IELTS

International English Testing System

Familiarisation Workshops

English Language Centre

Hong Kong Polytechnic
University
 Workshop Format
Overview
- Structure
- Scoring
- Help
- Q&A
Speaking and Listening
Writing
Reading
 The Test
All Candidates are tested in listening, readi
ng, writing and speaking.

Listening 30 mins
Reading 60 mins
Writing 60 mins
Speaking 11 – 14 mins
Total test time 2 hours 45 minutes excludi
ng breaks.
 Listening
Time: 30 minutes 4 sections, 40 questio
ns
Real-world listening situations
Difficulty
Range of topics and tasks
- listening for specific information e.g.dat
es, place names
- understanding gist
- understanding speaker attitude/opinion
 Listening Test Format
Section 1: conversation – 2 speakers
Section 2: monologue
Section 3: conversation – 4 speakers
Section 4: lecture
 General listening strategies
Recording is played once
Read question CAREFULLY BEFORE listenin
g
Familiarise yourself with question types
- completing a chart
- selecting pictures
- note-taking exercises
-MC questions
 Reading
Time: 60 minutes 3 reading
passages, totally 40 questions
Texts are taken from books,
magazines, journals and newspapers
Question types
- find detailed information
- identify attitudes and views
- complete a diagram
 General Reading Strategies
Identify reading skills being tested
Practise these skills
 Writing
Time: 60 minutes 2 tasks
Task 1(20mins): descriptive report of
a table or diagram, 150 words
Task 2(40 mins):250 word essay in
response to an opinion or a problem.
Discuss issues, construct an
argument and use the appropriate
tone and register.
 General Writing Strategies
Read the question carefully

Familiarise yourself with descriptions

of data – in newspapers, textbooks

Practise formulating your own ideas

on topics
 Speaking
Time: 10 – 15 minutes
Face to face interview between one candid
ate and one examiner.
Part 1(4-5mins): Introduction and intervie
w
Part 2(1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk
Part 3(4-5 mins): Discussion topics
 Speaking
Speak fluently and link ideas
coherently
Demonstrate a range of appropriate
vocabulary
Use accurate grammar and
appropriate register
Speak so that a listener can
understand
 Speaking strategies
Part 1
– Take the initiative if possible
– Always say more than yes or no
– Try to overcome nerves
 Speaking Strategies
Part 2
- Take the 1 min preparation time
- Jot down some main ideas
- Sound interested in the talk
 Speaking Strategies
Part 3
- Give informed responses
- Demonstrate your control of the
language
- Attempt to express abstract ideas
- Support your opinions
- Show that you are willing to provide
extended replies
 Scoring
IELTS provides a profile of a
candidate’s ability to use English
Candidates receive a score on a Band
Scale from 1-9
Scores on the IELTS test are graded into nine
bands as follows:

Band 0-Did not attempt the

test  
Band 1-Non User  
 Band 2-Intermittent User  
Band 3-Extremely Limited User 
Band 4-Limited User  
Band 5-Modest User  
Band 6-Competent User  
Has generally effective command of t
he language despite some inaccuraci
es, inappropriacies and misunderstan
dings. Can use and understand fairly
complex language, particularly in fa
miliar situations.
Band 7-Good User  
Band 8-Very Good User  
Band 9 -Expert User  
 General Strategies
Familiarise yourself with the test.
Practise
Time Management
 Help
CILL – Centre for Independent Language
Learning, Core A 3/F

SAP – Speaking Assistance Programme Co

re A 3/F

WAP – Writing Assistance Programme Cor

e A 3/F
 Useful books
Cambridge IELTS 3 with answers
Insight into IELTS – Vanessa Jakema
n & Clare McDowell (CUP)
 Useful websites
UGC Introductory site http://
www.ugccepa.com

IELTS homepage
http://www.ielts.org/index.htm

ELC homepage
http://elc.polyu.edu.hk