Introducing the new pharmaIELTS module here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk….
PharmaIELTS at www.pharmascholar.co.uk
Background
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standard approach to test for proficiency in English language for non-native English speakers. This assessment model is managed, as a whole, by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. The system was conceived in 1989 and is now one of the most important English language tests across the globe.
Importantly, the IELTS assessment is the cornerstone of entry into academic institutions throughout the developed world (i.e. United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand). This test is particularly important to the field of healthcare, including the disciplines of Pharmacy, Medicine and Nursing. Hence prompting the design and development of the pharmaIELTS module here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk
To date, IELTS is the only secure test / assessment that is approved by the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) for individuals applying for scholarship positions from both outside and inside the country. In addition, this model satisfies those stipulations laid down by Immigration to Australia plus those in New Zealand and Canada.
Scoring
A minimum score is not required to pass the IELTS test.
Typically, an IELTS result (i.e. “Test Report Form”) is provided to those individuals who participate with the score ranging from ‘Band 1’ to ‘Band 9’; reflective of user ability with respect to the use of the English language (i.e. ‘non-user’ ranging to ‘expert-user’). Here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we will always look to develop the individual to the ‘expert-user’ phase; particular emphasis will be placed upon development in the healthcare space.
Each university, and associated degree programme, will determine a different threshold level to suit their needs. For example, Liverpool John Moores University require an IELTS score of 7.0 (minimum 6.5 in each category)) to study the Master of Pharmacy degree. A ‘Band 0’ score does exist for those people who decided not to run through the IELTS test.
The time frame is important during the application process, with universities instructed not to accepted IELTS scores that have been obtained more than 2 years since application; unless standards have been maintained over time (i.e. regular use / application of the English language).
Requirements
The IELTS assessment considers the individual’s ability to listen to, read, write and speak the English language.
Importantly, the speaking aspect is crucial to IELTS success and is typically evaluated in the form of a one-to-one examiner interview. Here, the examiner will assess the candidate in terms of his / her ability to speak English. Here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we can help to consolidate your development in this area.
To ensure parity and fairness in the approach, the IELTS sessions are typically recorded via voice or more recently video-link. During these sessions, a range of accents may be employed to minimise linguistic bias (i.e. 80% British / Australian with 20% American). Overall, ‘Band Scores’ are employed ranging from 0 - 9 as previously detailed. These scores apply to the candidate’s abilities associated with speaking, listening, writing and reading.
IELTS Modules
Two key modules exist in the IELTS assessment: the ‘Academic Module’ and the ‘General Training Module’. Here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk we only focus on the Academic Module as we are supporting those wishing to undertake a healthcare-based degree at university (i.e. Pharmacy, Nursing or Medicine).
IELTS Components
Overall, there are 4 components to the IELTS assessment. These components are listed below:
Listening: 30 minutes
Reading: 60 minutes
Writing: 60 minutes
Speaking: 11–14 minutes
The total time for the IELTS assessment is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Some variability may exist, however the ‘Listening’, ‘Reading’ and ‘Writing’ aspects are generally completed in one sitting; with the ‘Speaking’ element possibly taken on the same day or up to seven days either side of these tests.
IELTS Component Details
To complete the IELTS assessment, all applicants undertake identical listening and speaking tests. However, the reading and writing tests vary depending on the nature of the test (i.e. Academic or General).
The Listening Test
This element of the IELTS assessment includes 4 sections in total, with 10 questions per section. Overall, the duration of the listening test is 40 minutes and that includes 30 minutes for testing with 10 minutes for transferring answers to the answer sheet.
Parts 1 and 2 consider typical situations that may be encountered daily (i.e. in the UK):
· Part 1 includes a discussion between two people (i.e. chat regarding work arrangements)
· Part 2 only has one person speaking (i.e. talk about a local project)
Parts 3 and 4 focus on training and development scenarios:
· Part 3 is a conversation between two main speakers (i.e. a chat amongst 2 undergraduates on a placement)
· Part 4 involves only one person talking on a subject allied to academia (i.e. Pharmacy)
Each of the 4 parts to this element of the assessment starts with a brief overview explaining about the scenario and speakers. Time is then allowed for the applicant to review the questions forming the test. The same order is followed throughout, with questions presented in the same pattern as per the assessment material (i.e. the applicant will answer the questions as delivered in the order of the scenario). The first three parts have a central break that offers opportunity for review of those questions yet to be completed. Each part of the listening test is presented only once. Upon completion, the applicant is allowed a total of 10 minutes to mark their answers on the provided answer sheet. Importantly, marks will be lost for errors in spelling and language rules.
2. The Reading Test
The reading test has three key parts with text for consideration in the region of 2500 words. Here, a range of question types will present, including for example multiple-choice, the short-answer style, information / viewpoint identification, figure annotation, summarising a situation using words from the provided material plus matching evidence in the examples given. Once again, as per the listening test, all applicants should ensure correct spelling and grammar to attain the best marks possible. Naturally, we are perfectly placed here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk to support development in these important areas.
With regards to the Academic IELTS Test, the applicant is presented with a total of 3 reading texts that are non-specialised in nature, but will be of a general interest to university students. Sources of information may arise from books, peer-reviewed journal articles, newspapers and magazines.
3. The Writing Test
The writing test involves two parts that must be completed by all applicants. Part 1 requires individuals to write a minimum of 150 words in the region of 20 minutes. Whereas, part 2 calls for the applicant to prepare a minimum of 250 works in approximately 40 minutes. Marks will be deducted from the attempts should the applicant not fulfill the word count or strays away from the suggested topic(s). Here, there is a requirement for the answers to be presented in full sentences with note forms (i.e. bullets points) prohibited.
In terms of the Academic IELTS Test, part 1 of the writing test requires the applicant to outline data presented in their own words. This data may be in the form of a table, chart or map for example. In the case of part 2, the individual must consider and discuss a viewpoint or problem. The nature of the task may vary in this instance with applicants asked to offer a solution to the problem, reflect on the scenario and offer related opinion or critically evaluate the information presented.
4. The Speaking Test
The speaking test involves an in person / virtual interview between the applicant and examiner. Overall, this element of the Academic IELTS Test incorporates three parts, namely:
Part 1: Introduction (4–5 minutes)
The applicant will be probed in terms of their home life, nature of current work, ongoing studies, active pastimes and their rationale for sitting the Academic IELTS Test; amongst other more general topics of relevance to them.
Part 2: Topic Discussion (3–4 minutes)
Here, applicants are provided with information about a given theme or topic. All applicants have one minute to formulate their response; with cues provided on the accompanying information. In this case, a task card will outline the ideas to be included in the discussion and one element to be explained in full. The applicant is then tasked with discussing the topic for approximately 1 – 2 minutes.
Part 3: Questions (4–5 minutes)
The third part of the speaking test concerns a conversation between the applicant and examiner on questions of relevance to a theme that they have spoken about in part 2. The questions typically consist of two sets of approximately 5 questions.
Scoring
All applicants acquire a score relating to each test component (i.e. listening, reading, writing and speaking). Further to this, the individual values are averaged / rounded to generate an ‘Overall Band Score’. In the case of the Academic IELTS Test, there is no ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. Instead, the system is based on a 9-band scale, with each banding point linking to a certain competence in English. Importantly, the band scores are listed to the nearest half-band value.
Results
Further to an online assessment, results are typically available after 3-5 days. This window is widened slightly with respect to a paper-based test, in that the Test Report Form is posted to each applicant approximately 13 days after their test. The Test Report Form covers the following:
· Applicant overall band score (i.e. 1-9)
· An individual band score breakdown for each element of the IELTS (i.e. 1-9)
· The nature of the IELTS assessment (i.e. Academic or General)
· Information about the applicant (i.e. photograph, nationality, first language and date of birth)
Applicants receive one copy of their Test Report Form, except those who apply to the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada or UK Visas and Immigration who receive two copies. Test report documentation is valid for two years.
IELTS Test Locations and Dates
Applicants can sit the IELTS assessment in approximately 140 countries, over ~1500 test sites. Each year, in the region of 50 test dates are available, with test centres offering sessions up to four times a month dependent on demand. The Academic IELTS Test is offered on all dates throughout the year. There is now no limit for applicants to retake the Academic IELTS Test.
To book your pharmaIELTS sessions here at www.pharmascholar.co.uk please contact Dr Davies via mike@pharmascholar.co.uk
We can help you to develop your English language skills to prepare you for further study and related future success.