presented.
The first question that is given in a multiple-choice section is considered to be an "average level" question that half of the GRE test takers will answer correctly. If the question is answered correctly, then subsequent questions become more difficult. If the question is answered incorrectly, then subsequent questions become easier, until a question is answered correctly. This approach to administration yields scores that are of similar accuracy while using approximately half as many items. However, this effect is moderated with the GRE because it has a fixed length; true CATs are variable length, where the test will stop itself once it has zeroed in on a candidate's ability level.
The actual scoring of the test is done with item response theory (IRT). While CAT is associated with IRT, IRT is actually used to score non-CAT exams. The GRE subject tests, which are administered in the traditional paper-and-pencil format, use the same IRT scoring algorithm. The difference that CAT provides is that items are dynamically selected so that the test taker only sees items of appropriate difficulty. Besides the psychometric benefits, this has the added benefit of not wasting the examinee's time by administering items that are far too hard or easy, which occurs in fixed-form testing.
An examinee can miss one or more questions on a multiple-choice section and still receive a perfect score of 800. Likewise, even if no question is answered correctly, 200 is the lowest possible.
Scaled score percentilesThe percentiles of the current test are as follows:
GRE Subject TestsIn addition to the General Test, there are also eight GRE Subject Tests testing knowledge in the specific areas of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology. The length of the exams are 170 minutes.
GRE and GMAT (The Graduate Management Admission Test) is a computer adaptive standardized test in mathematics and the English language for measuring aptitude to succeed academically in graduate business studies. Business schools commonly use the test as one of many selection criteria for admission into an MBA program. However, there are many business schools that also accept GRE scores.
The following are criteria of certain business schools:
- Harvard Business School: Official test scores for the GMAT or GRE tests no more than 5 years old.
- UVA-Darden: Will also accept a GRE score in place of the GMAT.
- MIT-Sloan:The GMAT or GRE is required of all applicants and must be taken before submitting your application.
- Penn-Wharton School: Official test scores for the GMAT or GRE tests.
- Stanford: Finance - The GRE is preferred, although the GMAT will be accepted.
- NYU-Stern School: The GMAT is strongly preferred, but scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) will also be accepted.
- U Chicago: For Economics - the GRE is required. For Finance - the GRE is preferred; GMAT is acceptable. For all other areas - the GRE or the GMAT are accepted.
- Ohio State-Fisher - The GMAT is required however scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are eligible for review.
- Berkeley-Haas: Without exception, all applicants to the Haas Ph.D. Program must submit official scores of either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination.
- Columbia Business School: Accepts GRE test scores in place of the GMAT, only if applicant has not taken the GMAT within the last 5 years.
Also, higher mathematical ability is required on the GMAT to get a good score. The GRE is more appealing to international MBA students and applicants from a non-traditional background.
Preparation:
A variety of resources are available for those wishing to prepare for the GRE. Upon registration, ETS provides preparation software called PowerPrep, which contains two practice tests of retired questions, as well as further practice questions and review material. Since the software replicates both the test format and the questions used, it can be useful to predict the actual GRE scores. ETS does not license their past questions to any other company, making them the only source for official retired material. ETS used to publish the "BIG BOOK" which contained a number of actual GRE questions; however, this publishing was abandoned. Several companies provide courses, books, and other unofficial preparation materials.
ETS has claimed that content of the GRE is un-coachable; however, test preparation companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review claim that the test format is so rigid that familiarizing oneself with the test's organization, timing, specific foci, and the use of process of elimination is the best way to increase a GRE score.
Testing locations
While the general and subject tests are held at many undergraduate institutions, the computer-based general test is only held at test centers with appropriate technological accommodations. Students in major cities in the United States, or those attending large U.S. universities, will usually find a nearby test center, while those in more isolated areas may have to travel a few hours to an urban or university location. Many industrialized countries also have test centers, but at times test-takers must cross country borders.
Validity
An analysis of the GRE's validity in predicting graduate school success found a correlation of .30 to .45 between the GRE and both first year and overall graduate GPA. The correlation between GRE score and graduate school completion rates ranged from .11 (for the now defunct analytical section) to .39 (for the GRE subject test). Correlations with faculty ratings ranged from .35 to .50.
GRE PREPARATION
When applicants take the revised GRE General Test in 2007, they'll take a longer test that has been revised to better focus on skills that are necessary for success in graduate school.
The new test will last about 4 hours and 10 minutes and contain seven sections. The Verbal Reasoning measure will feature two 40-minute sections instead of the single 30-minute section in the current General Test. The Quantitative Reasoning measure will feature two 40-minute sections instead of the single 45-minute section in the current test. The Analytical Writing measure will feature 30-minute Issue and Argument tasks instead of the 45-minute Issue and 30-minute Argument task in the current test. A seventh section will be either a pretest section or research section and will not count toward an individual's score.
"The test length for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections has increased because the sections are changing from computer-adaptive tests, where the questions presented to each examinee vary according to his or her performance, to linear tests, where all examinees testing at the same time receive the same questions." said Dawn Piacentino, Associate Director of GRE Client Relations in ETS's Higher Education Division. "Linear tests allow for minimal reuse of test questions and this greatly enhances test security."
Pretest and Research Sections Questions in the unidentified pretest section are either being pretested for possible use in future tests or being used to ensure that scores on new editions of the test are comparable with scores on earlier test editions.
Some test takers may be presented with a clearly identified research section in place of the pretest section. The research questions are designed to help ETS researchers make improvements to the test in the future.
Section Order The Analytical Writing Sections will always be first in the test. The Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning Sections and the pretest section may appear in any order following the Analytical Writing Sections. If a research section is included in the test, it will always be clearly identified and the last section. Directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in that particular section and the time allotted to answer them.
A Typical Revised GRE General Test The chart below shows a typical revised GRE General Test:
GRE Ebooks and Preparation Material
GRE Preparation GuidesLong time no see guys. Busy as bee I have been, unable to post or reply to your comments. Well its my birthday today (28th Feb) and I decided what better time than this to post on my favourite blog.
Well coming straight to the point, from most of the comments you have made, it appears that the GRE big book is the single most popular book you need! Well, I did post a direct link to it but it was so overused that the bandwidth limit of the googlepages site got exceeded and everyone could not download it.
Anyways, below are rapidshare links to the big book and some other GRE preparation stuff that will help you. By the way, if you're a new visitor, don't forget to check the blog's archive in the sidebar. Maybe I have already posted links to something you need in the blog.
The GRE Big Book
http://rapidshare.com/files/25410505/bigbook.zip
(Please paste the links in your browser and click enter. For some reasons I cannot link directly to rapidshare stuff. This goes for all the stuff emntioned below)
Vocaboly Software
http://rapidshare.com/files/25413579/Vocaboly.rar
5 Quants GRE tests
http://rapidshare.com/files/73539115/5_Quants_GRE_tests.zip
800score.com 28 maths tests
http://rapidshare.com/files/73540181/800score.com_28MATHS_29.zip
CAT simulator useful for GRE
http://rapidshare.com/files/73540589/CAT_27s_Simulator_GRE.zip
Nova Prep Guide
http://rapidshare.com/files/44846489/Nova.pdf
NICE BLOG>>>
TOEFL
Formats and contents[edit]Internet-based TestSince its introduction in late 2005, the Internet-based Test (iBT) has progressively replaced both the computer-based tests (CBT) and paper-based tests (PBT), although paper-based testing is still used in select areas. The iBT has been introduced in phases, with the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in 2005 and the rest of the world in 2006, with test centers added regularly. The CBT was discontinued in September 2006 and these scores are no longer valid.
Although initially, the demand for test seats was higher than availability, and candidates had to wait for months, it is now possible to take the test within one to four weeks in most countries.[2] The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring one of the basic language skills (while some tasks require integrating multiple skills) and all tasks focus on language used in an academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the iBT. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.
[edit]Paper-based TestIn areas where the internet-based test is not available, a paper-based test (PBT) is given. Test takers must register in advance either online or by using the registration form provided in the Supplemental Paper TOEFL Bulletin. They should register in advance of the given deadlines to ensure a place because the test centers have limited seating and may fill up early. Tests are administered on fixed dates 6 times each year.
The test is 3 hours long and all test sections can be taken on the same day. Students can take the test as many times as they wish. However, colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent score.
ETS has released tables to convert between iBT, CBT and PBT scores.
[edit]TOEFL JuniorETS (Educational Testing Service) also offers the TOEFL Junior, a global assessment of middle school-level English language proficiency, and a distinct product within the TOEFL family. The TOEFL Junior is available only to students of ages 11-14 and is not considered a predictor of a student's regular TOEFL score. The TOEFL Junior is geared to students learning English.
[edit]Registration
THE TOEFL TEST---preparation:
The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. In 2003-04, more than 720,000 people registered to take the test. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 90 countries. The test is offered in three formats: computer-based, paper-based, and September 2005, Internet-based. If you do not know which version of the test (computer-based or paper-based) is offered in your country or area, refer to the computer based test center lists in the Learners & Test Takers section of the TOEFL Web site at www.ets.org/toefl.
If your country or area is not listed, refer to the paper-based test center list on the same site. Every test center is open to all properly registered persons, regardless of race, color, creed, or national origin
Computer-Based Test
The computer-based TOEFL test (CBT) is offered year-round at institutional sites such as colleges and universities and at testing centers operated by Prometric, a division of Thomson Learning. The computer-based TOEFL test has four sections, all of which
are mandatory at each administration.
_Listening measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America. This section tests comprehension of main ideas, supporting ideas, important details, and inferences. You will both see and hear the questions before the answer choices appear.
_Structure measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English. The language tested is formal, rather than conversational. When topics have a national context, they refer to United States or Canadian history, culture, art, or literature. However, knowledge of these contexts is not needed to answer the questions.
_Reading measures the ability to understand short passages similar in topic and style to academic texts used in North American colleges and universities. You will read a variety of
short passages on academic subjects and answer several questions about each passage.
_Writing measures the ability to write in English on an assigned topic. You must compose an essay in order to receive a total score.
Paper-Based Test
The paper-based TOEFL test (PBT) is offered six times a year in specific locations throughout the world (see the test center list on the TOEFL Web site). The test takes about 3 and 1/2 hours to complete. You will be given a test book and a paper answer sheet on which to record your responses.
The test has three sections:
_Listening Comprehension—measures ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
_Structure and Written Expression--measures ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
_Reading Comprehension--measures ability to understand nontechnical reading matter.
The test that you take may include one or more questions that do not count toward your score. These are new questions that help ETS determine how such questions function under actual testing conditions. Each section of the test has a time limit. The supervisor will tell you when to start and stop each section. You may read or work on asection only during the time allotted for that section. If you finish one section early, you may NOT go on to the next section, and you may NOT go back to a previous section. Failure to follow this rule will be considered cheating, and your scores will be canceled. The Test of Written English (TWE®) is a 30-minute writing test that is required of everyone taking the paper-based test. You will write a short essay on the one topic printed in your TWE test book to
demonstrate your ability to write in English. This includes the ability to generate and organize ideas, to support those ideas with examples or evidence, and to compose in standard written English in response to an assigned topic. You will not need special knowledge of the topic. There is no separate fee for the TWE. You will write your essay on a two-sided answer sheet attached to your TOEFL answer sheet. When you are told to begin work, read the instructions and the essay question carefully. You must write only on
the assigned topic. If you write an essay on a different topic, it will not be scored. You will probably want to spend a few minutes thinking about the kind of essay you will write, and you may wish to make a few brief notes. The test supervisor will tell you where to make your notes for the writing test. Plan to take at least 20 minutes to write your essay after you have read the instructions and made notes.
English and TOEFL Preparation Sites
English as a Second Language Home Page This site provides a set of ESL links for international students who wish to learn English through the World Wide Web.
ESL Cafe ESL Cafe provides a nice online environment for learning and exercising English, operated by Dave Sperling.
freeENGLISH The freeENGLISH web site provides 130 hours of English language instruction over the Internet for free, interspersed with advertisements. freeEnglish is based on the EDUVERSE English Pro software program. freeENGLISH teaches English phonetically with spoken pronunciation feedback.
Interactive English Language Exercises This site provides a set of interactive exercises in English grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.
Languages for Travelers Contains basic information and a translation phrasebook for many language pairs.
Resources for Teachers and Students of English This site includes information on TOEFL preparation and other resources for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL), such as electronic mailing lists.
TEFL Professional Network TEFL is a national professional development organization for ESL educators.
The Internet TESL Journal TESL Journal publishes articles, research papers, teaching materials, and ideas relating to English as a Second Language.
TESOL Online TESOL is an international professional membership organization for teachers of English as a second language. TESOL has more than 16,000 members. For more information call 1-703-836-0774, fax 1-703-836-7864/6447, write to Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL), 1600 Cameron Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314, or send email to [email protected].
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) For more information, call 1-607-748-9500, write to International Communications Inc, US, 3301 Country Club Road, Suite 2205, Endwell, NY 13760, or send email to [email protected].
The Mining Company - English as a Second Language This site provides information and tools for improving your English skills.
World of Culture (WOC) WOC is intended to educate and entertain on the topic of cross-cultural communications.
Although initially, the demand for test seats was higher than availability, and candidates had to wait for months, it is now possible to take the test within one to four weeks in most countries.[2] The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring one of the basic language skills (while some tasks require integrating multiple skills) and all tasks focus on language used in an academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the iBT. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.
- ReadingThe Reading section consists of 3–5 passages, each approximately 700 words in length and questions about the passages. The passages are on academic topics; they are the kind of material that might be found in an undergraduate university textbook. Passages require understanding of rhetorical functions such as cause-effect, compare-contrast and argumentation. Students answer questions about main ideas, details, inferences, essential information, sentence insertion, vocabulary, rhetorical purpose and overall ideas. New types of questions in the iBT require filling out tables or completing summaries. Prior knowledge of the subject under discussion is not necessary to come to the correct answer.
- ListeningThe Listening section consists of six passages 3–5 minutes in length and questions about the passages. These passages include two student conversations and four academic lectures or discussions. A conversation involves two speakers, a student and either a professor or a campus service provider. A lecture is a self-contained portion of an academic lecture, which may involve student participation and does not assume specialized background knowledge in the subject area. Each conversation and lecture stimulus is heard only once. Test-takers may take notes while they listen and they may refer to their notes when they answer the questions. Each conversation is associated with five questions and each lecture with six. The questions are meant to measure the ability to understand main ideas, important details, implications, relationships between ideas, organization of information, speaker purpose and speaker attitude.
- SpeakingThe Speaking section consists of six tasks: two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. In the two independent tasks, test-takers answer opinion questions on familiar topics. They are evaluated on their ability to speak spontaneously and convey their ideas clearly and coherently. In two of the integrated tasks, test-takers read a short passage, listen to an academic course lecture or a conversation about campus life and answer a question by combining appropriate information from the text and the talk. In the two remaining integrated tasks, test-takers listen to an academic course lecture or a conversation about campus life and then respond to a question about what they heard. In the integrated tasks, test-takers are evaluated on their ability to appropriately synthesize and effectively convey information from the reading and listening material. Test-takers may take notes as they read and listen and may use their notes to help prepare their responses. Test-takers are given a short preparation time before they have to begin speaking.
- WritingThe Writing section measures a test taker's ability to write in an academic setting and consists of two tasks: one integrated task and one independent task. In the integrated task, test-takers read a passage on an academic topic and then listen to a speaker discuss the same topic. The test-taker will then write a summary about the important points in the listening passage and explain how these relate to the key points of the reading passage. In the independent task, test-takers must write an essay that states, explains, and supports their opinion on an issue, supporting their opinions or choices, rather than simply listing personal preferences or choices.
[edit]Paper-based TestIn areas where the internet-based test is not available, a paper-based test (PBT) is given. Test takers must register in advance either online or by using the registration form provided in the Supplemental Paper TOEFL Bulletin. They should register in advance of the given deadlines to ensure a place because the test centers have limited seating and may fill up early. Tests are administered on fixed dates 6 times each year.
The test is 3 hours long and all test sections can be taken on the same day. Students can take the test as many times as they wish. However, colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent score.
- Listening (30 – 40 minutes)The Listening section consists of 3 parts. The first one contains 30 questions about short conversations. The second part has 8 questions about longer conversations. The last part asks 12 questions about lectures or talks.
- Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes)The Structure and Written Expression section has 15 exercises of completing sentences correctly and 25 exercises of identifying errors.
- Reading Comprehension (55 minutes)The Reading Comprehension section has 50 questions about reading passages.
- Writing (30 minutes)The Writing section is one essay with 250–300 words in average.
- The iBT version of the TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 0 to 120 points.
- Each of the four sections (Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing) receives a scaled score from 0 to 30. The scaled scores from the four sections are added together to determine the total score.
- Each speaking question is initially given a score of 0 to 4, and each writing question is initially given a score of 0 to 5. These scores are converted to scaled scores of 0 to 30.
- The final PBT score ranges between 310 and 677 and is based on three subscores: Listening (31–68), Structure (31–68), and Reading (31–67). Unlike the CBT, the score of the Writing section (referred to as the Test of Written English, TWE) is not part of the final score; instead, it is reported separately on a scale of 0–6.
- The score test takers receive on the Listening, Structure and Reading parts of the TOEFL test is not the percentage of correct answers. The score is converted to take into account the fact that some tests are more difficult than others. The converted scores correct these differences. Therefore, the converted score is a more accurate reflection of the ability than the correct answer score is.
ETS has released tables to convert between iBT, CBT and PBT scores.
[edit]TOEFL JuniorETS (Educational Testing Service) also offers the TOEFL Junior, a global assessment of middle school-level English language proficiency, and a distinct product within the TOEFL family. The TOEFL Junior is available only to students of ages 11-14 and is not considered a predictor of a student's regular TOEFL score. The TOEFL Junior is geared to students learning English.
[edit]Registration
- The first step in the registration process is to obtain a copy of the TOEFL Information Bulletin. This bulletin can be obtained by downloading it or ordering it from the TOEFL website.
- From the bulletin, it is possible to determine when and where the iBT version of the TOEFL test will be given.
- Procedures for completing the registration form and submitting it are listed in the TOEFL Information Bulletin. These procedures must be followed exactly.
- English as a Foreign or Second Language (EFSL)
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- International Student Admission Test (ISAT)
- List of admissions tests
- National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
- Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
- Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
- PTE Academic Pearson Test of English Academic
- Standardised test
- UBELT University of Bath English Language Test.
- University of Cambridge ESOL examination
- LNAT
- Trinity College London ESOL
- ^ Stanford University, Memorial Resolution: Charles A. Ferguson (1921–1998), May 1999
- ^ TOEFL iBT Locations and Dates
- ^ TOEFL Scores for United States Universities, toeflnow.com
- Bailey, Kathleen M., "Washback in Language Testing", TOEFL Monograph Series, Educational Testing Service, June 1999
- ETS Official TOEFL Site
- TOEFL related sites at the Open Directory Project
- Comparison charts to convert scores between the three TOEFL variants (from ETS)
- TOEFL Junior
THE TOEFL TEST---preparation:
The purpose of the TOEFL test is to evaluate the English proficiency of people whose native language is not English. In 2003-04, more than 720,000 people registered to take the test. TOEFL scores are accepted by more than 5,000 colleges, universities, and licensing agencies in 90 countries. The test is offered in three formats: computer-based, paper-based, and September 2005, Internet-based. If you do not know which version of the test (computer-based or paper-based) is offered in your country or area, refer to the computer based test center lists in the Learners & Test Takers section of the TOEFL Web site at www.ets.org/toefl.
If your country or area is not listed, refer to the paper-based test center list on the same site. Every test center is open to all properly registered persons, regardless of race, color, creed, or national origin
Computer-Based Test
The computer-based TOEFL test (CBT) is offered year-round at institutional sites such as colleges and universities and at testing centers operated by Prometric, a division of Thomson Learning. The computer-based TOEFL test has four sections, all of which
are mandatory at each administration.
_Listening measures the ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America. This section tests comprehension of main ideas, supporting ideas, important details, and inferences. You will both see and hear the questions before the answer choices appear.
_Structure measures the ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English. The language tested is formal, rather than conversational. When topics have a national context, they refer to United States or Canadian history, culture, art, or literature. However, knowledge of these contexts is not needed to answer the questions.
_Reading measures the ability to understand short passages similar in topic and style to academic texts used in North American colleges and universities. You will read a variety of
short passages on academic subjects and answer several questions about each passage.
_Writing measures the ability to write in English on an assigned topic. You must compose an essay in order to receive a total score.
Paper-Based Test
The paper-based TOEFL test (PBT) is offered six times a year in specific locations throughout the world (see the test center list on the TOEFL Web site). The test takes about 3 and 1/2 hours to complete. You will be given a test book and a paper answer sheet on which to record your responses.
The test has three sections:
_Listening Comprehension—measures ability to understand English as it is spoken in North America.
_Structure and Written Expression--measures ability to recognize language that is appropriate for standard written English.
_Reading Comprehension--measures ability to understand nontechnical reading matter.
The test that you take may include one or more questions that do not count toward your score. These are new questions that help ETS determine how such questions function under actual testing conditions. Each section of the test has a time limit. The supervisor will tell you when to start and stop each section. You may read or work on asection only during the time allotted for that section. If you finish one section early, you may NOT go on to the next section, and you may NOT go back to a previous section. Failure to follow this rule will be considered cheating, and your scores will be canceled. The Test of Written English (TWE®) is a 30-minute writing test that is required of everyone taking the paper-based test. You will write a short essay on the one topic printed in your TWE test book to
demonstrate your ability to write in English. This includes the ability to generate and organize ideas, to support those ideas with examples or evidence, and to compose in standard written English in response to an assigned topic. You will not need special knowledge of the topic. There is no separate fee for the TWE. You will write your essay on a two-sided answer sheet attached to your TOEFL answer sheet. When you are told to begin work, read the instructions and the essay question carefully. You must write only on
the assigned topic. If you write an essay on a different topic, it will not be scored. You will probably want to spend a few minutes thinking about the kind of essay you will write, and you may wish to make a few brief notes. The test supervisor will tell you where to make your notes for the writing test. Plan to take at least 20 minutes to write your essay after you have read the instructions and made notes.
English and TOEFL Preparation Sites
English as a Second Language Home Page This site provides a set of ESL links for international students who wish to learn English through the World Wide Web.
ESL Cafe ESL Cafe provides a nice online environment for learning and exercising English, operated by Dave Sperling.
freeENGLISH The freeENGLISH web site provides 130 hours of English language instruction over the Internet for free, interspersed with advertisements. freeEnglish is based on the EDUVERSE English Pro software program. freeENGLISH teaches English phonetically with spoken pronunciation feedback.
Interactive English Language Exercises This site provides a set of interactive exercises in English grammar, vocabulary, and idioms.
Languages for Travelers Contains basic information and a translation phrasebook for many language pairs.
Resources for Teachers and Students of English This site includes information on TOEFL preparation and other resources for teachers of English as a Second Language (ESL), such as electronic mailing lists.
TEFL Professional Network TEFL is a national professional development organization for ESL educators.
The Internet TESL Journal TESL Journal publishes articles, research papers, teaching materials, and ideas relating to English as a Second Language.
TESOL Online TESOL is an international professional membership organization for teachers of English as a second language. TESOL has more than 16,000 members. For more information call 1-703-836-0774, fax 1-703-836-7864/6447, write to Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages, Inc. (TESOL), 1600 Cameron Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314, or send email to [email protected].
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) For more information, call 1-607-748-9500, write to International Communications Inc, US, 3301 Country Club Road, Suite 2205, Endwell, NY 13760, or send email to [email protected].
The Mining Company - English as a Second Language This site provides information and tools for improving your English skills.
World of Culture (WOC) WOC is intended to educate and entertain on the topic of cross-cultural communications.
IELTS
IELTS (pronounced /ˈaɪ.ɛlts/), or 'International English Language Testing System', is an internationalstandardised test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd, and was established in 1989.
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version:
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada.
An IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF - see below) is valid for two years.
In 2007, IELTS tested over a million candidates in a single 12-month period for the first time ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration.[1]
In 2009, 1.4 million candidates took the IELTS test in over 130 countries.
IELTS characteristicsThe IELTS incorporates the following features:
[edit]ListeningThe listening module comprises four sections. Each section begins with a short introduction telling the candidates about the situation and the speakers. They then have some time look through the questions. The first three sections have a break in the middle allowing candidates to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard only once.[2]
[edit]ReadingIn the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall. The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there can be up to 5 texts to read.
[edit]WritingThis consists of two sections with the second section taking the form of an essay.
[edit]SpeakingThe speaking test contains three sections. The first section takes the form of an interview during which candidates may be asked about their hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers and the internet or family. In the second section candidates are given a topic card and then have one minute to prepare after which they must speak about the given topic. The third section involves a discussion between the examiner and the candidate, generally on questions relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in part 2.
[edit]DurationThe total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
[edit]Band scaleIELTS is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. Overall Band Scores are reported to the nearest half band.
The following rounding convention applies: if the average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
The nine bands are described as follows:
[edit]9 Expert UserHas full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
[edit]8 Very Good UserHas full operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
[edit]7 Good UserHas operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
[edit]6 Competent UserHas generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
[edit]5 Modest userHas partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
[edit]4 Limited UserBasic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
[edit]3 Extremely Limited UserConveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
[edit]2 Intermittent UserNo real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs.
[edit]1 Non UserEssentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
[edit]0 Did not attempt the testNo assessable information provided at all.
[edit]Conversion tableThis table can be used for the Listening & Reading tests to convert raw scores to band scores. This chart is a guide only, because sometimes the scores adjust slightly depending on how difficult the exam is.
Band Score9.08.58.07.57.06.56.05.55.04.54.03.53.02.52.01.51.00.0Raw score4037 – 3935 – 3633 – 3428 – 3226 – 2723 – 2521 – 2218 – 2015 – 1712 – 1410 – 118 – 96 – 74 – 52 – 310[edit]Locations and test datesThe test is taken every year in 500 locations across 121 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world. The number of candidates has grown from about 80,000 in 1999 to over 1,200,000 in 2009.
The top three locations in which candidates took the test in 2007 were:
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand. There used to be a minimum time limit of 90 days before which a person was not allowed to retake the test. However this restriction has been withdrawn and currently there is no limit for applicants to retake the test.
[edit]Global test scores[edit]Countries with highest averagesIn 2007, the countries with the highest average scores for the Academic Strand of the IELTS test were:[1]
[edit]Results by first language of candidateThe top 5 language-speaking (or nationality) groups that achieved the best results in 2007 for the Academic Strand of the IELTS test were:[1]
[edit]IELTS level required by academic institutions for admissionJust over half (51%) of candidates take the test to enter higher education in a foreign country.[1] The IELTS minimum scores required by academic institutions vary. As a general rule, institutions from English-speaking countries require a higher IELTS band.
[edit]United StatesThe highest IELTS Band required by a university is 8.5,[3] by the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University; the only US institution to require this band.
While Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law is listed as requiring an 8.5 on the IELTS website, the school lists an 8.0.[4]
At Saint Louis University, the minimum score is 6.
[edit]United KingdomThe highest IELTS Band required is 8,[3] by the Master of Science degree in Marketing at the University of Warwick .
Most IELTS requirements by universities fall between 5.5 and 7.0. For example:
UniversityMinimum IELTS scoreOxford University7.0[5]University of Edinburgh7.0 (All programs in Business, Management, Finance, Law, English Literature and Celtic/Scottish Studies)[6]Cambridge University7.0[7]Glasgow University6.5 (General)/ 7.0 (Faculty of Arts & Humanities)[8]University College London6.5/7.0/7.5 (depends on UCL's individual faculty/department requirement)Imperial College London6.5 (7.0 for the Life Sciences Department and the Imperial Business School)Exeter University6.5Liverpool University6.0[9]Birmingham University6.0Essex University5.5[edit]GermanyStuttgart University requires an IELTS minimum of 6.0. Most German universities require an IELTS minimum of 6.0 for their master's students.
[edit]ItalyPolytechnic University of Turin requires an IELTS minimum of 5.0. Most Italian universities require an IELTS minimum of 7.0 for their master's students.
[edit]Hong KongThe Law Society of Hong Kong requires applicants to achieve a minimum score of 7.0 for entry into the Postgraduate Certificate in Lawscourse, taught at University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong. Chinese University of Hong Kong requires an overall band score of 7.0 for entry via Early Admission Scheme into 2 of its business subjects, "Global Business Studies" and "International Business and Chinese Enterprise".
[edit]IELTS use for immigration purposesA number of Commonwealth countries use IELTS scores as a proof of prospective immigrants' competence in English.[10]
[edit]AustraliaAustralia's immigration authorities have used IELTS to assess English proficiency of prospective migrants since May 1998, when this test replaced the access: test that had been previously used.[11]
Presently, to demonstrate the "proficient" level of English, applicants for Australia's Independent Migrant visa (permanent residence) must either score at least 7 on each of the modules of IELTS, or score at least "B" on Australia's Occupational English Test.[12]
One can receive a "partial credit" (fewer points on the point test that determines one's eligibility for the migrant's visa) for having merely a "competent" level of English, which requires scoring at least 6 on each of the modules of IELTS. Prospective migrants who are citizens of the majority-English-speaking countries (United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or Republic of Ireland) may choose to automatically receive the credit for the "competent" level of English merely by virtue of their citizenship, without taking tests; however, if they desire to show the "proficient" level (e.g. in order to obtain a sufficiently high overall score on the migration point test) they still must take the IELTS or OET.[12]
[edit]New ZealandNew Zealand has used the IELTS test since 1995. Initially, level 5 scores in each of the four modules were required of the prospective applicants; those who could not achieve required scores could pay a NZ$20,000 fee instead, which would be fully or partially refunded later if the migrant were able to successfully take the test within a certain period (3 to 12 months) after his or her arrival to the country. A few years later, the policy was changed: the fee was reduced, and, instead of being potentially refundable, it became treated as a "pre-purchase" of post-arrival ESL tuition.[13]
Presently, applicants desiring to achieve permanent residence in New Zealand via the "Entrepreneur Category" migration program must prove a "reasonable" level of competence in English. Unless the applicant has studied and/or work for a sufficiently long period in New Zealand or other English-speaking countries, this normally should be demonstrated by achieving the overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS.[14]
[edit]CanadaCitizenship and Immigration Canada uses the results of IELTS and/or TEF as a conclusive evidence of one's ability to communicate in English and/or French.[15] For the purposes of the skill-based immigration points test, one receives separate points based on his or her performance on each of the four modules (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) or IELTS; the score of 6.5 on a particular IELTS module is sufficient to earn the maximum points for this particular capacity, except for the listening module, which requires the score of 7.5 to earn the maximum points.[16]
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test scores are mentioned by the Canadian immigration application forms as an alternative to IELTS.[16]
[edit]United KingdomUnder the UK's "Points Based System Tier 1" (General Migrant) programme, applicants can receive 10 points for their English language qualification if it is deemed "equivalent to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning level C1", which is said to approximately equivalent to IELTS level 6.5, or GCSE Grade C. Having had earned a university degree from an English-medium institution is an acceptable alternative proof of one's English level.[17]
[edit]Other English proficiency tests
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version:
- The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enrol in universities and other institutions ofhigher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.
- The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or forimmigration purposes.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada.
An IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF - see below) is valid for two years.
In 2007, IELTS tested over a million candidates in a single 12-month period for the first time ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration.[1]
In 2009, 1.4 million candidates took the IELTS test in over 130 countries.
IELTS characteristicsThe IELTS incorporates the following features:
- A variety of accents and writing styles have presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias.
- IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
- Band scores used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 0 ("Did not attempt the test") to 9 ("Expert User").
- The speaking module - a key component of IELTS. This is conducted in the form of a one-to-one interview with an examiner. The examiner assesses the candidate as he or she is speaking, but the speaking session is also recorded for monitoring as well as re-marking in case of an appeal against the banding given.
- IELTS is developed with input from item writers from around the world. Teams are located in the USA, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and other English speaking nations.
[edit]ListeningThe listening module comprises four sections. Each section begins with a short introduction telling the candidates about the situation and the speakers. They then have some time look through the questions. The first three sections have a break in the middle allowing candidates to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard only once.[2]
[edit]ReadingIn the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall. The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there can be up to 5 texts to read.
[edit]WritingThis consists of two sections with the second section taking the form of an essay.
[edit]SpeakingThe speaking test contains three sections. The first section takes the form of an interview during which candidates may be asked about their hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers and the internet or family. In the second section candidates are given a topic card and then have one minute to prepare after which they must speak about the given topic. The third section involves a discussion between the examiner and the candidate, generally on questions relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in part 2.
[edit]DurationThe total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
- Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
- Reading: 60 minutes.
- Writing: 60 minutes.
- Speaking: 10–14 minutes.
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
[edit]Band scaleIELTS is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. Overall Band Scores are reported to the nearest half band.
The following rounding convention applies: if the average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
The nine bands are described as follows:
[edit]9 Expert UserHas full operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
[edit]8 Very Good UserHas full operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
[edit]7 Good UserHas operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
[edit]6 Competent UserHas generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
[edit]5 Modest userHas partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
[edit]4 Limited UserBasic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
[edit]3 Extremely Limited UserConveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
[edit]2 Intermittent UserNo real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs.
[edit]1 Non UserEssentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
[edit]0 Did not attempt the testNo assessable information provided at all.
[edit]Conversion tableThis table can be used for the Listening & Reading tests to convert raw scores to band scores. This chart is a guide only, because sometimes the scores adjust slightly depending on how difficult the exam is.
Band Score9.08.58.07.57.06.56.05.55.04.54.03.53.02.52.01.51.00.0Raw score4037 – 3935 – 3633 – 3428 – 3226 – 2723 – 2521 – 2218 – 2015 – 1712 – 1410 – 118 – 96 – 74 – 52 – 310[edit]Locations and test datesThe test is taken every year in 500 locations across 121 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world. The number of candidates has grown from about 80,000 in 1999 to over 1,200,000 in 2009.
The top three locations in which candidates took the test in 2007 were:
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand. There used to be a minimum time limit of 90 days before which a person was not allowed to retake the test. However this restriction has been withdrawn and currently there is no limit for applicants to retake the test.
[edit]Global test scores[edit]Countries with highest averagesIn 2007, the countries with the highest average scores for the Academic Strand of the IELTS test were:[1]
[edit]Results by first language of candidateThe top 5 language-speaking (or nationality) groups that achieved the best results in 2007 for the Academic Strand of the IELTS test were:[1]
[edit]IELTS level required by academic institutions for admissionJust over half (51%) of candidates take the test to enter higher education in a foreign country.[1] The IELTS minimum scores required by academic institutions vary. As a general rule, institutions from English-speaking countries require a higher IELTS band.
[edit]United StatesThe highest IELTS Band required by a university is 8.5,[3] by the Graduate School of Journalism at Columbia University; the only US institution to require this band.
While Ohio State University's Moritz College of Law is listed as requiring an 8.5 on the IELTS website, the school lists an 8.0.[4]
At Saint Louis University, the minimum score is 6.
[edit]United KingdomThe highest IELTS Band required is 8,[3] by the Master of Science degree in Marketing at the University of Warwick .
Most IELTS requirements by universities fall between 5.5 and 7.0. For example:
UniversityMinimum IELTS scoreOxford University7.0[5]University of Edinburgh7.0 (All programs in Business, Management, Finance, Law, English Literature and Celtic/Scottish Studies)[6]Cambridge University7.0[7]Glasgow University6.5 (General)/ 7.0 (Faculty of Arts & Humanities)[8]University College London6.5/7.0/7.5 (depends on UCL's individual faculty/department requirement)Imperial College London6.5 (7.0 for the Life Sciences Department and the Imperial Business School)Exeter University6.5Liverpool University6.0[9]Birmingham University6.0Essex University5.5[edit]GermanyStuttgart University requires an IELTS minimum of 6.0. Most German universities require an IELTS minimum of 6.0 for their master's students.
[edit]ItalyPolytechnic University of Turin requires an IELTS minimum of 5.0. Most Italian universities require an IELTS minimum of 7.0 for their master's students.
[edit]Hong KongThe Law Society of Hong Kong requires applicants to achieve a minimum score of 7.0 for entry into the Postgraduate Certificate in Lawscourse, taught at University of Hong Kong, Chinese University of Hong Kong and City University of Hong Kong. Chinese University of Hong Kong requires an overall band score of 7.0 for entry via Early Admission Scheme into 2 of its business subjects, "Global Business Studies" and "International Business and Chinese Enterprise".
[edit]IELTS use for immigration purposesA number of Commonwealth countries use IELTS scores as a proof of prospective immigrants' competence in English.[10]
[edit]AustraliaAustralia's immigration authorities have used IELTS to assess English proficiency of prospective migrants since May 1998, when this test replaced the access: test that had been previously used.[11]
Presently, to demonstrate the "proficient" level of English, applicants for Australia's Independent Migrant visa (permanent residence) must either score at least 7 on each of the modules of IELTS, or score at least "B" on Australia's Occupational English Test.[12]
One can receive a "partial credit" (fewer points on the point test that determines one's eligibility for the migrant's visa) for having merely a "competent" level of English, which requires scoring at least 6 on each of the modules of IELTS. Prospective migrants who are citizens of the majority-English-speaking countries (United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or Republic of Ireland) may choose to automatically receive the credit for the "competent" level of English merely by virtue of their citizenship, without taking tests; however, if they desire to show the "proficient" level (e.g. in order to obtain a sufficiently high overall score on the migration point test) they still must take the IELTS or OET.[12]
[edit]New ZealandNew Zealand has used the IELTS test since 1995. Initially, level 5 scores in each of the four modules were required of the prospective applicants; those who could not achieve required scores could pay a NZ$20,000 fee instead, which would be fully or partially refunded later if the migrant were able to successfully take the test within a certain period (3 to 12 months) after his or her arrival to the country. A few years later, the policy was changed: the fee was reduced, and, instead of being potentially refundable, it became treated as a "pre-purchase" of post-arrival ESL tuition.[13]
Presently, applicants desiring to achieve permanent residence in New Zealand via the "Entrepreneur Category" migration program must prove a "reasonable" level of competence in English. Unless the applicant has studied and/or work for a sufficiently long period in New Zealand or other English-speaking countries, this normally should be demonstrated by achieving the overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS.[14]
[edit]CanadaCitizenship and Immigration Canada uses the results of IELTS and/or TEF as a conclusive evidence of one's ability to communicate in English and/or French.[15] For the purposes of the skill-based immigration points test, one receives separate points based on his or her performance on each of the four modules (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) or IELTS; the score of 6.5 on a particular IELTS module is sufficient to earn the maximum points for this particular capacity, except for the listening module, which requires the score of 7.5 to earn the maximum points.[16]
The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test scores are mentioned by the Canadian immigration application forms as an alternative to IELTS.[16]
[edit]United KingdomUnder the UK's "Points Based System Tier 1" (General Migrant) programme, applicants can receive 10 points for their English language qualification if it is deemed "equivalent to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning level C1", which is said to approximately equivalent to IELTS level 6.5, or GCSE Grade C. Having had earned a university degree from an English-medium institution is an acceptable alternative proof of one's English level.[17]
[edit]Other English proficiency tests
- TOEIC, Test of English for International Communication
- TOEFL, Test of English as a Foreign Language
- TSE, Test of Spoken English
- ITEP, International Test of English Proficiency.
- UBELT University of Bath English Language Test.
- University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
- Trinity College London ESOL
- STEP Eiken, Test of English
- English as a Foreign or Second Language
- International Student Admission Test (ISAT)
- List of admissions tests
- National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) Academic
- Standardised test
- Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
- ^ a b c d IELTS tests over one million candidates in a year
- ^ IELTS Practice Tests Plus 2, p8, Morgan Terry and Judith Wilson, Pearson and Longman, ISBN 1-405-83312-2
- ^ a b IELTS.org
- ^ OSU.edu
- ^ Oxford University, English language requirements
- ^ ED.ac.uk
- ^ Cambridge University, Undergraduate Admissions: Entrance requirements for international students
- ^ Glasgow University, English as a foreign language
- ^ Liverpool University English language entry requirements
- ^ Who accept IELTS? Government Agencies
- ^ O'Loughlin, -=Kieran J. (2001), The equivalence of direct and semi-direct speaking tests, Cambridge University Press, p. ix
- ^ a b Skilled – Independent (Migrant) Visa (Subclass 175): English language ability (Australia's Department of Immigration; checked 2010-07-08)
- ^ Hinkel, Eli (2005), Hinkel, Eli, ed., Handbook of research in second language teaching and learning, Routledge, p. 784, ISBN 0805841806
- ^ Applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category: English language requirements (Immigration New Zealand; checked 2010-07-08)
- ^ Language Testing Date Modified: 2010-07-07. (CIC, checked 2010-07-17)
- ^ a b Application for permanent residence: Federal skilled worker class (IMM 7000), Date Modified: 2010-06-24. (CIC, checked 2010-07-17)
- ^ Guidance - Points Based System Tier 1, General Migrant (INF 21). Last updated 06 April 2010