About IELTS:

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evalu
ation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. IELTS is a joi
ntly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British
Council and IDP Education, Australia. IELTS is recognized by universities and c
olleges, as well as employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies i
n Britain, Ireland, Australia, South Africa, Canada, and New Zealand. In the Un
ited States, the recognition list includes seven of the eight universities in th
e Ivy League. The majority of the recognising schools ranked as "Top Schools" in
the U.S. News and World Reports on America's Best Colleges 2007, and also the t
op 25 institutions hosting international students. The prestigious Duke Universi
ty Graduate School states on their website that IELTS is their "preferred Englis
h language test".
Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time
is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours).
IELTS is available in two formats: ‘Academic’ and ‘General Training’. All candidates do
the same Listening and Speaking sections. The Academic modules assess whether yo
u are ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or po
stgraduate level. The General Training modules emphasize basic skills in a broad
social and educational context not at degree level.
Listening + General Training Reading + General Training Writing + Speaking
Or
Listening + Academic Reading + Academic Writing + Speaking
Most Hong Kong undergraduate students will take the Academic modules, and regist
er through the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme (CEPAS) – see below.
The total test time of the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of listen
ing, reading, writing and speaking components.
Listening Section (4 parts; 40 questions; 30minutes):
Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as
the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations an
d feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only
once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down their
answers.
General Training Reading (3 parts; 40 questions; 60 minutes):
The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to enco
unter on a daily basis in an English-speaking country. They are taken from sourc
es such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books to test the
candidate’s ability to understand and use information. The test includes one long
er text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative.
Academic Reading (3 parts; 40 questions; 60 minutes):
There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazin
es, journals, and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience. At leas
t one of the texts contains a detailed argument.
General Training Writing (2 parts; 60 minutes):
The first task requires candidates to write a letter of at least 150 words eithe
r asking for information, or explaining a situation. For the second task, candi
dates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or qu
estion. You are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, constr
uct an argument, and discuss issues.
Academic Writing (2 parts; 60 minutes):
Candidates are asked to write a description of at least 150 words. This is based
 on material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram and should demonstrate th
eir ability to present information and to summarise the main features of the inp
ut. For the second task, you will write a short essay of at least 250 words in r
esponse to a statement or question. You are expected to demonstrate an ability t
o present a position, construct and argument and discuss abstract issues.
Speaking (interview; 15 minutes):
The speaking test takes the form of a face-to-face interview. You will be assess
ed on your use of spoken English to answer short questions, to speak at length o
n a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner.
Scoring:
The test is scored on a scale of 1-9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Univ
ersities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum s
core in each of the 4 sections.

IELTS – Online Materials

Details Location
Title: IELTS – HIPPO
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Type: Web
Accent: N/A
Features: Help with IELTS Preparation and Practice On-line (HIPPO) is an on-line
resource to help HKUST students to prepare for the International English Langua
ge Testing Systems (IELTS) examination, which has been selected by the Hong Kong
University Grants Committee (UGC) as a recognised exit examination for Hong Kon
g undergraduate students. This site includes and introduction to IELTS as well a
s how to prepare for the exam and practice tests. http://hippo.ust.hk
Title: IELTS – UGC CEPA
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Type: Web
Accent: N/A
Features: This is the official web site for the Common English Proficiency Asses
sment Scheme (CEPAS), set up by the Hong Kong University Grants Committee (UGC)
to handle the administration of the test when taken as an exit examination by fi
nal year undergraduate students.

http://www.ugccepa.com/200708/index.asp
Title: IELTS – Home Page
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Type: Web
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Features: This is the official web site for ielts.org. You can download the IELT
S Handbook, which contains helpful information about the test. The third link is
to the ‘Teacher Resource’ page that, although designed for teachers, contains sampl
e tasks. Simply click on any of the following from the menu bar on the left: ‘Acad
emic reading’, ‘Academic Writing’, ‘General Training Reading’, ‘General Training Writing’,
ening’, or ‘Speaking’, do access information and questions about that part of the test
. http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx
http://www.ielts.org/_lib/pdf/1649_IELTShbk_2005.pdf
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/
Title: IELTS – EnglishExam.com
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Type: Web
Accent: N/A
Features: You can read a brief introduction to the test and then check your know
ledge by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking on the highlighted lin
ks: ‘Listening test’, ‘General reading test’, or ‘Academic reading test’. http://www.
nglish.com/IELTS/index.php
Title: IELTS – About.com – Preparing for the IELTS for free on the internet
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Type: Web
Accent: N/A
Features: This section of the popular About.com web site includes information an
d tips for studying for the IELTS test.
The 2nd URL listed opposite contains links that lead you to various free IELTS p
ractice resources on the Internet. http://esl.about.com/cs/quizzesandtests/
a/blielts.htm
http://esl.about.com/cs/quizzesandtests/a/blielts_2.htm
Title: IELTS – Preparation Web Site
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Type: Web
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Features: This site, managed by Australia’s Holmsglen Institute, offers informatio
n about IELTS as well as interactive tasks that you can do online and informatio
n you can download and print. Scroll to the bottom of the home page and click on
any of the four skill areas (reading, writing, listening, speaking) that you wi
sh to practise. Sample answers are included. http://international.holmesglen.
vic.edu.au/IELTS01.htm
Title: IELTS - Exercises
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Type: Web
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Features: In the following pages you will find exercises to practice all four pa
rts of the IELTS. Click on the skill you wish to test yourself on and read the i
ntroduction before printing out the exercises. The style of these paper-based qu
estions does not exactly resemble those given in the actual IELTS test; however
the question types are similar. Check your answers by clicking on the ‘answers’ lin
k found at the end of the questions. http://www.ielts-test.com/exercises.htm
Title: IELTS – Teacher Joe IELTS Preparation
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Type: Web
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Features: ‘Teacher Joe’ is a former IELTS examiner and you’ll find plenty of practice
activities at this site, especially speaking exercises. http://teacherjoe.us/IEL
TSSpeak.html
Title: IELTS - Longman.com Exams Resource Library
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Type: Web
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Features: On this Longman ELT website, there are lots of ideas and free resource
s for English language exams. Try fun online activities, download free support m
aterials and get helpful tips on studying for IELTS simply clicking on the IELTS
‘star’ button. You’ll be directed to a page that contains a description of the exam a
nd student resources such as study tips and interactive exercises and quizzes.
http://www.longman.com/exams/cae-cpe/cae/students-activities.html
Title: IELTS - English-online.org – EFL Exam Practice
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Type: Web
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Features: You’ll find plenty of exam advice and practice exercises at this site. C
lick on ‘IELTS’ and you’ll be given a description of the exam. From the menu bar at th
e top you can access information on the different skills that each exam focuses
on. Click on ‘Introduction’ to find out more about that part of the exam. Then click
on the different ‘Parts’ to see examples of questions, answers, and examiners comme
nts. http://www.english-online.org.uk/exam.htm
Title: IELTS - One Stop English - Exams
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Type: Web
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Features: This section of One Stop English contains a variety of materials desig
ned to help teachers prepare students for the IELTS exam. Worksheets and answer
keys are provided free of charge for this substantial IELTS section. Click on th
e language area you wish to test yourself on. http://www.onestopenglish.com/se
ction.asp?sectionType=listsummary&catid=58071&docid=144744
Title: IELTS - SelfAccess.com – Free Sample Lessons and Exercises
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Type: Web
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Features: This site offers two types of online ESL lessons for a monthly or annu
al subscription. You can also sign up for a three day free trial of all the mate
rial on the site. To try a quick sample, go to the top of the menu bar on the le
ft, click on ‘Free Sample Lessons and Exercises’ to access a selection of activities
from different levels and different skill areas.
The Academic English lessons are longer than the General English lessons and are
perfect for intermediate-level and above students who need to prepare for Engli
sh tests like IELTS. All of the lessons and exercises are based on topical Reute
rs’ news articles and current events. The Academic English exercises contain the t
ypes of questions and tasks used in ESL tests such as the IELTS test. http://w
ww.selfaccess.com/