How to Balance Work and IELTS Review

source: tesolau.com

According to a recent survey, most Filipinos who are enrolled in an IELTS (International English Language Testing System) examination are working professionals. These people are preparing for the IELTS for applying work or immigrant visas in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Having said that most enrollees are working individuals, it is amazing to know how dedicated they are in reviewing for the examination. Yet, there are still a huge number of these people who are in a dilemma to balance work and IELTS review.

What most of these students worry is attending classes. Though some review centers offer review classes until 9 in the evening, there are still students who cannot attend the said schedule. Common reasons include exhaustion from work, distance of the review center or they do overtime work in the office. Being in this kind of predicament, how can these people balance time for work and study?

There are different effective and possible ways. Here are a few strong points how:

• Make use of IELTS apps in your electronic gadgets.
There are lots of mobile applications that are free for download for smartphones. Luckily, most of these mobile apps are available in both iOS and Android platforms. The best thing about these apps is that the students can browse through these during their break at work or while having lunch. For those who are commuting, they can read through lessons while on their way to work.

• Practice speaking English with your workmates
It has always been emphasized that exposure to the English language is a factor to getting a good score in the IELTS test. Practicing with coworkers can be a good opportunity though it may seem awkward at first. The good thing in this way is that you not only practice English but also develop your confidence in using the English language. Confidence is a strong attitude that one should possess when taking the test.

• Take some time to file a leave from work before your exam week
It will be better to focus only on studying two weeks before your examination. This is the best time to bombard yourself with exercises and coaching from people that you know who can help you with English. Taking some time off also means allowing yourself to have a break to be physically ready for the exam. As much as possible, do not take the exam physically and mentally exhausted.

• Find an IELTS online review
Some review centers are already offering online classes for the IELTS. This is a great chance to review right in your own comfortable place. Working individuals can reserve a class based on their availability, so there is no need to worry if they cannot attend the regular class. Online review classes is also best as the teacher can give his full attention to the student.

Working individuals do not have to be stressed out in reviewing for the IELTS class. There are lots of ways to learn IELTS. Practice and exposure to the materials are good ways to review without being in class.

Proper Ways on How To Answer IELTS Speaking

A lot of people find it hard to speak in a large crowd. The fear of making a mistake and being laughed at is the common reason for this. However, in a speaking test such as the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam, speaking right in front of a native English speaker is much nerve racking than speaking with a large crowd. 

Filipino examinees for the IELTS have to undergo a one-on-one interview with a native English speaker (sometimes a Filipino trained to evaluate the test) for the speaking test. Though the test only lasts for 15 minutes, many candidates for the tests are already anxious in taking this test. This sub-test is unavoidable; hence, all the candidates can do is prepare for this part. How can one prepare for the IELTS speaking test? Here are some proper ways on how you can come up with good responses for the speaking examination.

1. Be familiar with the three tasks of the speaking test and how they are evaluated. Once you understand these tasks, it will be much easier to create responses. With your responses, always consider the following criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, pronunciation, and grammar and accuracy. 

2. Have good vocabulary. Examiners are more impressed with candidates who can choose the right words to express what is on their mind. Try to use big words that you know. Avoid using vocabulary that you are unsure with its definition. 

3. Be fluent. The flow of your response should sound natural as possible. Take a pause when needed. 

4. Do not be monotone. Having the same boring tone in speaking can bore you examiner. Put stress on words that you want to emphasize. Monotone responses are not impressive and can hugely affect your score. Make your responses more interesting with the rising and falling of your tone. 

5. Do not ask examiners to define a word that you do not understand. Instead, ask them if they could rephrase the question. Asking them to define the word puts you on a negative light. 

6. Open your mouth when speaking. Some examinees feel nervous that they end up mumbling during the test. The clarity of your responses is affected. 

7. Correct yourself when you think you made a mistake. This gives the examiner an impression that you are quick to identify mistakes. However, do not make too many corrections. 

8. Relax while speaking. Some people are too nervous that their voices break in the middle of the speaking. Be conscious with the tone and loudness of your voice. It is okay to be nervous but do not let it overwhelm you. 

9. Be natural as possible. Do not use templates with you answers. Raters are trained to identify patterned answers. 

10. Find a speaking partner before the test. This will give you a good opportunity to use the English language and develop confidence as well. 

The speaking test should not be dreaded. Instead, make it a challenge and proud to your examiner that you are a good English speaker. Practice and always be open to new learning in the English language.