IELTS Preparation: an update on teaching strategies Sarah Fleming Ishbel Galloway Marti Sevier English Bridge Program Department of Linguistics Simon Fraser University BC TEAL Conference May 8, 2009

Overview  IELTS overview  Writing  Reading  Speaking  Questions

IELTS introduction  A test of communicative proficiency in English for study or work in English tests all four language skills  A test of international English Cultural or linguistic bias minimised content produced and checked internationally variety of accents used  A task based test model of communicative competence whole text contexts, not discrete point performance-based

Test Format Listening 30 minutes, 4 sections, 40 items General Training Reading 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items Academic Reading 60 minutes, 3 sections, 40 items General Training Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks Academic Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks Speaking minutes, 3 parts

Specific features Offered in Academic and General Training versions Administered through local test centres Face-to-face interview

Recent developments Format  Speaking revised 2001  GT Reading revised 2009 Assessment Wholistic  Analytical  Speaking revised 2001  Writing revised 2005  Pronunciation scales revised 2008 Recognition  governmental/institutional  candidature

Implications Spread of use  post-secondary institutions  immigration to Canada  professional associations (nurses) Standardization/Security  test versions  test day procedures  examiner training/maintenance Test strategies  preparation  cheating