One of the major requirements when migrating to English-speaking country is the proficiency to the English language. I’ve been encountering several acronyms – TOEFL, TESOL, IELTS, ESL, among others. This is also in some cases, a requirement for our nurses who wanted to work abroad.
As mentioned in my previous post, when I was issued with my immigration file number, I was also advised that I have to take IELTS exam. As for the required score, I should scores not less than 6.5 (of course, there is no passed/failed; it depends upon on the requirements).
Dr. Alemi told me that I should enroll in an English review class prior to taking the exam so that I will have better chances of passing the exam. He gave me a review center and his card as well so that I can avail as much as 50% discount. Well, not bad. But hey! The review is compose of five sessions only and cost 8000 bucks. So that will be 4K bucks if I enroll on the review center. I also checked some review centers in the area and I found one in Batangas City and two in Lipa City. There are five sessions as well but it costs only 4K bucks here. Effort wise, much better, If ever I can save some monies for the transportation expenses.
However, I decided not to enroll in these review centers, why? I guess I still lacks time and of course I can save money as well. Maybe, I am confident that I can get better score than 6.5!
I informally started my IELTS by gathering some materials. I ask the help of my friend Lloyd to download some materials available from the net. Well I have some GB of downloaded materials, the only problem is how am I going to read all of those.
I also bought some books about the IELTS (Focus on Academic Skills for IELTS & IELTS Test Builder) from National Bookstore. The books cover the four areas: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The contents somewhat relate to the actual examination. I have reproduced both the books and CDs included and share it to my colleagues who are also preparing for the IELTS exam.
Before, I believed that among the four areas, listening is the most difficult one because of the different accent of the speakers but after listening to some sample conversations, I think I can do it. I can say that I am more confident now than before. What I did was to copy all the four CDs (2 per book) in my lappy and I follow it while reading the book. Of course, I don’t have fixed schedule for my IELTS self review. I just do it whenever I have free time (which is very seldom) especially now that the semester nears its end (lot of workload for the checking of papers, encoding of scores, grade computation, reports submission, ect). When I am at home lying in bed, or just at home doing some computer works, I let it plays non-stop (with my Creative surround and bass speakers ). In that way, I will get accustome to the accent and apeaking skills, sometimes I try to immitate the speaker. I also stored the contents of the CD to my Ipod Shuffle so that whenever I am on transit – bus or jeepney, I can still listen to it while I’m on travel.
I am planning to take the IELTS exam later this month or early next month, anyway the six mos allotted to me nears its end as well.
So guys, I’m just hoping that I will surpass this another challenge to me with flying colors. Any tips from anyone?
English skills testing is only required for very specific work. Immigration to, let say Canada, does not really require one to have passed the English skills assessment. Everything depends on what category you’re applying under.