There are several tests used to assess an immigrants English language skills. IELTS is the most common one used in Australia. It has four components: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Unlike TOEFL, which tests some of these areas in combination, the IELTS test does not use computer assessment; it is all either handwritten or spoken directly to an assessor.
IELTS is run in two streams, an academic and general, with a combined global total of 2 million people sitting it each year. Both streams are designed for language use as it would be encountered by the individual, either as a student or under general employment. Over 9000 international institutions recognise the test as part of their entrance requirements,
The four components of the test are assessed and recorded separately on a scale of 1 to 9, 9 being the highest grade. A minimum of grade of 6 is expected in each component for any individual seeking to immigrate to Australia via the general IELTS test. Potential university or other tertiary students are expected to take the academic strand of the course, and often expected to achieve a 7 or better in each category. Requirements vary largely on the individual course student wish to undertake, and also the institution itself. Most journalism and language orientated courses require an 8.5 or better in every category. Non-language university courses still require acceptable English levels for admission.
It is not unusual for professional practices in Australia to have language requirements above the minimum level needed to immigration. In some cases the language requirement for studying and qualifying in a particular files is not as high as the English language level required to later practice in that same field. Student may need to re-take the IELTS test after graduation in order to demonstrate an acceptable improvement in their language ability.
Tutoring is often necessary for success in the IELTS test, particularity for potential university applicants and graduates who need to improve their rankings. Individuals who learn the language later in life, acquire it as a second language, or who learnt informally, often require some formal instruction for a more comprehensive understanding. This can be of particular use of the written skills lag behind the spoken skills. Students often benefit from instruction that shows the more formal approach needed for written English abilities, and shows where the two aspects of the language differ.
Global Language Academy’s IELTS courses are designed to give a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the English language with 10 hours of class preparation. Like the IELTS test itself the classes are designed for practical use. Undertaking the classes is often a wise move financially as the improved test result outweighs the possibility of failing and being forced to retake the test.