On this day in 2012, broadcast journalist Mike Wallace, a full-time correspondent for the pioneering TV newsmagazine “60 Minutes” from its debut in 1968 until 2006, dies at age 93 in New Canaan, Connecticut. During his career, Wallace interviewed everyone from world leaders to Hollywood celebrities to scam artists, and […]
Continue ReadingValentine’s Day
Saint Valentine’s Day, commonly shortened to Valentine’s Day, is a holiday observed on February 14 honoring one or more early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine. It is traditionally a day on which lovers express their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery, and sending greeting cards (known as […]
Continue ReadingHusband Of Missing Utah Woman Kills Self And Two Young Sons
On this day in 2012, 36-year-old Josh Powell, who had been in the public eye since police labeled him a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of his 28-year-old wife, Susan, locks out a social worker then kills himself and his two sons, ages 5 and 7, by setting […]
Continue ReadingLantern Festival
The <strong>Lantern Festival</strong> (also known as the <strong>Yuanxiao Festival</strong> or <strong>Shangyuan Festival</strong> in China; Chap Goh Meh Festival in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore; <strong>Yuen Siu Festival</strong> in Hong Kong, and <strong>”Tết Thượng Nguyên” or “Tết Nguyên Tiêu”</strong> in Vietnam); is a festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first […]
Continue ReadingFirecracker
A <strong>Firecracker</strong> (also known as a <strong>Cracker</strong>, <strong>Noise Maker</strong>, <strong>Banger</strong> or <strong>Bunger</strong>) is a small explosive device primarily designed to produce a large amount of noise, especially in the form of a loud bang; any visual effect is incidental to this goal. They have fuses, and are wrapped in a […]
Continue ReadingIdioms
Idioms are words, phrases, or expressions that are either grammatically unusual, as in, “Long time, no see!”, or their meaning cannot be taken literally, as in, “It’s raining cats and dogs!” This expression does not mean that cats and dogs are falling from the sky, but it is a metaphorical […]
Continue ReadingMartin Luther King, Jr. Day
<strong>Martin Luther King, Jr. Day</strong> is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15. The floating holiday is similar to holidays set […]
Continue ReadingScore Processing, Reporting And Interpretation
<strong>All IELTS marking takes place at the test center by trained markers and examiners.</strong> Markers are trained to understand the IELTS marking policy and are required to demonstrate that they are marking to standard before they are allowed to mark Listening and Reading papers. Markers are re-tested every two years […]
Continue ReadingHistory Of IELTS
IELTS test takers and the organizations which rely on IELTS test results benefit from IELTS continuing investment in quality assurance, research and development to ensure that the test remains robust and relevant. International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials and we invest in on-going research to ensure that […]
Continue ReadingSpecial Needs
<div> If you have a disability or condition which might require special arrangements, you should discuss it with your test center as soon as possible. Each case is considered individually and you will need a medical certificate. Test centers need three months to put arrangements into place. Special arrangements include […]
Continue ReadingA Reliable, Secure Test
The IELTS nine (9) band score system grades scores consistently. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty. IELTS Examiners are fully qualified and follow the IELTS standardised testing around the world. […]
Continue ReadingAcademic Or General Training
<strong>The following definitions are to be used as a general guide only.</strong> Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education The Academic format is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate […]
Continue ReadingTest Format
<p style=”text-align: left”><strong>IELTS is available in two test formats: Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules. Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test center, the Speaking test may be offered on […]
Continue ReadingWhy Choose IELTS
IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get. Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English […]
Continue ReadingWhat Is IELTS
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.4 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system. IELTS tests are held in over 500 centers with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair […]
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