Steps on How to Reschedule an IELTS Exam

“I am Melody and I have already scheduled an exam for the IELTS; however, I got a call from my boss that I need to be out of the country on the day of my exam. Is it possible to reschedule the exam day?”

There are quite a number of reasons why candidates for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test cancel or reschedule their examinations. Some of these are schedule conflicts with work, illnesses or they do not feel ready to take the examination. Candidates should know that cancellation or rescheduling of the exam is allowed; however, there are some conditions to be followed.

Candidates are always reminded to be ready for the examination – that reviewing is important and is the only secret to a successful IELTS test. Since the studying for the exam is tedious, registering  a couple of months before the exam will give more time for the candidate to be exposed on different practice materials and at the same time have a week of rest before the test. This early registration is also a benefit for candidates who want to have their exam rescheduled or cancelled.

There are a variety of reasons a candidate can use for his or her excuse in rescheduling or cancelling the exam. However, there are certain reasons that are considered valid for the British Council and IDP – two authorized agencies of the IELTS. These are the following:

• Death of a family member
• A serious medical condition which needs immediate treatment
• Trauma or the candidate is a victim of a recent crime
• Military service (applicable to other countries)
• Loss of visa and government issues IDS as documents to be presented on the exam day
• Visa application problems

Candidates have to provide proof, evidence or certificates to be considered valid. The rescheduling of the exam should be done five weeks before the test date. The IDP or the British Council should be notified immediately. A 25% administrative charge will be charged for the refund. Rescheduling of the examination depends on the availability of the next test date.

Candidates have to complete a “Test Day Transfer Form” and have the necessary documents to support their reason for rescheduling of the examination and send them to British Council or the IDP.

Others can also ask help from IELTS review centers regarding this matter. IELTS review centers are authorized to provide assistance to candidates in registering and even rescheduling of the examination. Contact your nearest IELTS review center for more information on this matter.

For more IELTS tips www.ieltsexamstips.com.

Why do Employers Require All Employees to have an IELTS Certificate?

Every university student’s dream is to graduate from the university and find a good job. Most students take their studies seriously that they allot more time with their books than socializing with friends. Many achievers prefer to be home on a weekend and get good grades in school. A good scholastic standing means a better job opportunity as soon as they step out from the realms of the university.

source: www.bowlesrice.com

After four or five years in the university, these young professionals are out on the hunt to find jobs that will provide them the experience that they need and of course, money. Though there are a lot of jobs here in the Philippines, many are still persuaded to leave the country and try their lucks in different institutions overseas. Indeed, working overseas means better salary packages and a great opportunity to have your family with you while working abroad.

In the Philippines today, a good number of working professionals are preparing their requirements to work in companies in English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and even the United States of America. These countries have a variety of job opportunities where Filipinos are highly needed because of their dedication to their work and their skills. However, most English speaking companied require an English proficiency examination. This examination is the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.

Why do employers need the IELTS certification?

First, employers need to be sure that their employees can understand and use the English language. It would be tough if employees give instructions to their workers and these workers will just look at them blankly, dumbfounded.

Second, employers want productivity from their companies. If the worker can speak English, he or she will not have a hard time understanding his or her duties. Thus, this worker can work effectively and will result to productivity in the workplace.

Finally, employers have to be sure that there will be good communication between them and their workers. The employees will be able to talk to them, communicate with them while working in the company. If they can speak English, they will be able to speak with other employees and promote a good working environment. Further, these people will not find any problem communicating with people right outside work.

Employers require IELTS not only for their benefits but also for the applicants themselves. Their productivity and success not only lies in the company but also with their day to day activities outside their offices.  For Filipinos, reviewing for the IELTS will not be difficult since they can speak the language quite well, and they have a lot of IELTS review centers to help them pass the test. 

What are the Uses of the IELTS Exam?

The International English Language Testing System examination has received a lot of test takers since different opportunities opened in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and even some parts of the United States of America. Moreover, these opportunities are very promising that more and more Filipinos want to grab this chance of being able to go overseas. We all know that the IELTS examination is an English proficiency examination; however, what exactly are the uses of the IELTS exam?

source: kabirnews.com

• The IELTS examination is a measure of one’s ability to use and understand the English language. Many non-native English speakers want to know their level of fluency; hence, they choose to take the examination. Being able to know your English fluency is an advantage and will bring a lot of benefits to you – both professionally and personally.

• The IELTS test is needed for students who are applying for a degree or a post-graduate course overseas. Schools need IELTS to ensure one’s success in coping with their academic performance in school. It will be very difficult for someone to study in an English speaking country if he or she has a hard time understanding the English language.

• Working professionals who want to work overseas need the IELTS as a requirement. Companies have made this a requirement to check if a certain individual can work efficiently in an English-speaking work environment. He or she should be able to work well with colleagues as well through communication in the English language.

• For Filipino residents to change their visa status to permanent residents in a specific country, the IELTS is also needed for their application.

• For immigration, people who have taken the IELTS can use this as a proof of their language test. English-speaking countries require it to evaluate the individual’s eligibility to stay and live permanently in their country.

• IELTS exam is also used in professional registration for some organizations overseas.

• In some countries, the IELTS is used to evaluate literacy of students.

• For scholarship grants overseas, an IELTS score is also a needed requirement.

• IELTS is also used for teacher education courses in some countries.

• Some universities also use the IELTS in investigating language proficiency of international students.

People may have different purposes in taking the IELTS but its use can be any of the one mentioned above. For Filipinos, the most common use of the IELTS is for work, study, and immigration. Taking the IELTS is a huge challenge; a rigid training for the test should be practiced. Take time to organize and manage time as a start in preparing for the IELTS examination.

What Type of IELTS Exam Should I Take?

One common problem for people who are taking the IELTS is whether they need the Academic or the General Training module of the examination. There are people who cannot decide on which to take for they do not know any information about the test. What they should be doing is checking on the agency or to the visa requirements indicated in the country’s immigration website. To give a general idea on which module to take, here is a little information about the two modules of the IELTS examination. 

The Academic Module

The Academic module of the IELTS is generally designed for those individuals who are planning at a tertiary level in an English speaking country. For example, if a certain individual wants to pursue his or her education overseas, an IELTS Academic score is needed. How is this different from the other examination? Basically, the difference is the content of the reading and the writing sections. Reading passages are longer and more complicated, and the writing tasks are more serious and difficult. Taking an Academic is pretty tough that reviewing for the test is a must.

The General Training Module

For individuals who want to do work experience or those who are to undergo training programs, people who want to study in a secondary school or migrate to other English speaking country, a good score from the General Training is needed. Mentioned above to have a difference between the Academic and the General Training, this test has easier reading section as passages are shorter and less complicated to understand. The writing tasks are easier as the topics are more familiar and easier to write.

Looking at the test, their purpose and the content (in reading and writing) are the two major differences. Talking about their fees, they are just the same. However, if you are someone who is enrolling in an IELTS review center, it is best to choose the program on the specific type of module you are taking. Some activities are designed for Academic students that would make it hard for General Training module students understanding. This means that upon enrolment, the student should be able to know which type of test to enrol in to avoid wasting money and time as well.

Being with IELTS centers do not mean waste of money or time. With the specialized review program schedules, possible candidates can take a pick on which time they feel most comfortable in reviewing. Students should remember that they have different times of the day they feel best for studying. Follow this pattern and get good results for the IELTS examination.

Get more IELTS tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

My Experiences During the IELTS Exam

It took me three months to review for the IELTS examination. I needed the IELTS as a requirement for my student visa in Australia. While preparing for the examination, I asked friends whether I should study alone or be in a review center. Most of them took the exam in the previous year and all of them went to a review center. With their best advice given, I enrolled in a review center three months prior to my examination.

Reviewing was not easy at first. During the orientation, I was quite surprised to know that about the flow of the examination, most especially the speaking test. I was a little apprehensive; however, I did not have any choice for I was in need of an IELTS certification. The first month was more of an adjustment. I never thought English could be as difficult as that. The other two months were already okay as I was able to cope with the pace in the classes and I myself knew I was getting better and better until the day of the exam arrived.

I would like to tell you how my review became helpful during the IELTS examination.

First, I had my speaking test in the late afternoon. I was told by my mentors to be at the testing center early and dress appropriately for the event. I arrived an hour earlier and I should say it really had the advantage for I felt relaxed and comfortable before I was called. During the speaking test, I was happy to find the questions similar to my speaking tests. I felt so prepared and I should say I spoke very spontaneously. The interview was smooth and I could see the interviewer was having fun during the interview.

My reading test was a little difficult though. However, thanks to my teachers who taught me skimming and scanning, I was able to finish my reading test fifteen minutes before it ended. Like in the mock tests, the passages were lengthy and vocabulary was really challenging. Choosing the answers was quite easy as I learned some techniques like elimination from my mentors.

The listening test was not much of a problem. I was always good at listening during my reviews. I was able to take down notes with ease and without any problems. Moreover, I was able to understand the lecture without having a problem.  The training I had in the review center was really worth the time and money.

Finally, the writing, which I felt the hardest, gave me a great challenge. I was given a bar graph to answer. Luckily, I remembered vocabulary and the pattern in writing during my reviews. I was able to make an outline first and write my essay in no time. Like I said, the reviews really paid off.

My friends were right. Reviewing with review centers really prepare candidates for the IELTS test. I was not that surprised with the flow of the test for I was prepared. 

If you are planning to take IELTS you can visit this link www.jroozreview.com/ielts-review-center.

How to Apply for the IELTS Exam in the Philippines

It is amazing to know that a lot of Filipinos have been taking the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination today. Indeed, thousands of Filipinos have been looking for opportunities for work or study overseas. As a part of the requirements for visa applications, Filipinos have to take the IELTS and meet the required score of the company or academic institution they are applying for.

Before taking the exam, a lot of candidates invest their time and money in IELTS review centers in the country. These review centers provide them with classroom discussions and exercises. These help the candidates understand the course of the test. In addition, review centers give out weekly assessments by having mock exams to have the candidates experience how the real test goes. Test takers for the IELTS give a lot of time to review for the test in order to hit their target scores.

After gaining all the skills and techniques for the examination, it is time to register for the examination. How can one apply for the IELTS exam here in the Philippines? It is simple!
Applying for the IDP

1. Go to www.ieltsessentials.com. Choose Philippine and your city, then click “BOOK ONLINE NOW”.
2. You will be asked to create a user account. After confirming this, log-in and fill out the application form.
3. Prepare the necessary materials for the registration like a valid passport, PRC ID or SSS ID. Scanned copies of the ID should be prepared as well.
4. Payment can be done online and offline. Online payment is possible through PayPal or credit card. On the other hand, offline payment can be done over-the-counter on different options on the “Pay Offline” option upon registration. Check email for instructions.
Applying under British Council
1. Go to https://philippines.ielts.britishcouncil.org/iorpsea/html/registration/showExamSessionListServlet.do.
2. Choose whether you need to take the Academic or General Training. Choose a schedule that will be best for you.
3. Prepare necessary documents such as a valid ID or the passport. Have these scanned as well.
4. Payment can be done online through Visa or Mastercard.
5. Complete the registration form and follow the instructions shown.
6. If you are someone who have special needs, notify the center for a special arrangement on the day of the test.
7. Wait for the email for confirmation of your test booking.

If you are not sure how to register online, application for the test can be done in authorized IELTS review centers. Be sure to have all the requirements ready so that the application can be lodged immediately.

You can get more IELTS tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

How to Review for the IELTS Exam?

Examinations always bring a feeling of uneasiness to any test takers. As part of their preparation in an examination, test takers review lessons and the pointers for the examination. In taking the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination, reviewing plays a crucial part in an individual’s success in the examination. 

Many candidates for the examination are apprehensive in taking the examination. In fact, Filipinos should not be really nervous in taking the exam. For one, most Filipinos are familiar with the language. Secondly, they have been using English since they started school. Finally, English has already been incorporated with daily conversations. Hence, reviewing for the examination is not that challenging. To better help candidates for the IELTS, here are things to you can do to review for the IELTS. 

1. Start by reading English books. There are a lot of English materials candidates’ can choose from. There are books of different genres, magazines, journals, newspapers, and even different blogs online. Reading materials in English helps candidates to practice their comprehension skills in English and at the same time, learning to love the activity itself. 

2. Keep a vocabulary list. While reading, write down words that are unfamiliar. Look it up in the dictionary and your own sentence using that word. It would be easier to remember vocabulary if the candidate understand it in his or her own understanding. 

3. Watching English movies is a very good way of learning English. Not only you are entertained but also you are learning. There are expressions in the English language that you can use in your speaking or conversations. However, be sure that these are not slang or something unaccepted in communication. 

4. Listen to podcasts and even news casts on the radio. This is perfect in honing your listening skills for the test. 

5. Practice writing essays. Find a topic and write something about it. Learn your style in writing. Read articles online and observe the manner of their writing. 

6. Create a schedule for reviewing. Choose days and time when you are free to study. Give your time at least three hours in reviewing. Do not push yourself from too much studying. 

7. Find someone who can be your speaking partner. Doing this makes you feel more confident in using English. 

8. Always find avenues for you to speak English. Create small talks in the office and even with your friends in English. 

9. Read blogs over the internet on skill building strategy for the IELTS. There are also a lot of practice tests for free where you can take advantage of. 

10. Find an IELTS review center that suits your need. A number of god IELTS review centers have been operating in the country. Choose one that will bring out your English skills. 

Looking at these tips, they are all easy and very simple to do. All you have to do for the test is review and believe that you can pass the IELTS examination. 

Get more IELTS tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

Main Reasons Why People Fail in the IELTS Exam

Everyone wants to be successful in anything that they do. Whether it is a small project or a huge one, getting the best and the most positive results are what concerns most. There is no place for failures. However, we do not always get what we wish for. There are times that things do not go our way leaving us disappointed and broken. Hence, we learn from these mistakes and eventually try to avoid them once we start all over again. The same thing happens to those individuals who have challenged the International English Language Testing System or the IELTS examination.

IELTS test takers are one of the many people who are very keen in preparing for the examination. There are different things that these candidates do to have themselves ready for the examination. As a matter of fact, some candidates for the examination are not those first-takers as we should say. These are individuals who have been trying hard to reach the set score of those institutions that they are applying for. As we all know, companies and institutions have already set specific IELTS scores that they need for the candidate to comply. Once candidates fail to get this, they cannot continue lodging their application. What might have gone wrong why some Filipinos fail in the IELTS exam?

• Failure to read instructions carefully. Well, everybody has an experience an examination. People; however, have the tendency to overlook this part. Candidates have to bear in mind that instructions are there for a reason. For example, in the reading, when asked to write a maximum number of 3 words for the response, candidates should stick on this rule. Writing more is unaccepted and is wrong. Careless mistake but can result to low scores on the examination.

• Ineffective time management. Candidates do not have the luxury of time during the exam. What they need to do is to answer a lot of questions than stay long on one question. If you are not sure with your answer, move on to the next and go back to the number you have not answered yet. This will save time and bring you more chances on reviewing your answers. Candidates can practice reading or listening to passages at home and use a stopwatch to measure how much time they can finish a section. In this way, they will know the improvement they have as their review goes on.

• Poor vocabulary. This is an English competency examination. You are assessed with your level in English. Having good and wide vocabulary, especially on speaking and writing, creates an impression that you are good at English. Do not use the same words over and over again with your speaking and writing responses. Use new vocabulary words and expressions to sound smarter and more sophisticated.

• Less practice, less experience. They say that practice makes perfect. Well, it is not really an assurance of getting a perfect score of 9.0, but a guarantee of hitting your target score. When you practice, you get familiar with the type of examination and the flow of the examination. In addition, you get to know the possible contents or topics of the examination.
To a successful IELTS exam, one should be prepared mentally and physically for the examination. The best preparation one can do is attend classes on IELTS review centers to learn the skills and strategies that will help the candidate attain success in the IELTS exam.

You can find more useful sources about the IELTS at:

www.jroozreview.com/ielts-blog
www.ieltsexamstips.com