PH British Council IELTS Online Registration and Payment System

Register for your IELTS test at British Council Philippines whenever and wherever you are!

You can easily book for an IELTS test using our new IELTS Online Registration and Payment System and conveniently pay using your Mastercard or Visa credit card.

Experience the following benefits when you use our online registration system:

• Accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Available in all areas with internet access
• Real time information on available test dates
• Immediate confirmation of your registration
• Easy scheduling of your speaking test date
• Secured payment facility using your Mastercard or Visa credit card
• Your own online account for easy booking and reference
• No paper application needed
• Access to free online preparation materials

Would you like to register now? Click on the link below to start your IELTS registration.

IELTS ONLINE REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT SYSTEM

British Council - Check Ielts Results Online

Candidates who took their IELTS test with the British Council may view their results online 13 days after their Written Tests. The results may be viewed from 10:00am on the 13th day until the 35th day from the test date. 

This is a service exclusive to British Council candidates.

Instructions to view your results online

• Click on the link below.
• Input your Candidate Number, Birthday and ID Number. 
• You must input all three to access your results. 
• Select your test date. 
• Click on Search Results

NOTE:

Birthday ~ Follow the British format when encoding your birthday. (Day/Month/Year)

ID Number ~ This is the number of the ID you used for the exam. Encode the characters without any spaces and dashes. (Ex. Passport--AA123456, SSS ID--1234567890, Driver's License--A1234567890)

The system will not display results older than 35 days.

Disclaimer: Please note that this online result is provisional and should not be used as an official confirmation of your achievement. British Council will not accept any responsibility in the event that your result fails to display here, whether due to a technical fault or administrative procedure.

Ielts Writing - Example of a Letter

The Writing section of IELTS exam manages in one hour. There are 2 missions. You must to write a memo or report in 20 minutes and complete an essay in given 40 minutes.

Here is an example.
Subject

Write a letter to the weekly magazine editor regarding careless driving. In your letter you have to clarify the disadvantages and danger of rough driving.

Dear Sir or Madam,
During the last 3 or 4 months it has been observe that road accidents increase in Manila. Mainly accidents were happened due to irresponsible driving. Truck drivers and those who drink and drive are disreputable for fast driving.

One day I was shocked to observe a horrible accident. A young biker and his child were crushed to passing away when a fast truck that arrives from following ran over them. They pass away on the spot itself. Definitely it was not an lonely event. A number of innocent peoples are lost their lives on the roads.

The fear with wild driving is that it causes a big risk to the people in the adjacent area with the driver. wild drivers possibly will kill children. Cars that revolve uncontrollable can spoil other motor vehicle on the road. Additionally, careless driving can reason major harm to property. so, it goes lacking of saying that wild driving is a unrestricted protection issue that should be well addressed.

Yours faithfully,
Juan dela Cruz

British Council Ielts Test Dates for 2013

British Council Philippines has published online the IELTS Exam Schedule for January – June 2013. 
British Council is one of two testing agency that administer the English proficiency exam around the world. In the Philippines, the IELTS is given in cities of Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Pampanga,Baguio, Cebu, Leyte, Batangas, Davao and Naga. Check out the IELTS test dates and locations for next year below.

Tips for Ielts Writing Test

Ideally, what you have written would be seen by someone better at English than you so they can pick out your grammar problems. Again, hard work is the key but these tips will help your approach to the writing test.

Tips for Ielts Reading Test

Like the listening test, there are no short cuts to a good reading test score - the only route is hard work. However, with the reading test, there are no excuses; you can practice reading where you want and when you want. However, the following tips will help you approach the reading test.

Tips for Ielts Listening Test

There is no substitute for hard work and lots of study as far as the IELTS Test is concerned, so don’t think there are any shortcuts – there aren’t!
However, there are a few tips we can give you that will give you a better chance.

Tips for Ielts Speaking Test

A number of studies have suggested that candidates feel their speaking skills are weakest when this is not the case. If you can speak confidently, clearly and make your ideas understood, there is no reason why you shouldn't get a reasonable speaking test score.


These are Tips that may help you in taking Ielts Speaking Exam:

Ielts IDP Registration Procedure

You have to register for the test before you can be placed on the list for a particular test date. As these fill up quickly, it is recommended that you register as soon as possible. Be aware that registration for a particular test date is based on payment of the test fee on a first come first served basis.
The deadline for submission of application is set three weeks prior to a certain test date.
Fill in the Application Form and send it or take it to the test centre with the following

IDP - Check Ielts Results Online

You can search for your provisional IELTS result below. Your IELTS result is usually available on-line 13 days after your test date, and will remain available for 28 days thereafter.

Your official Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after the test. Please note the preview of your IELTS result cannot be used as official confirmation of your test result. It is important to note that the provisional results online is an additional service for the convenience of candidates but it will not replace the Test Report Form (TRF). These will not be considered formal advice of the results. And like any other copies of the TRF (such as photocopies), online results are not to be relied on and cannot be used to support any applications that candidates make to recognising organisations.

Mistakes You Should Avoid For Higher Score In IELTS

Answer the question with the instruction : For example, if there are questions, "answered every three to four words" do not have to answer questions in five words. Never work with more than one passage at a time : Nobody will tell you to stop working on the task at hand and move forward to the next. So, in the most horrible case, you could spend the whole time only one passage, when there are 3. Never waste precious time with a hard question : Waste of time of a difficult question All IELTS questions are of unreliable degrees of difficulty. It is wrong to assume that each issue will be more difficult than the previous. This is why getting fixed in a tough question is a bad idea. By moving forward to some more questions you could easily earn points, which would otherwise be lost. Reading passages of whole words : Read the whole passage first in Reading section: Those passages are not intended to be read. be sufficient it to scan through the text, noticing what text is and what is the purpose of each paragraph. After examining the passage, it is time to read the questions and look for answers. Never suppose that you know the answer before reading the passage : For example, the question is "Does smoking cause cancer" and your mind says "yes", but the passage says "No", then "no" is the right answers.

British Council Ielts Schedule for the Year 2012 in the Philippines

Please note that some test dates fill up very quickly. To ensure your slot, please register not later than Two (2) weeks before your preferred test date.

Steps to Register for the Ielts @ British Council

Ielts Review Material - Cambridge Practice Tests FREE DOWNLOAD

Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS Book 1 to 8

Cambridge Practice Test Book 1

Cambridge Practice Test Book 2

Cambridge Practice Test Book 3

Cambridge Practice Test Book 4

Cambridge Practice Test Book 5

Cambridge Practice Test Book 6

Cambridge Practice Test Book 7

Cambridge Practice Test Book 8

IDP IELTS Schedule for 2011

Source: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IELTS-IDP-PHILIPPINES/99800784105?v=wall

IELTS Schedule 2011 in the Philippines

IELTS Schedule for 2011 for British Council.

As usual, testing centers are in Manila, Naga, Legaspi, Baguio, Leyte, Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao.

IELTS Schedule for 2011, January to June

 

Steps to Register for the IELTS at British Council

1. Choose a Test Date and Location

 visit www.britishcouncil.org.ph for test schedule and location

2. Obtain an application form

download here. .pdf format

3. Fill in the application form

- sign the form

- keep pages i to iv  of the application form and read the “Notice to IELTS Candidates” very carefully

Prepare the following requirement

 Photocopy of  valid National ID which can be any of the following:

1. Passport
2. PRC ID (for professionals)
3. SSS or GSIS ID
4. LTO Driver’s License

*The ID should still be valid on the exam day

• 2 Passport Size coloured photos
• Test Fee (Php 8,640)

British Council accepts the following forms of payment

• Cash
• Manager’s Check payable to the British Council

4. Submit the application form together with the requirements at British Council Office. 

 Application forms may be:

Send through WWWExpress/ DHL for free. Go to any WWWExpress/DHL outlet and quote British Council Account 642210981. WWWExpress will deliver your application to ouroffice free of charge.

 After registration receipt and a confirmation letter indicating the test schedule and venue will be issued.

 IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Candidates should register for the test at least 2 weeks before the test date to ensure availability of slots.

 The Speaking test is scheduled on the same or within two days before or after written examination. For advance speaking candidates are notified through phone.

Source: www.britishcouncil.org/philippines.

IELTS - Listening

There are four components or modules in an IELTS examination. These modules (listening, reading, writing and listening) should be completed by a candidate to obtain a band score. The scores will be reflected in an IELTS test report form (TRF). Listening test in both Academic and General Versions are the same.
Test Duration
The duration of the listening test is about thirty (30) minutes. Twenty (20) minutes is allotted for answering the 40 test questions while paying attention on the played cassette tape recorder. The remaining ten minutes apportioned for the examinees to transfer their answers in the provided answer sheet. The listening material recorded on a tape is only played once. That is why, it is very important not to spend too much time taking notes in one item that you might miss some important points for the proceeding questions.

sample question in IELTS listening

There are four sections in the listening test staged in an order of difficulty. Section one will be in a form of dialogue and the topic is on general interest.  The next section is still focused on general interest. Most likely one speaker will be presenting the topic in this part. Sections two and three will spotlight the education and training. These portions will probably have up to four speakers.
Before the Test
Before the listening test starts, a test booklet and an answer sheet will be provided. Don’t forget to write your name in the answer sheet because you will flunk the exam without this basic action. As you listen to the conversation, you should also write your answers in the test booklet. Notes are written on this paper.
Others are directing their answers immediately to the answer sheet. This is not wrong, but you can focus more if you are jotting down your notes in the test booklet where the questions are found. Always remember, you are given 10 minutes to transfer your answers in the answer sheet after the recording has ended. So, rather than staring at the ceiling during the last 10 minutes make use of it!
General Tips
Handwritings should also be legible. If no one in the world can read your answers except yourself, I’m telling you, you will fail this test. Some people are used to write words in minute or tiny letters. If you are that person, before taking IELTS, you should practice writing legibly – meaning writing in a way that can be read by others. It should neither be too large or small, just enough to be read by others. This is helpful especially in the writing part. And most importantly, to divert all your focus on listening and getting the correct answer, please take note of this – don’t ever panic!

IELTS - Reading

IELTS Examination – Reading
Reading comprehension is one of the areas that IELTS examination is assessing. Aside from that, in this test you need to consider how fast you can grasp the idea of the topic presented.
Test Duration
The reading component is allotted one hour to complete the 40-item test. For one hour you will be reading three passages with a total of about 1000-1500 words. Unlike the listening test where the last 10 minutes is allotted for transferring the answers, in the reading module after 60 minutes all items should be marked and answer sheets are submitted. Meaning to say, it is up to you to budget your time.
Difference in Academic and General Test
The duration of reading module test is the same for both versions of IELTS. There are also three passages and 40 questions. However, the topics and possible sources of the subject are different in each category. For Academic Reading Test, general interest subjects written for an overall audience will be included. Possible sources of these are journals, books, newspapers and magazines. For the General Training Reading Examination, passages will focus on training topics and general interest using basic social English. Thus, this is easier than the other type of test. The subjects are mainly taken from flyers, newspaper articles, manuals, instructions, schedules and documents.

Cause and Effect Question Type

In a battle, a greater chance of defeating the enemy and winning is being aware of their fighting techniques, methods, strengths and weakness. The same principle can be applied in successfully passing an examination. Several question types are used in the Reading component. One key in passing a test is having an idea of what kinds of question will you be dealing with. You should be acquainted with these types and develop techniques on how to answer it correctly at a minimum time.

Sample of Yes/No/Not Given Question

• Matching headings to paragraphs
• Multiple-choice
• Summary completion
• Table, flowchart or note completion
• Matching cause and effects
• Locating data or information
• Sentence completion
• Short answer questions
• True, False, Not Given or Yes, No, Not Given (by identifying points of view or the writer’s claim)

The last type of question is usually where most examinees often get a wrong mark. The main reason is not due to difficulty of the questions presented but with the inability to follow the direction. Following directions are always reminded by the examination proctors but still many are negligent with this question type. Candidates frequently use true and false for yes and no choices and vice versa. Keep in mind that even if True and Yes may suggest the same idea, still it is always mark wrong once you accidentally interchange the two.
General Tips
Most candidates are voicing out apprehensions that they might not pass the exam. Though they finished the exam many still feel there was not enough time to complete the reading module with better answers. If you are planning to take the IELTS examination or have already filed for application of the test, start reading a lot now. Read daily news in the papers and be sure to understand them. Hone your vocabulary by jotting down unfamiliar words and knowing their meanings later on. And when taking the test, don’t fail to keep track of that precious time.

IELTS - Writing

IELTS examination is also designed to test a candidate’s ability to produce pieces of writing for a relatively short period of time. The test consists of two parts and is different in each version of IELTS examination.
Test Duration

An examinee is given one hour (60 minutes) to complete the two tasks. All candidates are required to write at least 150 words for Task 1 where they are advised to spend only 20 minutes for this part to allot more time for the Task 2. In the second part, the candidate is required to write at least 250 words. Both pieces of writing are submitted after one hour. If you can finish your task 1 for 30 minutes, be sure to finish writing the next part for half an hour. However, keep in mind during the test that Task 2 has a higher weight in scoring than that of Task 1.
Writing Tasks
There are two parts in this module and differences are noted in each version of IELTS examination. However, the pieces of writing should be in formal style for both types.
Academic Writing Test

TASK 1: In this part, graphs, diagrams, charts (pie, bar, line, etc) or tables are presented. The candidate is asked to summarize, describe or explain the given data in his or her own words. A descriptive report is required in Task 2 by describing processes, comparing relevant data or discussing how something works. A mistake commonly committed in this task is when the candidates attempts to interpret the data provided.
TASK 2: In this section, a point of view of a problem or argument is presented. The candidate is asked to produce a

Sample GT Writing Task 1

written argument in response to the issue given by providing reasons for his or her idea and presenting relevant examples if possible. Subjects or issues raised in this task are of general interest which is appropriate and clearly understood by the professional candidates planning to enter a postgraduate study or professional registration in other countries. The second section is longer than the other that’s why you are advised to spend 40 minutes in completing the task.
General Training (GT) Writing Test
TASK 1: This part involves writing a letter from a given situation. The letter in personal, semi-formal or formal forms should focus on requesting for information or explaining an incident.
TASK 2: Unlike the academic version, the essay in this section for GT cab slightly more personal. The examinees are asked to produce a paper in response to a point of view, problem or argument.  Still the topics are of general interest.
General Tips
Writing Task 2 weighs twice as much as Task 1 to the writing score, therefore, avoid spending too much time on the first part. But do not neglect Task 1 also. Some candidates start writing with the second task. It is entirely up to you to budget your time for 1 hour and choose which are you going to work first. Writing legibly is also vital to pass the test. Even if the data organization and comparison is presented excellently once the assessor cannot read your essay you will sure have a poor mark.

IELTS - Speaking

The speaking module of IELTS examination is a one-to-one oral interaction between the candidate and the examiner. The speaking session is recorded and consists of three parts. These three sections allow the assessor to evaluate the candidate in four criteria of IELTS Speaking Test Band Descriptors which are:

1. fluency and coherence
2. lexical resource
3. grammatical range and accuracy
4. pronunciation

Duration
The speaking test takes around 11-14 minutes.
Examination Description
During the face-to-face oral interview, a friendly conversation most likely covers certain aspect of your past, present and future situations. The interviewer directs the discussion through questions which gives you opportunity to communicate opinions and information on general topics, common experiences and situations. By answering a range of questions the examiner evaluates the extensive range of speaking skills. Competence in speaking at length on a designated topic utilizing correct grammar usage, logical data organization and clarity and analysis of expressed opinions are also assessed.
Speaking Test Sections
The interview has three portions:
1. General questions of yourself
In this part, the interviewer introduces him/herself. The examiner then asks the candidate to identify him/herself and later confirms the examinee’s identity by asking for a valid identification card. Following the exchange of introduction, questions about family, work, school, home, studies, interests and other familiar topics (general questions) will be asked. This part usually lasts about 4-5 minutes.
Sample questions:
Where do you live?
Tell me something about your place.
Describe the public transport in your place.
Which do you prefer living in your hometown or here in the city?
What do you like about living in a rural area?
What subject is the hardest for you?
Tell me something about your job.
What are your plans for the future?
2. One-way discussion

Sample of IELTS task card

The interviewer chooses a specific topic for the candidate and gives the task card to him/her. Written in the card are the particular topic and aspects of the subject which the candidate can talk about. To prepare for the discussion, the examinee is given one minute to write an outline for his or her speech. A pencil and paper will be provided for making the notes. After the preparation phase, the candidate is given 1-2 minutes to talk about the topic. Usually the assessor takes back the task card before you start talking. However, you may request him/her to let you view the task card while talking and referring to your notes. After the short speech, the examiner asks a couple of related questions on the topic. This section usually lasts for 3-4 minutes.
3. Two-way discussion
Additional questions directly or indirectly related to the topic of Part Two will be raised. This allows the interviewer to assess the ability of the candidate to expound and speculate about issues.  At about 4-5 minutes this part is completed.
General Tips
Practice is one of the most important key to improve this skill. It is also essential to calm down and speak with confidence during the interview. Too much anxiety causes difficulty of the candidate to draw him/herself into the conversation even though they have good speaking skills