Task 4 – Final exam

English Exams

Tutor:

MONICA DEL ROSARIO GUILLEN

Presented by:

GUSTAVO ALBERTO GRANADOS

Collaborative group: 551039_11

UNIVERSIDAD NACIONAL ABIERTA Y A DISTANCIA (UNAD)

ESCUELA DE CIENCIAS DE LA EDUCACION

LICENCIATURA EN INGLES COMO LENGUA EXTRANJERA

Medellín, Colombia

2020
 Tabla de contenido

IELTS TEST ................................................................................................................................................3

Generalities about the test. .......................................................................................................................3

What is the purpose of IELTS test? ..........................................................................................................4

Who can take IELTS TEST? ....................................................................................................................5

What is the main goal of IELTS test? .......................................................................................................6

What are the most significant characteristics of IELTS test?....................................................................7

What skills are evaluated through the IELTS test and how are they evaluated? ......................................8

Would you take that exam in the future? Why? ........................................................................................9

Link to the public video..........................................................................................................................10

References ..................................................................................................................................................11

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 IELTS TEST
Generalities about the test.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language
proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of
communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user
(band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).1 IELTS is available in: Academic - for people
applying for higher education or professional registration, and General Training for those
migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, or applying for secondary education, training
programmes and work experience in an English-speaking environment. Both versions provide a
valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and
speaking.

IELTS is recognized and accepted by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including

universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government
agencies. For a list of organizations that accept IELTS scores.

1
Unknown. (2020). IELTS introduction. Julio de 2020 , de IELTS.org Sitio web: https://www.ielts.org/what-is-ielts/ielts-introduction

3
What is the purpose of IELTS test?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language
ability of people who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. It
is the most widely used English exam in the world for migration and higher education. Jointly
owned by Cambridge University and the British Council. IELTS is accepted by most academic
institutions in Australia, Great Britain, Canada, Europe, Ireland, and New Zealand, by more than
3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and by various professional organizations
around the world.

It is the only secure English language test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for
clients applying for visas both inside and outside the UK. It also meets the immigration
requirements to Australia, where the English as a Foreign Language Test (TOEFL) and the
Pearson Test for Academic English and New Zealand are also accepted. In Canada, IELTS, TEF
or CELPIP are accepted by the immigration authority.2

More and more companies use IELTS as a personnel selection tool. In both Australia and New
Zealand it has become a requirement to apply for residency or to work. In the UK it is required
for professions such as pharmacist, doctor, etc. It is important to clarify that IELTS is designed to
assess applicants' level of proficiency in language skills at all levels, and therefore cannot be
failed or passed. The results of the exam are expressed on a scale of mastery levels, ranging from
0 (the lowest minimum) to 9 (the highest). Like all ESOL exams, it is recommended to renew it
every 2 years.3

2
Webster, M.. (Noviembre de 2014). TOEFL and Pearson to be Accepted for English Testing from November 2014. Julio de 2020 , de ACACIA,
Immigration Australia Sitio web: https://www.acacia-au.com/toefl-pearson-accepted-for-australian-immigration-english-testing.php
3
IELTS.org. (2015). Information for candidates. Julio de 2020, de IELTS.org Sitio web:
https://web.archive.org/web/20110216121203/https://www.ielts.org/PDF/Information_for_Candidates_booklet.pdf

4
Who can take IELTS TEST?
IELTS 2020 exam is required for migration as well as academic purposes abroad in English
speaking countries like Australia, UK, New Zealand, USA, and Canada. Foreign universities and
visa granting authorities need to be sure that people will not have communication issues while
staying in the country. People need to show a good understanding and strong command of the
English language and that is why the overall IELTS scores are so important.

IELTS can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality or religion,
however, the IELTS test is not recommended for those under 16 years of age. However, in
Canada for instance, due to changes in the Citizenship Act in there, the minimum age that
applicants have to prove their language proficiency for Canadian citizenship has been lowered.
From June 2015, applicants between the ages of 14-64 who wish to move to Canada have to meet
language requirements set by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada.4

As such, there are no minimum eligibility criteria for IELTS set by the conducting bodies of
IELTS. Anyone who wishes to pursue higher studies abroad or want to work abroad can attempt
the IELTS exam (both Academic and General Training). However, candidates should always
check the eligibility criteria set by the educational institution or organization where they are
applying.

The IELTS Academic is taken by those planning to study for higher education, such as in a
university or college. For these candidates, their admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate
program or courses may be based on the results of the IELTS Academic. Another group of people
who may take the IELTS Academic are those planning to work in a professional field such as
engineering or accounting. Native speakers who plan to attend university, those who are
migrating, or those who are seeking career opportunities. In some cases, native English speakers,
just like non-native English speakers, are required to prove their language ability; many do so by
taking the IELTS.5

4
Wikipedia.org. (2015). IELTS. Julio de 2020, de Wikipedia.org Sitio web: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/IELTS

5
Hage, L.. (2017). Who takes the IELTS and why?. Julio de 2020 , de IELTS.org Sitio web: https://ieltscanadatest.com/2018/05/who-takes-ielts-
why/

5
What is the main goal of IELTS test?
In general terms, The IELTS Test is used to determine people's ability to read, write and speak
in English. It also establishes someone's ability to listen to spoken English. IELTS is
internationally focused in its content. For example, texts and tasks are sourced from publications
from all over the English-speaking world; a range of native-speaker accents (North American,
Australian, New Zealand, British etc.) are used in the Listening test; and all standard varieties of
English are accepted in test takers’ written and spoken responses. It has been developed by some
of the world’s leading experts in language assessment, and is supported by an extensive
programme of research, validation and test development.6

As explained before, there are two types of IELTS test: Academic and General. The General
Training IELTS Test is mainly used to test the English skills of people who want to further their
careers by working in a country where English is spoken as a first language, and the academic is
mainly used to test the English of people who want to take further or higher education courses at
colleges or universities in a country where English is spoken as a first language. IELTS treats all
test takers with the utmost fairness and respect by actively avoiding cultural bias, and accepting
all standard varieties of native-speaker English, including North American, British, Australian
and New Zealand English.7

6
Vamsy, Ch.. (Febrero de 2020). What is the purpose of the IELTS test?. Julio de 2020 , de Quora.org Sitio web: https://www.quora.com/What-
is-the-purpose-of-the-IELTS-test#:~:text=February%209%2C%202020-
,The%20purpose%20of%20the%20IELTS%20exam%20is%20to%20test%20the,as%20the%20language%20of%20communication.

7
IELTS.org. (2020). IELTS information. Julio de 2020, de IELTS.org Sitio web: https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format

6
What are the most significant characteristics of IELTS test?
IELTS is a task-based test covering the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and
Speaking). IELTS test takers receive individual sub-scores for each of the four test components,
and the average of the four provides the overall band score. Each of the four components is
carefully designed to focus on one particular skill. This results in a more equitable form of task
design as compared with tasks that test multiple skills at once. For the organisations which accept
IELTS results.8

IELTS Academic module measures English language proficiency needed for an academic,
higher education environment. The tasks and texts are accessible to all test-takers, irrespective of
their subject focus. IELTS General Training module measures English language proficiency in a
practical, everyday context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations.

The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both versions. The distinction
between academic and general literacy has traditionally been seen as most marked in relation to
reading and writing skills. The more socially oriented language skills of listening and speaking
are equally important in an academic study or professional context. The same amount of time is
allocated to complete the Listening and Speaking components in both the General Training and
Academic Versions. The Reading and Writing components are the same length in both versions.
Both modules have the same minimum word requirement. The same assessment criteria and 9-
band scale is used to grade both modules.

The Reading component of the Academic and General Training versions is differentiated in
terms of: the choice of texts (topic, genre, length, number, etc.), the level of difficulty of the 40
test items. The Academic Reading module has more items pitched at bands 5-8, whereas the
General Training has more items pitched at bands 3-6. This is a reflection of the different
demands of Academic and General Training.9

8
IELTS-exams.net. (2017). IELTS preparation . Julio de 2020, de IELTS-exams.net Sitio web: https://www.ielts-exam.net/IELTS-listening-
preparation/
9
Unknown.. (2020). ELTS Test: Guía Definitiva para Preparación, Puntuación y Notas. Julio de 2020 , de Trucos Londres Sitio web:
https://trucoslondres.com/aprender-ingles/certificados/ielts-
test/#:~:text=El%20IELTS%20cuenta%20con%20una,y%20expresi%C3%B3n%20y%20comprensi%C3%B3n%20escrita .

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What skills are evaluated through the IELTS test and how are they evaluated?
While IELTS focuses on testing the four skills individually, there is an element of integration
in each component in the same way that language skills are integrated in the real world. Test
tasks often entail the use of other skills and are therefore ‘integrated’ to some degree. There is no
pass or fail in IELTS. Rather, all test results are reported on a clear 9-band scale (from 1, the
lowest, to 9, the highest). Test takers receive an overall band score as well as individual scores
for each test component (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). Each of the component
scores is equally weighted. The overall band score is calculated by taking the mean of the total of
the four individual component scores. Overall band scores are reported to the nearest whole or
half band. The following rounding convention applies; if the average across the four skills ends in
.25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole
band. a test taker achieving 6.5 for Listening, 6.5 for Reading, 5.0 for Writing and 7.0 for
Speaking would be awarded an overall band score of 6.5 (25 ÷ 4 = 6.25 = Band 6.5).10

The nine bands are describe as follows:

1 Non user Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
2 Intermittent No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in
user familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
3 Extremely Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication
limited user occur.
4 Limited user Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not
able to use complex language.
5 Modest user Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make
many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
6 Competent Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate words and
user misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language particularly in familiar situations.
7 Good user Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate words and
misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed
reasoning.
8 Very good user Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate
words. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
9 Expert user Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

10
Unknown. (2019). Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el IELTS. Julio de 2020 , de Education First Sitio web: https://englishlive.ef.com/es-
es/blog/consejos-para-estudiar/todo-lo-que-necesitas-saber-sobre-el-ielts/

8
Would you take that exam in the future? Why?
I have already taken the test twice and I would do it again for many factor that I consider to be
important and relevant regarding my professional development.

First, I would be able to apply to study at many international schools, universities,

employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies, which recognize and ask for this
English language test on their admission requirements. Secondly, IELTS is accepted as evidence
of English language proficiency by many organizations in more than 135 countries, for education,
immigration and professional purposes. Besides its good international reputation, this the most
widely recognized English test across the globe, due to the high quality control criteria which its
questions need to accomplish. Also In terms of spelling, grammar and choice of words, IELTS
covers both British English and American English.

9
 Link to the public video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvRizCcMkDM&t=6s

10
 References
Hage, L.. (2017). Who takes the IELTS and why?. Julio de 2020 , de IELTS.org Sitio web:
https://ieltscanadatest.com/2018/05/who-takes-ielts-why/

IELTS-exams.net. (2017). IELTS preparation . Julio de 2020, de IELTS-exams.net Sitio web: https://www.ielts-
exam.net/IELTS-listening-preparation/

IELTS.org. (2015). Information for candidates. Julio de 2020, de IELTS.org Sitio web:
https://web.archive.org/web/20110216121203/https://www.ielts.org/PDF/Information_for_Candidates_booklet.pdf

IELTS.org. (2020). IELTS information. Julio de 2020, de IELTS.org Sitio web: https://www.ielts.org/about-the-
test/test-format

Unknown. (2020). IELTS introduction. Julio de 2020 , de IELTS.org Sitio web: https://www.ielts.org/what-is-
ielts/ielts-introduction

Unknown.. (2020). ELTS Test: Guía Definitiva para Preparación, Puntuación y Notas. Julio de 2020 , de Trucos
Londres Sitio web: https://trucoslondres.com/aprender-ingles/certificados/ielts-
test/#:~:text=El%20IELTS%20cuenta%20con%20una,y%20expresi%C3%B3n%20y%20comprensi%C3%B3n%20e
scrita.

Unknown. (2019). Todo lo que necesitas saber sobre el IELTS. Julio de 2020 , de Education First Sitio web:
https://englishlive.ef.com/es-es/blog/consejos-para-estudiar/todo-lo-que-necesitas-saber-sobre-el-ielts/

Vamsy, Ch.. (Febrero de 2020). What is the purpose of the IELTS test?. Julio de 2020 , de Quora.org Sitio web:
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-purpose-of-the-IELTS-test#:~:text=February%209%2C%202020-
,The%20purpose%20of%20the%20IELTS%20exam%20is%20to%20test%20the,as%20the%20language%20of%20c
ommunication.

Webster, M.. (Noviembre de 2014). TOEFL and Pearson to be Accepted for English Testing from November 2014.
Julio de 2020 , de ACACIA, Immigration Australia Sitio web: https://www.acacia-au.com/toefl-pearson-accepted-
for-australian-immigration-english-testing.php

Wikipedia.org. (2015). IELTS. Julio de 2020, de Wikipedia.org Sitio web: https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/IELTS

11