Does Pronunciation Really Matter in the IELTS Exam?

To speak very clearly is a constant reminder to every person in communicating. When we speak clearly, the words that come out from our mouths are easily understood, and they sound very nicely. In speaking English, everyone is encouraged to open their mouths when they speak, breath properly while speaking, and pronounce words nicely all throughout the discourse. In taking the speaking exam in the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination, does pronunciation matter a lot?


It is a fact that some Filipinos are not really good at pronouncing some English words. One reason for this is the influence of the regional accents one has. For example, some people interchange the “b” and “v”, “p” and “f” and even the short “e” and long “e” sounds to name some. What candidates should bear in mind is that their accent really does not matter big time. Filipinos are not born English speakers and regional accent will somehow influence their manner of speaking one way or another. The important thing is the clarity of how words are pronounced.

courtesy of kitheater.com

A clear pronunciation is the key in getting a good score in the IELTS examination. A friendly reminder to candidates: do not impress your examinee by using a British or Australian accent when speaking. Speak in your normal accent. You should be more conscious on the clarity of the words.


Most of the time, the difficulty with the usage of grammar can affect the pronunciation of an individual. There are times that candidates have a very strong accent that verbs seem to be always in the simple past tense. When the examinee hears this, the grammar criterion on your response will be affected. What should candidates do to have a clear pronunciation of words?


• Understand that words have different pronunciations on both American and Australian accents.

• Be conscious of the speed of your talking. Sometimes, we speak too fast that words come out very unclearly and can affect your pronunciation. Speak slowly but not too slow. Listen to how different your responses are when speaking fast and on a normal speed.

• Study word stress. Some words have different meanings when the stress is placed in the beginning or on the last syllable of the word. Make sure to be familiar with these so as not to confuse your examiner.

• Sentence stress is important. Make sure to stress content words in the sentences. Content words include nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. These words complete the meaning of your sentence so they have to be given emphasis.

• In the IELTS exam, examiners are looking right in front of you when you speak. When you mispronounced a word, do not be sorry for it and reason out that you have a strong regional accent. Continue speaking and be careful the next time you give a response.

• Practice. Find an IELTS speaking coach who can train you with the right manner of speaking. IELTS review centers have these coaches who can provide training and feedback on how one can improve his or her speaking skills.


Clarity is important in speaking. Words should come out clearly to be understood and get a good score in the IELTS speaking test.


For more information: www.ieltsexamstips.com

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What is 485 Visa? What is the Needed IELTS Module?

Just like the United States of America, the Australian government offers non-residents a lot of visa types that will suit the applicant’s eligibility. Filipinos have this dream in finishing school in Australia. This is not impossible as there are very good schools and universities in the said country. If you are someone who wants to study in Australia, visa 485 might be the right visa for you.

The Australian Visa 485 or the Temporary Graduate visa lets is holder to live, study, and work in Australia temporarily after finishing his her studies. People who can access this type of visa are those students who applied as a primary applicant. This visa has two streams: (1) Graduate work stream for international students with an eligible qualification who graduate with skills and qualifications to an occupation listed on the Skilled Occupation List (SOL), and (2) Post-Study work stream for international students who graduate with a higher education degree from an Australian education provider. Applicants for this visa should be in Australia upon application. Applicants must be currently holding visa subclass 572, 573 or 574 for eligibility to apply.

Here are the requirements for the visa 485:

• Graduates must meet the Australian study requirement. The course must be conducted in English and must be completed in no less than 16 calendar months.

• Character requirements

• Health requirements

• Health insurance requirements

• Age not more than 59 years of age

• Eligible student visa in the last 6 months

• Nominated occupation worth 50 or 60 points on the current Skilled Occupations list that is related to the applicant’s skill and qualifications

• English score requirement (IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination score of at least 6.0 in all components in the Academic module)

Once awarded with this visa, the applicant is allowed to spend time in the country to gain work experience to accompany their Australian qualification. No restrictions on the type of employment have been stated; hence, applicants can take any jobs they wish. However, the Australian government will not be the one looking for employment for the applicant. There are a lot of organizations that can help the visa holder to find a job in Australia.

Applications for visa 485 can be submitted online available 24 hours a day. Documents should be uploaded in the system as well. Payment transactions can be done through an acceptable credit card. Once the visa is granted, an email will be sent to the applicant containing instructions and possible other requirements to be submitted.

Be sure to have a valid student visa before applying for visa 485. Make sure you have the right requirements and the right IELTS score to have your applicants lodge smoothly and successfully.

For more IELTS Tips http://www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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How to Avoid Jitters During IELTS Speaking Exam?

According to the dictionary, jitters is defined as a state of panic or extreme nervousness. Experiencing jitters is a very normal situation. Brides experience wedding jitters a day or on the day of the wedding. Students experience jitters before taking the finals exam – most especially if it is a make or break one. Expecting parents have jitters knowing that their baby is about to come. The point is that jitters happen to anyone on any occasion. However, jitters should always be avoided in taking an English fluency test, particularly the IELTS Speaking exam.

source: www.set-edu.com

The International English Language Testing System examination has made its candidates all jittery in its speaking exam. The speaking exam is conducted by a native English speaker or someone who speaks English very well trained under the IDP or the British Council. Since it is a one-on-one interview, facing the examinee brings a feeling of anxiety which results to mental block, and no one wants that to happen. Having all of these said, how can one avoid getting all that jittery during the IELTS speaking test? Here is how:

• Most who feel nervous during the exam knows that they are not prepared for it. Hence, the best way to come to an IELTS speaking exam is to be prepared. Know the usual topics and questions asked. Having knowledge on general topics in the interview is a great advantage.

• Wear something comfortable during the exam. Do not wear pants that are tight or else you will have a hard time breathing. Some even wear something that follow superstition. There is no harm on that as long as you do not rely on this superstition in giving good answers.

• Establish eye contact with the examinee. Do not give a hint to the interviewer that you are shaking inside.

• When the examiners gives you a question, answer and try to start conversation from this. For example, when asked about a good place in your hometown, ask the interview if he or she has visited your hometown and recommend a good place to drop by.

• Be confident with your answers. Do not doubt your ideas. Make real life examples to support your responses.

• Practice. There are a lot of online resources where candidates can practice on. Further, it will be best if candidates sign up for speaking courses in IELTS review centers. Speaking mock exams are conducted where candidates are given feedback on ways to improve the response and the attitude in speaking. With speaking coaches, they train you not only on how to respond well but also how to be confident in using the English language.

Candidates must accept that being jittery before or during the exam is normal. It all depends on how you handle yourself and with the amount of preparation you have before going to the IELTS speaking real test.

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Rules To Follow During the IELTS Exam Day

Filipinos take the IELTS for three main reasons: work, study and immigration. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is a major requirement to any non-native English speaker who wish to work, study or live in English speaking countries particularly Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and even the United States of America. To be sure to hit the target scores, Filipinos always believe in the help of IELTS review centers when it comes to training and education.

In IELTS review centers, candidates for the test are given information about the test, the different tasks involved and skills to get a good score in the exam. Practices and exercises are given to students to hone their English skills for the test. Aside from this information, candidates are also made aware of the rules to be followed on the exam day. It is important to understand these rules so as not to make any complications on the day of the exam.

Here is what candidates should remember on the IELTS exam day:

• Be at the test center a couple of hours before the scheduled time. Upon arriving, some documents are needed to be filled out and your photograph is taken. Getting early in the test center also helps the candidate relax and adjust with the environment.

• No electronic devices are allowed inside the test center. These should be placed inside the candidate’s bag and will be placed on a designated area. Have mobile phones switch off or in silent mode to avoid disturbance while the test is ongoing.

• There are no breaks between the listening, reading and writing tests. Candidates are advised to use the comfort room before the test begins.

• Food and drinks are not allowed while taking the test. Be sure to eat or drink something before starting with the exam.

source: blog.eslexplorer.com

• Bring the necessary documents such as IDs on the day of the examination. The ID to be presented should be the same ID used upon registration.

• Pencils, pen, erasers and the ID are the only things to be seen on your desk. Other than that should be placed inside the bag.

• If there are any questions, candidates are allowed to ask the test administrators. Any questions related to the content of the exam will not be entertained.

• Wear clothes that are comfortable and decent.

• Stay calm in the whole duration of the exam. How you handle yourself during the test day affects your score.

These rules are made to be followed. If there are any special concerns before the exam, make sure to talk with the test supervisors to make necessary arrangements if possible.

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Best IELTS School in Davao City

Studying is something not everyone enjoy doing. Students see it as a burden to their everyday lives. It seems that studying is an obstacle for them in enjoying their young life. Indeed, studying can be very boring and tiresome; however, it is a part of every student’s life in their learning process. Further, studying does not only apply to students but also with adults. Adults study for different reasons and one of these is to review their English skills for an English proficiency examination – the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.

In Davao City, IELTS is a very popular examination. A lot of professionals are reviewing for the exam. In addition, students are wishing to study overseas are also in the caravan. Basically, the IELTS examination is a requirement for work or study in another country. The IELTS evaluates an individual’s skill in the English language through different tasks from English core skills – reading, listening, speaking and writing. The exam can be very tricky and difficult. This is the very reason why a lot of candidates decide to review with review centers in Davao City.

There are a number of review centers here in Davao City. To name a few, candidates can choose from the following review centers:

• Jrooz Review Center
• TSAA (The Study Aide Avenue)
• ELITE
• PCT IELTS Review Center
• Providence Acumen Consultancy and IELTS Review Center

With these review centers in the city, how can one choose the best review center?

The best review center has a course program that will address all your needs for the IELTS. The best one will be able to provide you with a diagnostic test to assess how well acquainted you re with the English language. From these results, course programs will be presented to introduce you on how the training goes. Classroom lectures, group discussions and open consultation hours should be also on the checklist. Trainers and mentors should be people who are trained and experienced in handling classes for the IELTS. In addition, weekly assessments should be done to track the individual’s progress – a mock test will be very helpful.

Additionally, the best review center should be able to give you choices in your courses programs and can adjust with your availability. Not all students can beat the review center because of work and school; hence, review centers should be able to cater students depending on their availability.

Finding the best one is easy as long as you know the specifics of what you are looking for. The success of your IELTS test depends on the amount on training and knowledge you have gained before the real test.

Know more about IELTS here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

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English Language Tutorial in Davao for IELTS and TOEFL

Looking for an English language tutorial in Davao? Do you know where to go and what to find in one?
A good number of people from Davao City are in the hunt for an English review center for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These two tests are English proficiency test that individuals need to complete before lodging their applications overseas whether for work, study, or immigration. These tests are very important as the scores in these exams are basis whether or not you will be accepted in a company or a school.

When an individual applies for a work, school, or permanent residency, one major requirement is the TOEFL or the IELTS. These are required to make sure that the individual is capable of understanding and using the English language. Being good at the English language assures the institution that the person will be productive and become successful in his or her career or studies. In Davao City, a lot of individuals are up for these exams. With the increasing number of prospective students, TOEFL and IELTS review centers have started operating in the city.

There are a lot of review centers to choose form in the city. The question is finding the right one that is suitable and helpful in attaining that target scores for the said examinations. Here are some guidelines in locating the best English language tutorial in Davao City:

• Make sure that your choice of review center has a good course program packages. Most of the time, review centers have an unlimited program and intensive programs. Prices vary, but be sure that the coverage of these programs can cover the things you need to understand and develop for the examination.

• Good review centers have a friendly environment. It is difficult to study in a place where everyone seems hostile. Review centers should offer a place where students can learn in their very own comfort.

• Check the materials to be used in class. Materials should always be updated as new skills for the tests are being added.

• Prices are important. However, since the competition among these review centers is tight, their prices are somehow the same with others. The best thing to do is assess their course programs and check on the quality of their instructors.

Taking review classes is very important. With these classes, candidates for the IELTS and TOEFL learn skills and techniques that are helpful in attaining a good score for their English proficiency exams.

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List of Accredited IELTS Review Centers in Davao City, Philippines

With the increasing number of professionals in Davao City, it is not surprising to find individuals who would want to work overseas. Finding a job abroad might be a little difficult; however, the benefits and the salary packages are really appealing.

There are quite good work opportunities here in Davao City. As the city continues to improve and foreign investors keep coming, the city has made sure that there is a job for Davaoenos. However, we cannot deny the fact that working professionals not only want work but also a chance to travel. Hence, they choose countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and even some parts of the United States of America to work. Since English is spoken in these countries, an English proficiency examination known as the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination certification is needed.

IELTS evaluates a candidate’s know-how in using and understanding the English language in its four core skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. Review for the IELTS is a must. Candidates need to get training and the right classroom instruction to be familiar with the IELTS. Here are some good review centers candidates can check out in Davao City.

• Philippine College of Technology Inc.
This institution not only offers IELTS courses but other language courses like TCP or Teacher Certificate Program, ESL or English as Second Language, and TESOL or Test of English to Speakers of Other Languages.
https://www.facebook.com/PCTDavao

• Providence Acumen Consultancy and IELTS Review Center
Registered IELTS agent for IDP and British Council, Providence Acumen offers IELTS courses and consultancy for candidates targeting new Zealand and Australia.
http://www.providence-acumen.com/

• The Study Aide Avenue
Also known as TSAA, this tutorial center gives its clients intensive IELTS course review programs not only to Davaoenos but to other foreign nationals living in the city. Students are also given the chance to avail their free IELTS-related requests and referrals to employment agencies.
http://www.tsaaphilippines.com

• ELITE Center
Training and enhancement programs are offered in ELITE. They have course programs for the IELTS, TOEFL or Test of English as a Foreign Language, TESOL, ESL and GRE or Graduate Record Examination.
https://www.facebook.com/LespritELITEDavao

• JRooz Review Center Davao
Proud of its intensive and regular programs, JRooz offers coaching and training that assures candidates of their target scores for the examination.
http://www.jroozreview.com/ielts-review-center-davao/

Different review centers, different prices and programs. Candidates need to know what suits their needs best before signing up for one. Be part of these IELTS review centers and compare the difference with studying alone and with coaches from these review locations.

Know more about IELTS here: http://www.ieltsexamstips.com

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English Proficiency Training Courses and Tests in Davao City, Philippines

Going overseas for work and education has been very popular amongst individuals nowadays. The challenge in working in a global market or being with different students from different parts of the world has brought interest to Filipinos in trying their luck abroad. In Davao City, both working professionals and students aspire to find a slot in international companies and prestigious universities. However, Davaoeños have to bear in mind that there are a number of requirements they have to present upon their application. Whether it is for work or education, an English proficiency examination is a major requirement.

What is an English proficiency examination?

An English proficiency examination is an English test – whether paper-based or internet based – that will measure how well a certain person can use the English language. Since English is being spoken in many parts of the world today, being good at the language makes one much more competitive than others. In addition, this English proficiency test is an assurance to the company or the academic institution that the individual can be productive at work or he or she can excel academically, respectively. In Davao City, two English proficiency test is very popular – the TOEFL and the IELTS.

The TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language is an internet-based examination. It has four different parts – reading, listening, speaking and writing. For four and a half hours, the candidate will be faced with different tasks that use academic English. When we say academic English, the context in the exam are information or even situations in an academic environment.

Being a paper-based test, the International English Language Testing System is challenging like the TOEFL. It is composed of the four core language skills – speaking, listening, reading and writing. The candidate should complete the speaking test before or after the written tests. Unlike in the TOEFL, the IELTS uses social context in the examination. What makes the IELTS more challenging is the use of British or Australian English in the exam.

Candidates of any of these exams in Davao City need not worry about finding a review program. There are a number of good review centers that offer training in both TOEFL and the IELTS. They have designed courses that can help candidate be at their best in taking the examinations. Furthermore, test centers are also found right in the city so candidates need not go to Manila or any other city. Taking the TOELF and IELTS is no hassle for Davaoeños.

Find the right IELTS or TOEFL review center by weighing the pros and cons of each. Getting a good score for any of the tests is crucial; hence, the best training for IELTS or the TOEFL is a must.

You may also refer to this site: http://www.jroozreview.com

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How Can I Take IELTS in Davao?

Are you going overseas for work? Are you leaving the country for an academic program in countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom or the United States of America?

Any individual who wish to live, work or study in the mentioned countries above need to take an English proficiency examination to verify their expertise in using the English language. This English skill test is known as the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. The aim of this test is to gauge an individual’s know-how in using the English language through in its four core skills – speaking, reading, listening and writing.

A few years back, people from Davao City need to fly to Manila to register and take the IELTS examination. It was really a hassle and costly as they needed to pay for their own plane tickets and accommodations when in Manila. Fortunately, it is now easier to take the IELTS as it is already available in Davao City.

If you are registering for the IELTS, you need to know whether you have to take the Academic or the General Training test. The best thing to do is to double check on the company or school you are applying on which type of test they need. In addition, do not get confused whether you need to register for British Council or the IDP. Both agencies are authorized to deliver the IELTS examination.

Registering is easy as 1, 2 and 3. Reserving a slot for the IELTS is much more convenient as it can be done online.

For IDP:
Prepare all necessary documents such as a valid ID like your passport, PRC professional ID, SSS ID or GSIS ID. Have this ID scanned and photocopied. You need to log on at https://my.ieltsessentials.com/Account/LogOn?ReturnUrl=%2f and register as a candidate for the examination. You will need to provide all factual details about you. Once you are registered, you can log on online and continue your registration.

For British Council:
Log on to https://philippines.ielts.britishcouncil.org/iorpsea/html/registration/register.jsp for new registration and fill out all necessary information about you. Do not forget to have your IDs scanned for the uploading of this document in your test registration.

Always remember to check on the available dates for Davao on these websites:
• (BC) https://philippines.ielts.britishcouncil.org/iorpsea/html/registration/showExamSessionListServlet.do?vEngine
• (IDP) http://www.philippines.idp.com/ielts.aspx. Be sure to register early as the slots can easily be filled as more and more Davaoenos are taking the IELTS.

If you are not sure regarding your IDs, do not hesitate to visit an IELTS review centers to help you register for the examination. There are lots in Davao City so finding one will not be a total problem.

You may also refer to this site: http://joetritter.blogspot.com

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I Failed the IELTS Test But Here's My Story on How I Get Up

Failures are part of our everyday life. Sometimes, things that we plan do not go usually on how we like it to be. I am a living witness to it and here’s my story.

I was self-employed having my own business at home. With the growing number of expenditures at home, I looked for opportunities abroad. I did not finish a degree in college so getting one was a real challenge. A friend of mine shared that his brother was undergoing training in butchery. Butchery is one of the skilled works that is in demand in other countries especially in Australia. The first time I heard about it, I immediately got interested. I am used to hard work and being away from the family would not be of a huge problem as long as I could provide them with their needs financially. I asked my friend what I needed to do. He told me that I should take an IELTS or the International English Language Testing System exam first. IELTS? I did not know anything about it. He said that it is an English exam and Australia needs it to have a proof that their workers can speak English. That time, I already had doubts whether to push through or not as I was not confident with my English. Nevertheless, my friend encouraged me to visit a review center where his brother enrolled.

I was really apprehensive and enrolled in the program. I attended classes and did the weekly assessments. I needed to get a score of 5 in the IELTS. Little progress was seen on my exams. I was getting disappointed. I studied hard and my score somehow increased in weeks. After three months in the program, I took the exam. However, not all candidates were lucky to get their target scores, and I was one of them. To be honest, I felt so down. Everybody at home felt sad as well. However, I realized that this should not stop me. I went back to the review center and luckily, I took the review for free. It was part of the program that I paid. I studied more and pushed myself harder. I read some articles online on how to improve my scores especially on my speaking and reading.

I took the exam again and got a 5.5! I was really elated and processed my documents needed for the butchery training. My training has ended a week ago and our batch is now preparing to fly to Australia next week. The IELTS has brought me this wonderful opportunity. Thanks to the best coaches that I had and to IELTS as well.

Know more about IELTS here: www.ieltsexamstips.com

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IELTS and TOEFL in Davao City, Philippines

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System examinations are two of the most popular English proficiency examinations in the country today. Its popularity has been known to many people as it has become a major requirement to employment and academic applications in companies and academic institutions respectively. The requirement of an English certification from TOEFL or IELTS has been included to make sure that their applicants can be productive and will be successful in their company or university.

In Davao City, there are a number of professionals and students who are preparing for the TOEFL and IELTS examination. The first thing that test candidates should know is that the TOEFL is different from the IELTS. The TOEFL test uses Academic English while the IELTS uses English in its social context. In addition, companies and universities have different required scores from these examinations. Candidates should double check whether they need to take the TOEFL or the IELTS as well.

It is not a surprising fact that a lot of Davaoenos have plans in going abroad. In line with this, they prepare themselves by doing the first step – taking the TOEFL or the IELTS. Due to this demand, a good number of IELTS and TOEFL review centers have started to exist in the city making it quite a challenge to decide on which review center to enrol.

Most people in Davao City are persuaded to enrol in IELTS and TOEFL review centers in the city. Due to this, different review centers have different promos to attract potential clients to their centers. Among these TOEFL and IELTS review centers in Davao, several names have already been proven to bring the best among its clients: JRooz, TSAA, PCT. These review centers are conveniently located at the heart of the city making them very accessible to their prospective clients.

There are other review centers in Davao City that have just started operating and have been gaining more and more clients as well. The rise in the number of these review centers are due to the overwhelming response of individuals choosing review centers to help them prepare for the real TOEFL and IELTS examination.

Aside from the training that they offer, TOEFL and IELTS review centers also provide help in registering for the said examinations. In Davao City, Seattle Effective Language Center, Inc. is known to be an authorized TOEFL test center. For the IELTS, examinations are usually conducted in Marco Polo Hotel, the Royal Mandaya Hotel, or Grand Regal Hotel. Here are schedules for the test that you should not miss this 2014.

TOEFL	IELTS
Mar 15, 16, 22,and 23 Apr 12, 19, and 27 May 11, 17, 24, and 25 Jun 15, 21, 28 and 29	April 24 May 17

Though Davao City has a lot of review centers, candidates have to be sure that they are getting the right amount of training from what they have paid. Always check the services that they offer and choose the best that suits your needs.

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