Update from General IELTS exam, Kuwait

Update from General IELTS exam, Kuwait

The Test is conducted exclusively by the British Council, is a thoroughly professional execution by all means Strict invigilators, but helpful and cheerful.

Listening

1) A conversation between a Music Teacher who takes private classes and an interested father. Interesting little exchange that discussed age-groups, instruments taught, reference books, timing, fees etc. Very simple questions!

2) Detailed Description of a National Park & Wildlife Research center; slight degree of difficulty
in following the monologue as the accent wasn’t very clear initially.

3) Third conversation was between a Marketing professor and his two students on their chosen thesis subjects. Simple conversation if you know Marketing jargon.

4) Final bit was on various precious stones & reflectance. Very simple bit.

Reading

Probably the little time consuming and irritating one of the lot, but was fairly simple in comparison to the ones found in IELTS study materials anywhere. Focus to score an easy 7.5; I am pretty confident!

1) First passage was on a Town festival and the various celebrating groups and communities within. Dead simple- took me 2 minutes flat to get this one right.

2) Second passage was on admission to a College and the various requirements, application procedures, timings, attendance requirement, faculty, fees- questions revolved round these issues. Irritating one that involved numbering the various paragraphs.

3) Third passage was an exhaustive one on Mountain Climbing, its history, environmental issues, types of climbing and techniques. A little tricky one this.

Writing

Make sure you practice writing, getting used to computer keyboards over the years can be such a pain-
worse than carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s not easy to get the pen moving on the answer sheet. Practice,
a little command of the language, some general knowledge also helps. I might end up with a band 8-8.5
if all goes well.

Task 1

You had applied to city college recently. Now the college has written back saying the course you applied for is full and they have even suggested an alternative course. Write back to them stating why you chose the first course, your views on the suggested second course and your plan of action. Minimum 150 words.

Task 2

Many Countries host international sporting events these days. What are the positive and negative impact of hosting such event. Discuss both the sides and give your opinion on this. Minimum 250 words.

Speaking

At a designated time, I was called to give my speaking test. A cheerful lady-the examiner, made sure that I was comfortable while she went about her job with an almost clinical precision. I say almost because she dropped my passport, not once but twice…:)

Interview
The test started with a little introduction about myself, my origin and my job. There was a flow to the whole test as it ranged from motivation factors in my job, my future aspirations etc. She suddenly looked up and asked me ‘do you like gifts’ and then followed a little question and answer session on gifts, their need and my interest in them.

Little speech
My topic for a 2 min was about my favorite newspaper, my preferred time of reading and my favorite columns in the newspaper.

Discussion
My hunch was right as I knew what the following topic was going to be - SENSATIONALISM AND TABLOIDS. I had a ball talking on this subject. Overall I think I could have done better- I spoke too much and too fast. Keep your control on the content and the diction. I think I will score decently; but highest grades would need a rub of the green!

We are grateful to Amar who sent us this wonderful report.