IELTS Testing Center in Davao

About a two-hour flight from Manila, Davao is one of the most visited cities in the Mindanao region. Davao prides itself of the many tourist spots it can offer to visitors like Eden Nature Park and the Philippine Eagle Center to name a few. Davao is proud of its green environment, fresh air, and bountiful fruits and vegetables. Aside from these natural wonders, Davao is also a home to hardworking and excellent working professionals.

As part of their quest to find a good job, Davao residents are also encouraged to work overseas, most especially in countries like Australia, New Zealand and Canada. According to some statistics, many residents have flown to the mentioned countries above in the past five years, and the number is still increasing. To those Davao residents planning to work overseas, knowing and taking the IELTS is the first step.
The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is an English proficiency examination. This examination has been made a major requirement in any visas in the countries mentioned above. The exam verifies the individual’s ability to understand and use English in an English speaking country. Standard scores are set of which candidates have to meet. Because of this, reviewing for the test is important.

Different IELTS review centers are in Davao City to cater the needs of different people. These review centers have course programs that run a month or so to develop necessary skills for the test. With the four core skills involved – speaking, listening, speaking and writing, one must know different skills and strategies to pass the IELTS test.

Testing centers in Davao City are often located in hotels. Recently, the Marco Polo Hotel in Bajada, Davao City and Grand Regency Hotel in Sasa, Davao City are the common testing centers. Most of the time, the speaking test is done before or after the written tests. Candidates are expected to be in the said testing centers an hour before the scheduled exam for filling out of forms and briefing prior to taking the examination.

With the availability of the IELTS exam in Davao, residents of the metro do not have to travel to Manila to take the test. Taking the test will be easy and right in their hometowns. Hence, Davao City does not only represent a bountiful city with nature’s wonders but also a city where people are professionals and are highly competitive to work abroad.

Know more about IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

The IELTS Test and Some Effective Tips to Pass the Exam

Is it possible to know your English proficiency level?

Filipinos claim that they are good English speakers. They have been using the English language at a very young age making them more accustomed to using the language. However, knowing how to use the language is not enough. Filipinos have to display their expertise and prove their efficiency in taking an English language proficiency examination. Among the many English language expertise test available in the Philippines today, the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is taken by most Filipinos due to its popularity and accuracy.

The IELTS examination is a paper-based exam. Its primary goal is to provide its candidates an accurate measurement of their English proficiency. Many companies and academic institutions trust the IELTS making it one of their requirements to individuals applying for work or course programs in their institutions respectively.

The IELTS examination has two different modules. The Academic Module is commonly taken by individuals who are applying for employment and who are planning to study in another country for more than six months. The General Training is also for employment and those who are going to study for programs less than six months. Individuals need to double check whether they need an Academic or General Training module for the test.

There are four different tests included in the IELTS – the speaking, listening, reading and writing. The speaking test measures how one can carry an English conversation with another person. The listening tests the efficiency of one in getting details in listening passages. The reading evaluated how well an individual can understand vocabulary and general comprehension of the passage. Finally, the writing examines how one can efficiently express his or her ideas in written form.

Individuals are rated based on band scored starting from 0 to 9.0. To be able to pass or achieve the target score, here are a few tips for the IELTS exam.

• Improve your vocabulary by widening your reading choices. A better and wider vocabulary is helpful not only in reading but to other sections as well.
• Create a journal. Journals help individual’s perfect their writing skills.
• Find a speaking partner. A speaking partner is very helpful in building your English speaking skills as well as your confidence in using the language.
• Find an IELTS review center. An IELTS review center is the key in getting the right score for the IELTS examination. Teachers and coaches will help you acquire skills and strategies needed in a successful IELTS examination.

The IELTS is the best test in getting a certificate for your English proficiency. Take the IELTS today and imagine the different possibilities the IELTS test could give you.

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

Age Limit in Taking IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is administered to anyone who intends to study or work in the United Kingdom and selected countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. One question commonly asked to anyone wishing to take the IELTS is, “What is the age limit in taking the IELTS?”

According to the British Institute, there is actually no age limit for anyone wishing to take the IELTS in any IELTS review center so as long as they are capable of using the English language. While there is no age requirement, those below 16 years of age are not encouraged to take the IELTS. This is because the nature of the tests requires a certain level of maturity since the test is designed for adults who will enter university and/or work in the aforementioned countries.

There have been cases where parents enroll their children, such as Koreans, in IELTS review centers as a way of preparing them for the possibility of studying and living abroad even though they have no plan of taking the IELTS test right away. The secondary purpose is to hone their English proficiency to perfection by the time they are of the right age to take the actual IELTS exam. It is for this reason language centers and IELTS review centers accommodate them.

On the distaff side, no one can be considered too old to take the IELTS so as long as they have a grasp of the English language, any adult individual is welcome to take the IELTS test, let alone attend review class for the purpose of wanting to hone their English proficiency.

All in all, anyone is welcome to take the IELTS, let alone attend review classes. Though it is intended to see if one can study or work abroad, there are those who take it to assess their proficiency in English even if they are too young. 

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

What To Do After Passing IELTS?

You have passed the IELTS exam. This is probably the culmination of the long hard road to that dream of working abroad ever since you set foot in the IELTS review center. For some if not many, the next step would be to apply for the institution they would like to go (assuming they have met the minimum band score required). But for those who have not yet decided or do not know yet where they will go, all is not yet lost.

If your band score is high enough, you should start looking for an institution that would accept your IELTS score. It is strongly advised you act quickly and not take too long. The validity of your IELTS score is good up to two years. It follows that your scores will no longer be accepted if you apply after those two years have passed.

You should also need to consider the immigration laws of the countries you wish to enter. In Australia for instance, it is reported that regulations are becoming stricter. The only way you have a chance is if they continue their Skill Select visa where candidates may be sponsored by a state.

Here is something to consider for those who want to work as nurses abroad. In Canada, there is a Provincial Nomination. It is reported that Registered Nurses have recently been removed from the list of eligible occupations.

In New Zealand, the requirement is two years of work experience for nurses. It can be surmised here that the examinee needs to have at least 2 years of experience working in the Philippines before they will be allowed to work abroad. The catch is the IELTS score might become invalid and you will have to take the text again which means going through the entire process of enrolling in an IELTS review center.

What can be gleaned here is it is necessary to know where you want to study or work even before you go to an IELTS review center. Know the (minimum) IELTS score required and aim for it. Be also aware of the immigration laws of the country you will go. It can be seen in some cases you will be required to have some work experience which could lead to your IELTS score to become invalid.

With this in mind, it is better to plan ahead rather than play it by ear.

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

Where To Check Your ILETS Score/Result?

The test is done. The question you probably have on your mind right now is when will the results be out Where can I check for the results or how will you receive the results. This will depend on where you took the IELTS test, whether it is with the IDP or the British Council. IELTS review centers cannot provide that information.

For those who took the test through IDP, the Test Report Form will be posted online 13 days after the day the candidate took the exam. Candidates should be reminded that the online preview cannot be used as an official confirmation of the IELTS result.

To view the results, you need to go to the website: https://results.ielts.org. Look for the appropriate date of when you took the test; fill up the form, putting in pertinent information and click search. They will stay there for 28 days.

This is the same with the British Council. The results will be out (online) in 13 days but everyone will be reminded that the results are provisional and should not consider or assume they are the final results. The procedure is similar to that of the IDP where you need to go to the British Council’s website at www.britishcouncil.org/philippines-exam-ielts-online-result.htm. Find the link leading to the results. Fill in the form with pertinent information including the date you took the test and click Search.

The official test results or the Test Report Forms (TRF) can be picked up at the testing centers, IDP or British Council or they can be mailed to your address if this is what you indicated during registration.

The centers remind that online results are not valid enough when applying to certain institutions. They will require you to present your Test Report Form and it is strongly advised that they wait for its release. 

Typically you will only receive one but if you will be migrating to Canada or the United Kingdom, two may be provided.

If you have nominated institutions, universities or companies you designated that can receive the results of your exam, the results may be sent to them on your behalf.

The TRF will give a breakdown on how you fared in the different sections with their respective band scores as well as give an overall band score (1 is the lowest, 9 is the highest). Therefore, it is important you consider the required minimum band score of the institution you want to go to see if you will be accepted.  The scores are valid for two years after which they become invalid and you need to take the test again.

There is actually no “pass” or “fail” on IELTS. The band scores only serve to identify your level of proficiency. If you fail to meet the minimum requirement, it is suggested you need to identify the areas of improvement, perhaps take a refresher course in English before retaking the test.

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

How to Avoid Stuttering in the IELTS Speaking Test

Stuttering is a disorder or an issue that can affect the fluency of one’s speech. Stuttering is caused by disruptions in the production of speech sounds.  This can be seen if one makes a lot of pauses, hesitates too much, self-corrects or “eats” words.

Besides “natural” or inherent reasons, the most common reason for stuttering is brought upon by nervousness or anxiety. Feelings of embarrassment, shame, frustration, fear, anger, and guilt are frequent in people who stutter, and may actually increase tension and effort, leading to increased stuttering.

In English proficiency tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), stuttering may be an issue as these tests have a Speaking Section which requires the test taker to verbally respond in a fixed amount of time.

The speaking tests aim to assess one’s ability to articulate ideas verbally and clarity and coherence are important factors. Stuttering may greatly affect one’s effectiveness and lead to a very low score. This may be interpreted as an inability of the speaker to articulate verbally.

However, one should not despair as there is a way to address stuttering in speaking tests in IELTS.

·         First and foremost is mental preparation above anything else such as skills.

Test takers need to be relaxed and should have a clear mind. It is necessary for them to condition themselves to avoid making careless mistakes and even stuttering. While this is not the easiest task to do, it is something that must be developed.

·         Secondly, it is essential to stick to the plan.

Test takers are allowed to take notes and are given time to prepare. They should take this time to map out how they will present or articulate their ideas based on the notes they took. Most of the time, stuttering is caused when test takers try to alter the plan once they begin speaking and this leads to making too many pauses or stuttering. Test takers should resist the urge to change their plans once they start speaking.

·         Another way to avoid stuttering in speaking tests is constant drill.

Test takers should try reading any text aloud whether it is an article in a magazine, newspaper or even a passage from a book. The purpose is to eliminate pauses and stuttering by teaching proper pronunciation and pacing as well as practicing proper grammar. Tongue twisters are also recommended to give the tongue “exercise.”

·         Broaden your vocabulary.

One other problem that causes stuttering is test takers struggle to find the right words to say. To address this problem, they are encouraged to have a broad choice of words. It is simply not enough to learn and memorize new words. This also includes using words in a sentence to develop the confidence is using these words. When in doubt, the rule of the thumb is to keep it simple.

Stuttering can be overcome if one would follow the aforementioned tips. It will require some effort especially for those not fluent in the language but with constant exposure and practice as well as patience, it will not be difficult to hurdle the speaking tests of IELTS. As a saying goes, “Proper Practice Prevents Poor Performance.”

Get more IELTS tips here: www.slideshare.net/stephlowe91/ielts-grammar-prepositions

Academic vs. General Training in IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to assess the English proficiency skills on non-native English speakers or those who come from countries where English is not the official language. The test is designed for those who will be working or studying in the United Kingdom or selected Commonwealth nations.

IELTS tests the individual on the four basic yet essential skills – Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking. It assesses the test taker’s ability to comprehend and articulate in the English language. Depending on the reason for going abroad, IELTS comes in two formats – the Academic and General Training.

To prepare for IELTS, many IELTS review centers such as Jrooz Review Center are authorized to conduct review classes and to a certain extent, administer the IELTS exam.

The Academic Training – as the name suggests, this IELTS format is designed to prepare test-takers who want to study in a university in the aforementioned countries such as Cambridge and Oxford in the UK, Monash University in Australia and McGill University in Canada. Other lesser known institutions may also require a IELTS score from those who want to enroll.

The minimum IELTS scores will depend on the requirements set by the university where the test taker wishes to study. For example, 7.0 is the minimum requirement in Oxford while it is slightly higher at Cambridge (7.5); McGill University’s requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. For other universities, it is important for the test taker to know the minimum IELTS score required by the one he or she wants to study in.

General Training is essentially focuses on “survival” skills in a setting outside universities such as the workplace or regular interaction with people. This is designed for those who plan to work in the aforemention

ed countries as well as those who will be migrating, especially to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Compared to the two, the General Training is easier since it requires using “simple” English as opposed to the higher level of English required in universities and will require a higher degree of aptitude or intelligence which will be experienced in a campus setting. General Training determines if one can interact in a workplace or in everyday situations where the test taker will encounter locals.

Therefore, IELTS review centers need to know the needs of test-takers in order to determine which IELTS format they need to prepare for. As one can see, IELTS is more “versatile” compared to TOEFL as it offers different types of tests, depending on the needs of the test-taker.

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

Where Can I Buy IELTS Review Materials in the Philippines

What’s the first thing you need to have when you need to review for an examination? Materials! Before taking an examination, we gather up our notes and books and start reading on them according to the examination coverage. We take time to write down important names and dates as part of the review. Reviewing is easy when we have the right materials when we study. However, if you are going to take an English proficiency examination like the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination, where will you be acquiring materials?
The IELTS test is an English proficiency examination that gauges an individual’s fluency in using the English language in its four core skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. Having these four areas to be covered in the examination, reviewing for the exam can be tedious and somehow confusing as to where one can find good and appropriate materials. Candidates for the IELTS examination need not fret for there are many ways in getting the right review materials for the IELTS examination.
1. Hit up the bookstores.
The first that comes into your mind is finding a review material in bookstores. Check the nearest bookstores in your areas and find IELTS reviewers from Kaplan and Cambridge – a few of the names that are popular in publishing good and affordable materials for the IELTS examination. Most of these review materials come in with a CD of a sample test, listening passages and tips on how to pass the IELTS examination. Of course, an answer booklet is included to check your responses if they are right or you need more practice.

2. Go online.
There are various sites in the web that offers free reading, listening, and writing questions in the IELTS. Some may require some payment but there are lots that are free of charge. Click on your favourite search engine and key in “free IELTS materials” and you will be amazed of the different sites and blogs that even provide feedbacks on your responses. What’s the best thing about this is you can enjoy reviewing right at your own space for free.

3. Enrol in IELTS review centers
With coaches and trainers to support and guide you through out your program, IELTS review centers have especially designed course programs that lead each candidate to a successful IELTS examination. Once you are enrolled, you will be given handouts and free materials to study at home or while you are at work.
There are different ways in getting the best materials for the IELTS. You just need to explore the shelves of the bookstores, the free sites on the web, and the best IELTS review centers in your area today.

Get more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

Butcher Training in Tagum City, Davao

Skilled work is one profession that has been of those in demand job in other countries, most especially in Australia. The number of Filipinos applying for a spot in these companies abroad has been increasing over time as more and more Filipinos are getting successful overseas. Among these skilled works, butchery has been gaining popularity.

Luckily here in Davao City, one city offers training to individuals who wish to work in Australia as butchers. Tagum City, an hour drive from Davao City, has been delivering quality trainings for men and women who are planning to work as butchers.

The Community Skills Training Program of the Local Government of Tagum has been working hard in providing world-class to qualified individuals not only from the city but from other parts of the country as well. Because of this program, different individuals are given the opportunity to find work and support their family here in the Philippines through working in butchery companies in Australia. So far, Tagum has already sent hundreds of butchers to Australia since 2007. These butchers have undergone a series of training programs that hone their skills in the field of butchery.

In fact, different Australian-based meat firms have visited Tagum to witness the trainings being given to qualified individuals. To show support to the local government’s training program, these firms have provided various equipment that will help these learners with their course programs. Practical exams are done in Tagum Slaughterhouse with representatives from different firms as witnesses.

The best thing about these trainings offered is that it is for free. However, it is important for these aspiring butchers to pass an English proficiency examination before they could enrol for the program. They need to provide a certification from the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.
Since English is widely spoken in Australia, butchers are expected to speak the language to become efficient and productive at work. Butchers need to get an overall band score (OBS) of 5 in the IELTS General Training examination. If they fail to obtain this score, they cannot join the program. So, it is very important for them to undergo IELTS training for the said examination.

IELTS review centers found in different cities in the Philippines have programs to enhance the English skills of these butchers. Being part of these course programs will help butchers develop the necessary skills needed in making the right responses during the examination. With the help of IELTS review centers, anyone can enrol and enjoy free butchery training in Tagum City.

Get more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

Facts about IELTS Test in the Philippines

Taking the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System? You must be someone getting ready for professional work overseas or a student excited to be studying in a university or college abroad. Taking the IELTS test means getting an English certification as a requirement to these companies and educational institutions, respectively.

If it is your first time to take the IELTS, then better know some important facts about the IELTS Test here in the Philippines.

·         The IELTS is a paper-based test that aims to provide an English language proficiency certification from its candidates. This certification indicates an overall band score (OBS) together with the individual band scores of the test in its four core language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  Most candidates who take the test have a target OBS which is required in the company or university they are applying for.

·         The IELTS test has two modules – the Academic and the General Training Module. These modules are taken by different individuals depending on what they need. It is best for candidates to double check from the companies and schools they are applying for.

·         Preparation is highly important in the IELTS. If you are planning to take the IELTS this year, here are the test dates and the test locations:

British Council

Type	Writing Test Date	Speaking Test Date	Location
Academic	01/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	28/02/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Cebu
Academic	01/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	28/02/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Cebu
Academic	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Naga
Academic	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Cagayan De Oro
Academic	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Manila
Academic	15/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	14/03/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Manila
Academic	15/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	14/03/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Davao
Academic	05/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	04/04/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Pampanga
Academic	05/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	04/04/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Manila
Academic	12/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	11/04/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Cebu
Academic	12/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	11/04/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Manila
Academic	12/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	11/04/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Cebu
Academic	12/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	11/04/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Manila
Academic	24/04/2014 (Thu) 8.00 a.m.	23/04/2014 (Wed) a.m.	Manila

Type	Writing Test Date	Speaking Test Date	Location
General Training	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Cagayan De Oro
General Training	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Iloilo
General Training	08/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	07/03/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Naga
General Training	15/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	14/03/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Manila
General Training	15/03/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	14/03/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Davao
General Training	05/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	04/04/2014 (Fri) p.m.	Manila
General Training	05/04/2014 (Sat) 8.00 a.m.	04/04/2014 (Fri) a.m.	Pampanga
General Training	24/04/2014 (Thu) 8.00 a.m.	23/04/2014 (Wed) p.m.	Manila

IDP

February
22	Manila	ACADEMIC
March
1	Manila	ACADEMIC
8	Manila	Academic & General Training
8	Baguio	Academic & General Training
8	Bacolod	Academic & General Training
8	Iloilo	Academic & General Training
8	Cag de Oro	Academic & General Training
15	Manila	Academic & General Training
15	Cebu	Academic & General Training
15	Davao	Academic & General Training
15	Dipolog	Academic & General Training
15	Pampanga	Academic & General Training
April
5	Manila	Academic & General Training
5	Baguio	Academic & General Training
5	Iloilo	Academic & General Training
5	Cag de Oro	Academic & General Training
12	Maila	ACADEMIC
24	Manila	Academic & General Training
24	Cebu	Academic & General Training
24	Davao	Academic & General Training
24	Naga	Academic & General Training
24	Cabanatuan	Academic & General Training

               

·         British Council and IDP are the two authorised agents that deliver the IELTS. The content of the exam is the same; however, their prices are different. The British Council costs about PhP 8986 and the IDP costs PhP 8900.

·         Unlike any other English proficiency tests, the speaking examination is done in a one-on-one interview type. This is the reason why most candidates look for speech coaches to further develop not only their speaking abilities but also their confidence in speaking in front of a native English speaker.

·         Because of the importance of the IELTS as an English language requirement, most candidates attend IELTS review centers. In IELTS review centers, candidates are given their own schedule for the class. As they enrol for the program, they will be given a diagnostic test to evaluate their English level. The good thing about IELTS review centers is that they have good course programs that are especially designed to bring out the best in their candidates. Filled with trainings and activities, candidates will surely build, develop and improve their English skills in a few months. Prices on IELTS review centers vary; hence, it is important to consider what you need most in IELTS training.

These are the most essential facts you need to know about the IELTS. For more information, feel free to visit any IELTS review centers in your area today. 

Read more IELTS tips here: www.ieltsexamstips.com