What is IELTS?
The IELTS is a test that is designed to assess a person’s skills in the English language. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) helps those that wish to be fluent in English study the language and prepares them to move to a country where English is the native language. The IELTS assesses a person’s skills in every aspect of the English language, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It is designed to mirror the real-life use of English so that it can give an accurate score of a person’s use of English in either work, education, or recreation.
The IELTS has a global reputation and is accepted in 10,000 institutions. Those that wish to move to an English-speaking country to work or study can do so with IELTS results. There are many schools, universities, employers, and immigration authorities that accept IELTS scores as a proper assessment of a person’s English speaking skills. There is the IELTS general training or IELTS Academic that can be taken depending on the person’s individual goals or VISA requirements.
IELTS scoring
The IELTS results are not scored as pass/fail, but rather on a scale from one to nine. Each section of the test, (Reading, writing, listening and speaking) are given an individual score, where nine is the highest and one is the lowest score. The average of these scores gives the overall band score.
If a person receives a nine, they are considered an expert user of the English language, and at one, they are considered a non-user of the English language. To be considered an expert user, the person would have to demonstrate full command of the language, appropriate and fluid use with a full understanding of the English language.
If a person has more difficulty understanding the English language, they are given a three and are considered an intermittent user. As the test taker shows more understanding of familiar situations, and eventually understands unfamiliar circumstances, their score increases.
Preparing for the IELTS Hong Kong (IELTS HK)
English is widely used in Hong Kong, where there are many opportunities for those that wish to study the IELTS. Hong Kong allows those that wish to study abroad in an Asian city while offering an environment that requires daily use of the English language. Becoming an expert user of the English language takes a lot of practice and exposure to different situations.
Learning the English language is time-consuming, and takes a lot of discipline to be fluent in all aspects of the English language that the IELTS tests in. Studying is crucial to one’s understanding of the English language. It is necessary for one to learn English vocabulary and to help their memory.
In addition to individual studying, consistent exposure to everyday circumstances with the English language can be beneficial. Reading new English passages, being a part of new conversations spoken in English and writing different English languages will boost one’s skills and confidence in their English skills. A person does not have to prepare for the IELTS by themselves, however. There are many resources available for a person to reach their full potential on the IELTS.
IELTS courses
In addition to individual study, an IELTS tutor and/or IELTS courses can greatly benefit one’s test scores. IELTS tutors speak fluent English and provide an informal environment for students to study. IELTS courses assist in every aspect of the IELTS, helping students master reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. These courses provide students with discipline, where they receive dedicated time to studying the English language while having agency over what aspects they would like to study, and when.
IELTS courses can help students learn listening skills by teaching them how to predict information, focus on the main subject of the speaker, and identifying synonyms and antonyms. This will help students answer the questions in the listening section. The reading module of the IELTS courses would entail helping students skim texts, and identifying language techniques, while the writing courses would include exercises that improve one’s grammar and vocabulary. The speaking courses encompass many aspects of the previous courses, where those taking the course will be guided to improve their fluency and coherence, accuracy and pronunciation with the English language.
IELTS past papers
Studying past papers, and using practice papers are another resource for those that want to study for the IELTS. There are many online resources for those that wish to use past papers as a study guide. They can show what each test will entail, and it can make the student feel more prepared for the test. There are also practice tests available that are interactive, and give a score for their current English skills.
Using IELTS past papers is a great way for students to study for the test, though they take more self-discipline. The best way for one to study with past papers is to be consistent and set a timer before each task. There are also IELTS self-study books and physical materials one could buy.
IELTS practice tests also provide students with the ability to retry the test multiple times to improve their skills. The tests have a timer and show students what to expect on the day of the test. Both IELTS tests, (IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training) are available as practice tests and test each section of the English language. Practice tests show each test result, in comparison to a high scoring result, to help students improve with each try.
Benefits of IELTS
Studying for and taking the IELTS can be very difficult and time-consuming, though there are many benefits to the test. A high score on the IELTS is recognised worldwide. Universities, employees and many institutions recognise the importance of a high score, and it can provide a step towards further education, employment and immigration.
There are also vast personal benefits to the IELTS. They allow those that took the test to have an accurate understanding of their English skills and studying for the test greatly improves the skills of every English language sector. The test may also spark inspiration and motivation for those that wish to get a higher score on the IELTS and open the door for further occupational goals.
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