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IELTS for Filipinos

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) gauges ones ability to communicate in English across the four language skills namely: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. If you wish to study or work in English speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or Great Britain you might need to take this test. For more details, you may visit their official site.

IELTS Handbook
Candidate Application Form
IELTS Official Practice Materials Order Form

DO I NEED TO PREPARE FOR IELTS?

Yes, definitely.

In the Philippines, although many TV programs and even the Constitution are in English, we are not using the language in our everyday conversation. You may be able to introduce yourself in English, but can you explain processess or defend your philosophies in English orally or in written form? Can you extract information from graphs? Do you know the rules of technical writing? Can you comprehend words uttered in various English accents? Can you perfectly comprehend English articles?

Reviewing for IELTS is like rehearsing for a stage play. Practice makes perfect -- if you don't agree with this, at least it will help you anticipate the difficulties that you might encounter during the actual exam. You may work on your weaknesses and discover your strengths during the review. The goal for preparing for IELTS is not only for you to improve your English but also and most importantly, to get an acceptable band score in all of the four areas of language skills during the exam. The testing fee will cost you 8,640 pesos (applicable in the Philippines only, please refer to
IELTS official site for other info) and I don't think you would want to spend double the amount because you failed to prepare for it.

You may purchase books or CDs to prepare for IELTS however, I do recommend that you search for a review center near your area. I know of an IELTS review program (see info below) which includes mock exams and application assistance which will definitely reduce your examination anxiety. Mind you, nothing beats the motivation provided when attending classes. Also, it will be more challenging to prepare alone since the English exam includes testing your speaking skills. One's speaking skill would be very difficult to improve without interaction. Furthermore, it is better if a tutor is available to gauge your performance and inform you about your progress after every session.

Tutors may also provide you with tips and tricks instead of figuring it out by yourself. Although it is good to discover your own style in accomplishing the tasks for each test, you may not have enough time for harnessing your skills and at the same time, discovering the techniques by yourself. For Filipinos who wish to work abroad, time is precious. I am sure that you would like to have more time filing your application and searching for agencies than reviewing for an English exam.

TIPS... ANYONE?

Some review programs lasts for about a couple of weeks and some for about a month, if you are still undecided but currently wish to improve your skills, here are some tips to improve your English:

Reading:
1. Read novels, short stories, or articles in English. Have a dictionary by your side so you will be able to look up for unfamiliar words :)
2. Provide yourself with a notebook where you can write down new words. Write the description for each word and make up sentences for each of the words.
3. You may also write familiar words and then search for their synonyms and antonyms. Upgrade your elementary vocabs to intermediate or advanced levels!
4. Time yourself when reading -- there are two ways:
>>>4.1> Time yourself while reading the whole article.
>>>4.2> Set a timer that will run for one minute. If the timer stops, cease reading and count the number of words you have read in a minute.

Writing:
1. If you are not used to writing in English, start with writing letters to friends or family in English. You may also write a personal diary each day and describe your experiences.
2. Look for a picture/object that interests you and write something about it. Example: flower (rose) -- note its color, the shape of its petals, its size, etc...
3. Write about significant issues or events. Example: abortion, lethal injection, international sporting events, advances in science and technology, computers, nuclear weapons, terrorism, space exploration, etc...
4. Re-learn English syntax and grammar (there are many English grammar books in bookstores! grab one).

Listening:
1. Listen to music with English lyrics (you may sing along if you wish).
2. Watch English movies with American/British/Scottish/Hungarian/Australian accents
Billy Elliot
Love Actually
Pirates of the Caribbean
Harry Potter
First Knight
Braveheart
Dragonheart
Harry Potter
Before Sunset
After Sunrise
James Bond movies


Speaking:
1. Perform tongue twisters or tongue exercises (will post examples soon).
2. Speak in English at all times!
Remember: the way to learn the language is to use the language.

More on Speaking...
For me, being able to speak in English is not enough. It is also important that you know yourself and the things that you like and stand for. Keep in mind that the IELTS interviewers may ask you about your opinion on certain issues or about the things which you prefer. The hardest questions pertain to the things which you prefer because there are some people who are not sure about themselves. If this is you, then you may end up saying nothing during the speaking exam. What is your speaking skill for if you have nothing to say? In order for you to prevent failing the speaking exam is for you to know yourself! How? You don't need a spiritual retreat to do this... just get a notebook and make your own slum book. Write about your family, your occupation, your hometown, your favorites (book, color, food, etc... -- make sure you write the reasons why you like a certain something!) -- then read the inputs as if it is another person's personal information.

In speaking about yourself, remember to drag your audience to you and not the other way around... to do this, speak about yourself with enthusiasm. No one will be interested with what you say if you are not interested about it yourself.

Finally, smile all the time. Spread positive energy!


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