IELTS

Facts about the IELTS:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used international as an indicator of language proficiency.   Universities worldwide use it to determine admission for students whose first language is not English.  The IELTS has 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

For more information about IELTS, visit their website at:  http://www.ielts.org/

Why do we have the IELTS?
By using the IELTS, universities and employers all over the world understand the English language standards met by Zayed University students. It is one of the ways Zayed University ensures that students have the English proficiency to be successful undergraduate students and to become successful employees after they graduate. IELTS measures the ability to communicate in English across the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.  This type of fluency in English is crucial if students are to succeed at the University level.

The IELTS complements the other assessment instruments used by the English Language Center's Academic Bridge Program. These other assessment instruments measure a student's ability in academic skills such as writing essays, reading academic texts, and listening and taking notes from a lecture. Generally, these skills are less dependent on time, but equally important to a student's success at the University level.

What does an IELTS band 5 mean?
IELTS scores range from 1.0 (non user) to 9.0 (expert user).  An IELTS score of 5.0 means a “modest user” of English.  In other words, basic communication can be handled and the user “has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes.”  In universities in the West and depending on your course of study, a band score 5.0 – 7.5 is the minimum score accepted for admission, while the most common band requirement is 6.0 to 6.5.  While these universities use other measures, such as writing samples, interviews and secondary school grade records (ZU uses most of the measures mentioned above), they feel students with scores below a band of 5.0 are not able to handle the demands of academic study in English.

What scores do I need on the IELTS to meet the ABP exit exam requirement?
In order to “pass” the External Benchmark Exit Exam with IELTS, students must achieve the following scores from a single administration of the exam:

• 5.0 or higher on each section of the IELTS
• 5.5 or higher overall with no more than one section score at 4.5
• 6.0 overall

Why do we have an IELTS exam and a course exam?
While it is not possible to “pass” the IELTS by studying specifically for it (because it tests overall language proficiency) there are some test-taking strategies and some areas of vocabulary which, with organized preparation, may help students perform better.

Studying specifically for the IELTS will not help students raise their proficiency. That is why ZU doesn't teach IELTS strategies until the last level of the Academic Bridge Program.  In other words, the strategies don't work unless the student starts with a certain level of proficiency that is gained from “normal” language courses. However, once students have achieved this level of proficiency, the test-taking strategies enable them to use this knowledge effectively—showing their true level of proficiency.

How can I pass the IELTS?
To be successful when taking the IELTS exam, students must apply themselves throughout their time in the Academic Bridge Program. They must work on their overall proficiency: reading, writing, listening, speaking, structure, academic study skills. By diligently and thoroughly working on homework and in-class assignments, engaging in supplemental study when necessary, frequently conferring with teachers, all students should be able to achieve the exit requirement by the end of Level 8.

The key to meeting the IELTS requirement is improving general English ability. The way to do this is to work hard in the Academic Bridge Program courses.

What is Benchmark Suspension?
Students are permitted a maximum of 8 terms of study in the Academic Bridge Program. Students who have met all other program requirements and have reached the time limit but still have not achieved the necessary External Benchmark Score to enter the Baccalaureate program may be allowed Benchmark Suspension. Benchmark Suspension allows students an additional 2 academic years to obtain their required Benchmark Score.  Students who are able to achieve this enter into the Colloquy program.  Students who do not achieve the required score are academically separated from the university. While on Benchmark Suspension students may not attend classes.  However, they are permitted to use the Library and Learning Enhancement Center to engage in self-directed study.

For more information about IELTS, visit their website at: 
http://www.ielts.org/