to anyone asking for the IELTS exam, i hope my input would help:
You need to register 3 weeks before the exam. I got my request for IELTS April 26 (since my sponsor scanned it). I was planning to take the May 12 (i think-forgot the published date) exam but unfortunately, all the slots were taken so i ended up with the June 9 exam. you can call them at (02) 555-3000.
for speaking, 1st part is getting to know you. your name, where you were born etc. then some gen. questions like your fave color. then after that they would just ask you for some follow up questions. stick with a topic you're familiar with. keep in your mind the question "why" that would help. ^_^ and then the last part of the speaking exam is that you will be given a topic with 3 questions that you need to talk about for 2 minutes. you are given 1 minute to process your thoughts then the examiner will signal you when to start and stop.
the listening exam has 4 parts. 1-40 items. every part of the test consists of ten questions. first part is capturing data. usual conversation in the call center industry. capturing prices, names, date etc. for the 2nd to the 4th part, you need to have speed in taking down notes and memory retention is needed as well.
for reading, its going to be a very very long article. @ _ @ it gave me a headache. the trick that i did though, is i went to the questions directly, then i just looked for the answers. i hope my trick would help you. i'd suggest that you read long articles with questions at the end.
for writing, i was asked to write 2 letters. 1st is a complain letter. a letter to someone- theres a touch of personalization. 150 words.
the 2nd letter is essay type. 250 words. make sure that you focus on the 2nd one though because it is given more weight than the first letter.
i didn't go to any review center but i used the following websites for my ielts review. its really helpful. i would also suggest to practice writing letters atleast twice a week or read diff topics as well for the essay. try to watch a lot of english movies and talk to your family using the english language.
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Family Stream
Application Submitted by Mail : December 31, 2011
AOR Received: April 26, 2012 - Request for IELTS
IELTS Submitted : June 26, 2012
Sponsor Interview: July 31, 2012
LOA:
