IELTS

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.

What is the IELTS test like?

You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and speaking sections.The test has four sections:1. Listening- 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes2. Speaking-interview, 15 minutes3. Reading- different for Academic or General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes4. Writing- different for Academic or General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

Level and scores

Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections.

The TOEFL exam

Test Of English as Foreign Language.The essential exam for entry to universities in the United States. Academic language.

Versions of the TOEFL test

You can do the test onpaperor on acomputer, depending where you live.The test comes in two formats:1. paper-based test(PBT)2. next generation computer-based test(iBT)

The TOEIC exam

The Test of English for International Communication is produced by ETS (Educational Testing Service).TOEIC test questions are based on real-life work settings in an international environment (meetings, travel, telephone conversations, etc).

What is the TOEIC test like?There are two separate parts to the TOEIC test. You can do one or both parts.1. TheListening and Reading testis a paper and pencil test that takes 2.5 hours and is taken at a test centre.2. TheSpeaking and Writingtest is an online test that is taken in a test centre and takes 90 minutes. The Speaking and Writing test is a new test which is only available in some countries.

What about scores?The TOEIC Reading and Listening gives a score between 10 and 990: 905 - 990 International Proficiency 785 900 Working Proficiency Plus 605 780 Limited Working Proficiency 405 600 Elementary Proficiency Plus 255 400 Elementary Proficiency 185 250 Memorised Proficiency 10 180 No Useful Proficiency

Cambridge English exams

IELTS- International English Language Testing SystemFCE- First Certificate in English (B2)CAE- Certificate of Advanced English (C1)CPE-Certificate of Proficiency in English (C2)PET,PET for Schools- Preliminary English Test (B1)KET-Key English Test (A2)BEC- Business English Certificates (B1, B2, C1)BULATS- Business Language Testing Service

Pearson Tests of English (PTE)

The following tests are available from Pearson:

The Pearson Test of English Academic

PTE Academic is a computer-based academic English language test aimed at non-native English speakers wanting to study abroad. It tests Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. There is one multi-level test.

The Pearson Test of English General

(Formerly The London Test of English, these are designed to reward positive achievement in English language learning. The tests consist of two parts: a written paper and an interview.There are six levels of the General test. Each level is set at one of theCEFR levels.