IELTS Singapore

I decided to put together this informative post about IELTS test in Singapore because while I was googling for information, there was literally so few websites or blogs that can advise me on the steps I should take or any preparations I need for the test.

You'll need to take the IELTS test if you're going overseas to study (Australia, UK, America, Canada schools require a certain level of English proficiency before you are allowed to enroll in their schools), or if you are migrating to the English countries.

There are 2 places for you to take the test. You can take it from IDP Singapore (S$310) or British Council (S$330). Both places are doing the test sittings almost weekly. You can check the test schedules online when you are registering for your slot.

1) IDP Singapore
http://www.idp.com/singapore/ielts
2) British Council:
http://www.britishcouncil.sg/exam/ielts

I registered for my test with IDP Singapore, just because its cheaper. You will need to scan your IC or Passport copy (in colour) when registering. Here're some of the sites I practice on before my tests.

Practice Sites:
1) http://www.ielts.org/test_takers_information/test_sample.aspx
2) http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests
3) http://www.ielts-exam.net/
4) http://www.ielts-blog.com/ielts-writing-samples-essays-letters-reports/

Test Format:
http://www.ieltsessentials.com/know_the_test/test_format.aspx

My registration with IDP Singapore is fairly simple. I registered and paid online for the test slot that I want. About a week before the test date, the test administrators will email me my test details (speaking test slot is allocated by them, but you can email them to request for a certain timing, subject to availability).

I did my Listening, Reading and Writing tests on 7 Feb 2015 (Saturday), Speaking test the day before.

Before every test, you will need to "sign in" to the venue by scanning your thumbprint. My speaking test slot was at 11:45am, but I reached there around 11:15am and I was the next candidate to take the test. I believe it doesn't really matter for your timeslot as long as you are there, you can take the test earlier.

Speaking Test

- A Caucasian lady was my tester, she started by introducing herself and announcing my name to the recorder (whole speaking test is recorded).
- Personal questions (about 10 questions?) regarding you work, hobbies or family
- A question with a few parts to it (you will be given 1 minute to think of your speech), you will need to speak for 1 - 2 minutes
- Open ended discussions (can be related to the previous question)

My advice is.... be calm, speak slowly and read up on recent news. The question I got was "Are there any good news that you have read on the internet or watched on the news recently?" I couldn't think of any good news even after my 1 minute is up and I just had to bomb some news that I read decades ago, and pray that she's not aware of the news.

The next day, I arrived about an hour earlier to do my registration / tagging of bag / and thumbprint scanning to enter the test venue. You can only bring in your identification document and a clear see-through water bottle. The 3 tests are manageable, you just have to take note of your time limit while doing the writing test because there are 2 essays to write.

The 3 tests will take about 3 hours (1 hour each) and tadaaaa. You're done with the tests! And then.... the 13 calendar days wait for the results to be released. You can opt for sms notification of the results. And the official results transcript will be mailed to you. :)

Good luck to those taking the tests!

XOXO,
Stacey <3