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- Learn to write competent sentences in English without memorizing grammar
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5 best books to help you
Since testing in the IELTS format is very popular today, there is a colossal amount of materials for preparing for it on the shelves of bookstores and on Internet sources. Among them there are dictionaries and collections test tasks, and much more.
When choosing, you need to be guided by two important points:
- The presence of organizations that supervise IELTS in the author's team
- The relevance of the manual, that is, its compliance with modern requirements.
Below are the top 5 most popular books by Cambridge from the official certification website:
- Grammar for IELTS will provide you with training grammar basics language. One of the main manuals, it includes all the necessary explanations and tests.
- Objective IELTS comes in different versions for Intermediate, Advanced levels and provides comprehensive training in all 4 modules. Equipped with a CD with audio materials.
- Vocabulary for IELTS will help you identify and complete yours to pass the exam. An indispensable book for those who have not managed to expand their English vocabulary to the required level.
- Action Plan for IELTS is a quick preparation guide for those who have very little time. All 4 testing modules with examples are presented in a condensed volume. Gives you self-confidence.
- Cambridge IELTS the latest comprehensive manual, also aimed at the comprehensive preparation of the candidate. All necessary materials, tests and exercises plus correct answers for self-test.
Useful Internet resources
It is worth noting that when preparing for the exam, the entire English-language Internet can help you as a platform for training your language skills. Below we note several sites of a more informational nature.
Rating system
IELTS testing uses a 9-point scale, that is, the test results can give you a score from 0.0 to 9.0. Half scores like 6.5 are also possible. Getting 9.0 is almost impossible. The certificate indicates both the overall score for all stages of the test and each task assessed individually.
The assessment of the Listening and Reading stages is calculated depending on the number of correct answers in the test tasks. However, the criteria for general and academic modules are different.
At the Writing and Speaking stages, the assessment is given by an expert examiner depending on compliance with the following standards:
- content ;
- clarity of expression of thought;
- correct grammar and punctuation;
- vocabulary size;
- pronunciation.
You can learn more about the system for calculating exam grades by clicking on the link below:
Exam stages
The IELTS exam consists of 4 main stages that allow you to fully assess your language proficiency:
- Listening() – the first stage at which you will need to listen to an audio recording on a certain topic and complete a series of test tasks(choose the correct answer, agree or disagree with the statement in the text, insert the correct word/date). You are given 30 minutes to complete the task, and another 10 to fill out the answer form.
- Reading(reading) consists of 3 parts. In general, according to the texts, the total volume of which is 2 thousand-3 thousand. words, you need to answer 40 test questions . 60 minutes are allocated for this stage, and no additional time is given to fill out the answer form. The subject of the texts is usually scientific and journalistic articles or media materials.
- Writing (written part) this is writing 2 texts, 150 and 250 words minimum. The first text is an explanation of the information provided, the second is an essay “on my own”. The first part is given 20 minutes, the second – 40. The assessment is also divided 1/3 to 2/3. It is considered the most difficult stage.
- Speaking (oral speech) is a conversation consisting of 3 parts with the examiner. First you get acquainted, then you answer questions on a certain topic, and then discuss this topic. This stage is the shortest, only 10-20 minutes, and can be carried out separately from everyone else (not on the same day).
The total duration of the exam is therefore approximately 2.5 hours. Each stage of the exam is assessed separately, and overall rating calculated from the arithmetic mean.
Particular attention should be paid to filling out test answer forms - your inattention during the test is not taken into account, and you cannot get back the points you lost.
The test results will not be available to you immediately, but after the deadline set by the organizers.
When will you get the results?
You will only be able to find out how you passed the IELTS exam 13 days from the date of testing. The results are published online on the official website at midnight (00:01) on the fourteenth day.
You can receive a paper certificate at the center BKC IELTSCentre, which is located on Tverskaya Street, in building 9a, on the 1st floor, in office 114. If you took the exam at a regional center, the certificate will be delivered to you by mail. All details regarding obtaining results must be clarified at the testing centers where you took the test.
Official IELTS website
You will find all the necessary information about passing the exam - deadlines, addresses, prices, obtaining a certificate - on the official website:
Good luck in preparing and passing IELTS exam! Remember that the key to your success lies in daily workout.
There are more than 20 international exams in the world that test knowledge of English language. Have you decided to get an objective assessment of your knowledge, but don’t know which English exam is best to take? Among the variety of exams, we will help you choose the one that suits your goals.
The day has come when you seriously think about giving up international exam. There are several main reasons why you might need a certificate:
- want to get a new prestigious job;
- dream of moving up the career ladder;
- firmly decided to go abroad for permanent residence;
- intend to enroll in university abroad;
- The certificate is needed to get an objective assessment of your English language skills.
More than 15,000 universities, companies and government agencies International exam certificates are recognized throughout the world. When applying for a job, having an international certificate in English is a significant competitive advantage that will help you get a position in one of the large companies: Hewlett-Packard (HP), IBM, Sony, Bosch, DHL, Credit Suisse, Motorola, Siemens AG, American Express, Procter & Gamble, etc.
Tests test examinees' knowledge of the following skills:
- Reading - Reading.
- Listening - Listening.
- Writing - Letter.
- Speaking - Speaking.
In addition, the exams test how well the candidate speaks aspects of the language such as grammar, vocabulary(Vocabulary) and pronunciation (Pronunciation).
IN recent years The structure of many exams has undergone changes. Some of them have changed their names, but they are still searched on the Internet under their old names and abbreviations. We decided to collect old and current exam names into a table.
| Old name | Current name |
|---|---|
| YLE Starters | Pre A1 Starters |
| YLE Movers | A1 Movers |
| YLE Flyers | A2 Flyers |
| KET for Schools | A2 Key for Schools |
| PET for Schools | B1 Preliminary for Schools |
| Cambridge English: First for Schools | B2 First for Schools |
| Cambridge English: First (FCE) | B2 First |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | C1 Advanced |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | C2 Proficiency |
| Business English Certificate Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) | B1 Business Preliminary |
| Business English Certificate Vantage (BEC Vantage) | B2 Business Vantage |
| Business English Certificate Higher (BEC Higher) | C1 Business Higher |
Everyone dreaming of a certificate asks the question: “Which English exam should I take?” And here the choice is very large (the sky is the limit)! To avoid confusion, we have compiled our own infographics of all international English exams (click on the image to enlarge).
They will help you choose an exam depending on your goals.
Exams for studying abroad
How many tempting prospects study abroad opens up for us! Have you already decided where to apply for a master's degree? All that remains is to pass the exam. European countries and the UK most often require a certificate from the University of Cambridge in the list of documents for admission. If you are applying to a university in the US or Canada, you will most likely have to present an American exam certificate. You can read more about choosing an exam in our article “”
In many ways, these exams are similar. They confirm your current level of knowledge and do not imply any passing grades. The question is whether you are satisfied with the certificate that specifies Pre-Intermediate level? Most likely not, because universities require Upper-Intermediate and higher. TOEFL and IELTS certificates are considered valid for two years after passing. And this is logical. Firstly, the level of language proficiency changes. Secondly, such a certificate helps solve the problem here and now: going to university, getting a job, etc.
There are two types of IELTS exam: General and Academic. To study, you will need Academic. It is more difficult than General: tasks in the writing and reading sections are based on complex texts with thematic vocabulary and advanced grammar. And General will be useful to you for any purposes other than education (immigration, work).
Exams for emigration and self-development
Have you been studying English for a long time and would like to prove that you have a decent level of knowledge? Then we choose an exam among , .
The main advantage is that the certificates from these exams are considered valid for life. But not everyone will get it. Unfortunately, if the examinee fails to achieve a passing score, he will be given a certificate at a lower level. It's simple: if you took the CAE and did not score the required minimum points, you will receive a document with an Upper-Intermediate level. Strict but fair.
Exams for work
You were offered interesting work in an international company? Great news! One thing: you need a certificate that will confirm your high level English language proficiency. Which English exam is best to take for work? Choose: TOEIC, IELTS (General), B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), C2 Proficiency (CPE).
Business English exams
If you need to confirm your knowledge of business vocabulary in English, pay attention to: B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary) corresponds to the Intermediate level, B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage) - Upper-Intermediate, C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher) - Advanced. Want to impress potential employers when applying for a job? Choose BEC. Are you going to study business disciplines in a foreign language? Also BEC. Are you planning to conduct seminars and trainings on business topics yourself? BEC again.
Business English exams comprehensively test students' skills. The BEC series is distinguished by its emotional vocabulary, advanced grammar, long texts and audio recordings, graphics and presentations, and topics from the fields of marketing and management.
English Teacher Exams
Recently, English teachers are increasingly thinking about certificates confirming their qualifications - this is a strong competitive advantage in the labor market. TKT, CELTA or DELTA will suit them.
The TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test) certificate will confirm that its holder is proficient in teaching methods and theory foreign language. The exam consists of three theoretical modules, each of which can be taken separately.
CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and DELTA (Diploma in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) are needed to show that the teacher knows how to apply his knowledge in practice. The CELTA exam is chosen by beginning teachers, while the DELTA exam is chosen by more experienced teachers.
Exams for children
The youngest lovers of the English language have to start somewhere. Which English test is best for a child to take? The University of Cambridge offers three exams for children aged 7-12: Pre A1 Starters (YLE Starters), A1 Movers (YLE Movers), A2 Flyers (YLE Flyers). These are the simplest exams, but they are very important for the child.
A great start for the student high school will be the A2 Key for Schools (KET for Schools) exam. Key, like other exams, tests knowledge in four skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing. The exam is quite easy, but your child will be very pleased with himself, because not many of his peers can boast of such a confident start in English!
Upon successful passing of the B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET for Schools) exam, the child will receive an Intermediate level certificate, and B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools) - Upper-Intermediate.
In conclusion, I would like to say that there is definitely an exam for every taste and color. We hope that after reading our article you will know exactly which English test is best to take. Whatever you choose, the main thing is to get to the end, receive the coveted international certificate and prove to yourself that you speak English at a decent level.
Depending on your preparation goals, planned budget, and personal priorities, choose one of the methods listed below.
English courses abroad and in Russia
Training abroad is carried out on the basis of British language schools and universities. It is optimal to choose for these purposes English speaking country. Foreign educational institutions They offer several groups of programs:
- from the Upper-Intermediate level and above: develop skills for passing the test;
- from a level below Intermediate: “Language for Academic Purposes”, combining language learning with test preparation;
- Foundation Program for future undergraduate students (combines language and academic preparation with preparation in the subjects that the applicant has chosen to study at the university).
Preparation abroad means immersion in the linguistic and cultural environment, getting to know the country and people. A barrier to such a choice may be cost, the inability to combine training with current work, study and, paradoxically, poor knowledge of the language.
Training in Russia is carried out within the framework of specialized programs based on language schools, courses and accredited examination centers. They offer general and special programs of varying intensity.
For some people, working in a group provides additional motivation. It encourages you not to miss classes and complete assignments on time. However, most courses do not offer flexible scheduling, and missed classes will most likely have to be made up on your own or for an additional fee. Short-term intensive courses will help you systematize your existing knowledge and get into conversation, but you shouldn’t hope to master the program of an entire semester in a couple of weeks.
English tests are intended to determine the level of language proficiency. There are not many internationally recognized English language tests. Among such tests are TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, FCE... Variants of these English language tests are presented in this section. These tests measure the test taker's development of four skills: listening, speaking, writing and reading. English tests from this section can be used both to check readiness to take a real test and to determine the level of language proficiency. Each of the tests has rating scale, using which you can determine the level of preparedness of the person being tested. Each English language test has its own specific focus and task format.To prepare for taking the real English test In addition to the materials in this section, you can use numerous preparatory manuals. Each of them contains a lot of additional information on taking the test: the procedure for taking the test, duration, strategy for preparing for taking the test. As a rule, the manuals contain one or more complete versions of the English language test, as well as preparatory exercises. Preparatory exercises, or mini-tests, are designed to prepare for one specific part English test(reading, listening, etc.). Most textbooks come with CDs containing listening materials. These materials will help the student feel the pace of speech, develop for himself the optimal strategy for completing this part of the test, and simply practice his perception English speech by ear.
Due to certain circumstances, both when preparing to take an English language test using a printed manual and using materials on the Internet, the test taker does not have the opportunity to check the results of such parts of the English test as writing and speaking. To complete these parts English tests It is recommended to prepare under the guidance of an experienced teacher who has extensive experience in preparing for this species test and will be able to objectively evaluate the results.
I would like to note that important place in the system of preparation for passing tests in English takes . This element, although it is not included in a separate part of most tests, plays an important role when taking English tests. It is indirectly tested both in oral speech and in writing. Doing this will help you practice using grammar rules.
When preparing to take English language tests, it is advisable to use not one, but several sources. It will be useful to use forums for learning English, where people who have passed the English language test share personal experience preparing and taking the test.
Preparation for English language tests should be comprehensive. This means that you must be competent in each part of the test. Knowing that you may have problems writing an essay, for example, spend more time preparing on this particular skill. Many educational institutions, when applying for studies, organizations when applying for jobs, pay attention not only to the overall result of the English language test, but also to individual parts of the test. So in general good result If there is a large imbalance in the development of different skills, you may not achieve the desired goal.
If you are faced with the need to pass an international test that will determine your level of English proficiency, then you are planning to move abroad in the near future to continue your studies or find employment. Prestigious universities and employer companies put forward quite high requirements for candidates, among whom there are also minimum scores received for a particular language test.
Additionally, if you simply want to move to another country, you will also need to pass one of the international exams that will determine your level of English proficiency. Some tests are impossible to fail, you will get at least some score in any case, some are rated “Fail” in the exam evaluation system - not passed.
Of course, it is better to dial maximum quantity points. But you need to remember that your result will depend not only on your level of English, but also on your preparation for the exam format. Each of the language tests has its own characteristics; in addition, a certain amount of time is allocated to complete the task, which may not be enough for you if you do not calculate in advance how many minutes you will allocate to which task.
There are a huge number of tests to determine your level of English proficiency. You just need to choose the one that is right for you.
Types of international English exams
All English level tests are designed for those who are learning a foreign language and are not native speakers. Typically, the choice of test will depend on the choice of country in which you want to study or work.
The most popular international exams: , and Cambridge tests.
TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)
An exam to determine your level of business English proficiency. The TOEIC certificate is valid for two years, so it is better to take the test on the eve of your official employment or admission to a foreign university.
TOEFL or IELTS: which one to choose?
We have already talked about the exam and its American counterpart. We would like to once again draw your attention to the fact that the choice of exam will depend on the country: in the USA and Canada TOEFL results are recognized, in the UK and Australia they give preference to IELTS or Cambridge exams.
The IELTS certificate, like the TOEFL certificate, is valid for 2 years from the date of receipt of the test results. This is where Cambridge University exams differ from IELTS and TOEFL as they do not have a validity period.
Without conscious preparation, it will be difficult to pass the exams. Picked up list of schools in Moscow that will help you prepare for and.
Looking for courses in another city? The service will help you select training courses in your city for free.
Cambridge Language Tests
| Exam name | What level is it intended for? |
|
|
More than 2 million people take the Cambridge language exams every year.
There are also special Cambridge exams for children and teenagers: Cambridge Young Learners Exams. They are designed for different ages and language proficiency levels: Starters, Movers and Flyers. The main purpose of these tests is to prepare young candidates for future Cambridge adult examinations.
Each exam has its own characteristics, and yet there are some common features for all English tests:
- Firstly, all of these exams are designed for those learning English as a foreign language
- Secondly, test results are recognized by educational institutions English speaking countries and employing companies
- Thirdly After passing the test, you will receive an international certificate
- Fourth x, you can pass each of these exams only at the official test center for taking international tests
- Fifthly, exams test all your language skills: reading, writing, speaking, listening
Which exam should I choose?
There is also a classification that helps simplify the process of choosing the type of international exam. A number of tests test your knowledge of general English, some tests can assess your level of proficiency in academic English, and there are exams to test your level of proficiency exclusively in business English.
General English Exams
We include and among the exams that test proficiency in general English. Key English The Test tests the development of basic language skills. The exam is graded based on the percentage points scored. If you score less than 65%, you will receive a “Fail” grade.
Preliminary English Test is a preparatory exam that is usually taken by those who want to participate in the Work and Travel or Work and Study programs. The test is scored in the same way as the KET. Only if you score 65-69% do you receive a certificate “passed at level A2”.
Professional and Academic English Exams
We include a number of Cambridge tests among these exams: FCE, CAE, CPE, as well as IELTS and TOEFL. These exams test English at an academic level and the results can be used to apply to higher education institutions.Business English Exams
In addition to the exam, which we have already mentioned, there is another exam to test proficiency in business English - BULATS, whose name stands for Business Language Testing Service. This exam is multilingual, that is, it can assess the level of proficiency not only in English, but also in German, Spanish or French. Minimum level of English proficiency for successful completion This exam must be at least Intermediate. Business exams also include specialized ILEC and ICFE tests.We wish you success in preparing for and passing international language exams!
