How to Practice Good Pronunciation in IELTS Speaking?

Communication is vital for human development most especially communicating in the English language. In the recent years, there are a lot of non-native English speakers who have become eager in learning English. The English language is currently used by billions of people all over the world; thus, it shows how valuable English is to communication.

source: www.bbc.co.uk

Speaking the English language is a great advantage to individuals who want to pursue a career or education in English speaking countries. Further, these individuals have to be informed that an English proficiency examination test is required as part of the visa application. One trusted English proficiency examination is the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.


The IELTS test, like any other English fluency tests, has a speaking examination. In this part of the test, examinees have to sit in front of a native English speaker for fifteen minutes for an interview. The interview consists of three different tasks: an introduction, individual long-turn, and a two-way discussion. Each task evaluates the individual’s knowledge in understanding and responding different English questions.


Most candidates of the IELTS test feel anxious before the examination. Hence, it is recommended for any examinees to attend IELTS speaking lectures to improve their speaking skills and confidence in using the language. One of the most important things examinees has to practice a lot is pronunciation. In the Philippines, every region has an accent that can greatly influence one’s English pronunciation. Here are some English words that Filipinos need to be careful with their pronunciation and stress as well.


1. Prefer, Refer
The stress on this word should be placed on the second syllable, not on the first.

2. Beach
This word “beach” has a long /i/ sound.

3. February
This word does not have a /y/ sound after the /b/ sound. It should not be pronounced as Febyuary.

4. Comfortable
This word should not be pronounced as COM-FOR-TA-BLE but as COMF-TA-BLE.

5. Government
The /n/ sound in the word “government” is not silent.

6. Clothes, clothe, cloth
The first word is a noun that refers to dresses. Clothe is the verb that means to provide somebody with clothes and cloth is a noun that refers to a type of woven material.

7. Appreciate
The last syllable is supposed to be pronounced as /sheyt/ not /shet/.

8. Busy
This word has a /z/ sound not /s/.

9. Cupboard
This word has a silent /p/ sound.

10. Confirm
The last syllable is supposed to sound as /FURM/ not /FEERM?

Now, how can one practice good pronunciation for the IELTS?

• When you are not sure with the correct pronunciation of a particular word, always consult a dictionary.

• Listen to English speakers. You can browse Youtube for different videos that teach proper pronunciation.

• Have a vocabulary list. Write down words that you commonly mispronounce and practice speaking it every day.

• Use the words you commonly mispronounce often. This will help you be familiar on its pronunciation and usage.

• Find a speaking instructor. In IELTS review centers, speaking instructors train their students with the correct pronunciation of words to eliminate any regional accent one has.


Having good pronunciation is an important factor in becoming a good English speaker. Practice every day to develop your skill and your confidence in using the English language.


For more IELTS Tips you can refer to this link www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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What is the Usual OBS Required for the General Training Module?

Living overseas seems a sweet idea. However, certain requirements have to be met before an applicant can enjoy living overseas. For countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and even in some parts of the United States of America, a particular English proficiency examination is required as part of their eligibility to apply for a visa. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is accepted.

Many Filipinos are familiar with the IELTS; however, some are still clueless to what this test is all about. The IELTS is an English proficiency examination which aims to evaluate an individual’s ability to understand and use the English language in its four core skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing. Moreover, the IELTS test has two different modules. The General Training module is taken by those Filipinos who:

• are going to train or study at a below degree level. This could be certificate programs in different institutions in the countries mentioned above.
• are going to work or undertake work-related training in an English speaking countries. These are individuals who applied for a working visa (federal skilled visa).
• are planning to immigrate to an English speaking country.

These are the three reasons why a certain candidate has to take the General Training module of the IELTS examination. Furthermore, candidates have to be aware that there are certain overall band score (OBS) requirements that they have to achieve. If the candidate is unfortunate to reach the target score, he or she has the option to have his or her test re-evaluated or take the exam again. What are the usual overall band score for the General Training module?

For starters, an OBS of 5.0 is usually asked from individuals who are applying for a skilled work visa. IN countries like Canada and Australia, men and women who want to work as butchers are qualified and eligible to work with a score of 5.0 in their IELTS examination. Hence, most skilled work in the countries mentioned required the said OBS. Second, people who are going to live permanently or immigrating to other countries can get a score of at least 4.0 (depending on the country they are applying for). The score is not that high as a score of 4.0 shows that the candidate has basic competence in the English language; thus, communicating with other people is not a problem.  Most of the time, applicants are always advised to ask their agencies of their score requirements. Some may even consider a lower score from what is required as long as there are conditions to be met (depending on the country and the agency).

The most important thing to remember when taking the IELTS is getting prepared for it. It is possible to score even higher from these requirements when the candidate is trained and taught on certain skills and techniques for the examination. Candidates have to undergo exposure on the flow of the examination. IELTS review centers are known for this. These centers can provide training and education that candidates need. With constant mock exams and coaching, candidates will learn their strengths and work a little more extra on their weaknesses.

To be sure about your score requirement for the IELTS General Training exam, consult your agency and even your IELTS review center.

For more IELTS Tips you can refer to this link www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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List of Top IELTS Registration Agents of British Council Philippines

Thinking of going to English speaking countries to work or study? Then, you should know about the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination.

For many years now, English speaking countries are requiring non-native English speakers, like Filipinos, to take the IELTS for their visa applications. The IELTS is an English proficiency examination that evaluates a candidate’s fluency and expertise in understanding and using the English language. Getting a good score in the IELTS means the applicant is good at English and therefore, will ensure their success at work, school or in living permanently in the country of their choice.

In the Philippines, the British Council is authorized to accept registrations for the IELTS examination. Their office is located at 10^th floor Taipan Palace, F. Ortigas Jr Road, Pasig City. For those individuals who wish to register under the British Council, it is possible to have the application online or lodge the application in their office. For Filipinos who are not in Manila and wish to register for the examination, online application is much more convenient. Additionally, there are lots of authorized IELTS registration agents all over the Philippines. These are authorized companies and institutions of the British Council to accept registration and payment for the IELTS examination. Here are the following IELTS registration agents that you can visit in different key cities in the Philippines.

JROOZ Review Center
706 CItyland Herrera Tower, Valero corner Rufino Streets, Salcedo Village, Makati City
Tel: +63 02 555 0013

Mobile: +63 917 895 4671
Email: desk@jroozreview.com
Website: www.jroozreview.com

9.0 Niner IELTS Review & Tutorial Center
Alabang Branch: Unit 312 Civic Prime Commercial Condominium, 2501 Civic drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang
Tel: +63 2 940 8728
Email : nineralabang@yahoo.com; certifiedniner@yahoo.com
Website : www.ninereview.com.ph

EPRO Training Centre
Suite 407, Mount Crest Hotel, Legarda Road, Baguio City
Tel: +63 74 442 2397
Email : eprotc@yahoo.com
Website : www.eprobaguio.com

St. Louis Review Center
Gaisano Bldg., Gaabucayan Ext., Agora, Cagayan de Oro City 9000
Tel: +63 88 851 1413
Email: slrccdo@yahoo.com

EA Communications and Language Center
3rd Floor DMS Building Jalandoni Street, Jaro Iloilo City
Tel: +63 33 320 2355
Mobile: +63 920 908 6392
Email: iloilo@eacom.ph

Reviewpro Inc.

604 Annette II Building Ave. Mandaluyong 1008

Tel: +63 2 703 3628

Email: melizza_lozano@yahoo.com; reviewproinc@yahoo.com

Pinoy Care

7/F Unit 7034 West Trade Cener 132, West Avenue, Quezon City

Tel: + 63 2 332 7283; +63 2 332 7286

Email: ieltsmanila@pinoycarevisa.com

RSD Immigration Consultancy Services

6^th Floor, 395 Accelandro Bldg., Sen Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City

Tel: +63 2 804 2510

Email: info@cis-visa.com

Website: www.cis-visa.com

People who are going to register need to prepare the following requirements upon registration. 

• A valid ID – passports are usually used for this requirement. Passports should still be valid.

• A soft copy of an image of the passport

• Soft copy of the applicant’s recent photo

• A valid Visa or Mastercard  for  online payment (Php 8986)

Candidates of the said examination should remember the following when registering under the British Council’s:

• Registering online should be completed within 30 minutes. When the payment is not made within 30 minutes, the time slot you hold will be automatically released. 

• Reservation is on first-come, first-served basis.

• Applications will only be processed when all requirements are met. 

• Candidates who wish to cancel the examination will not receive any refunds. 

• The exam is not recommended to children under the age of 16. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact any of this British Council’s authorized agents. 

For more IELTS Tips you can visit this link www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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Rules in taking the IELTS examination in British Council

The British Council is a popular name in bringing English proficiency tests. This organization is responsible for delivering the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination. Here in the Philippines, British Council offices are found in popular cities and has its main office in the capital city, Manila.

source: www.centrofis.ro

There are a number of Filipinos who are preparing to take the IELTS examination in the Philippines. The reason for this is the certification the said examination provides as a proof of one’s fluency in the English language. This certificate is a major requirement to individuals applying for certain types of visas in English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.


Registering for the IELTS examination under the British Council is easy as it is done online. Upon registration, candidates are then asked to read the rules they need to follow in taking the IELTS examination. Here are some important rules that candidates should remember and consider.


• Upon registration for the examination, candidates have to provide a valid identification card which bears the candidate’s ID number, signature, date of birth and a clear photograph. This ID used on the registration should be the same ID to be presented on the examination day. If a candidate is taking the IELTS not in his or her home country, a valid passport must be used in registering for the test.

• Bring two identical passport-sized photographs on the exam day. This will be used for documentation.

• On the day of the examination, candidates are advised not to bring any personal belongings in the test center. Any items such as bags, notes, and electronic devices will be left outside the test area. Only pencils and the ID are allowed inside the test center.

• Candidates are discouraged to disturb other candidates as the exam progresses.

• It is prohibited to borrow any writing instrument such as pencils and erasers to other candidates. If  the candidate has to use a new pencil, he or she should notify the test administrator.

• No candidates are allowed to leave the test center without the permission from the test administrators. Going to the toilet must be done before the test. If the candidate wishes to use the loo, he or she should call the attention of the exam proctor.

• Any candidate caught in any form of misconduct such as cheating, impersonating another candidate, illegal reproduction of test questionnaires or even alteration of a candidate’s date will not be allowed to finish the test and is subjected to a legal action.


These rules are made to be followed and serious penalties are to be given if not followed accordingly. To read more about this, download the British Council’s rules for the IELTS at http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/IELTS_Notice_to_Candidates.pdf.


Planning to take ielts review? You can follow this link www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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Age required to take TOEFL examination?

According to a survey conducted to university students, eighty percent of the respondents are eager to pursue their degrees overseas. The primary reason for this is to experience education from a prestigious university and the fact of being able to travel overseas while studying. Another survey among working professionals showed that seventy-five percent of the participants are open to the possibility in taking a job offer abroad. Indeed, thousands of people nowadays are more open to going overseas for work and education.

Photo credit: www.ets.org

These kinds of opportunities have been increasing over the years. English speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom and even the United States of America have been accepting thousands of visa applications to their country. However, being a non-native English speaker, Filipinos must understand that there are requirements to be completed and one of them is to take the TOEFL or the Test of English as a Foreign Language.

The Test of English as a Foreign Language is an English proficiency examination that gauges an individual’s ability to understand and use the English language. The test has four different sections: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The TOEFL uses English in an academic context, so candidates are expected to answer questions from academic subjects and scenarios in the university.

A lot of people are wondering whether there is an age requirement in taking the TOEFL exam. Actually, THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT. Anyone can take the TOEFL as long as they have the skills to pass the test. How can one get the knowledge for the TOEFL test?

Anyone can enrol in TOEFL review centers nationwide. These review centers hone their students to be at their best in terms of their English skills. Moreover, learning in TOEFL review centers are not as dull as one can imagine. There are a lot of activities and exercises students will be doing in the class – making learning TOEFL informative and fun.  

Since there is no age limit in taking the TOEFL, students come from different age groups in which is a good opportunity to learn. Some students share what they know about the topic and active discussion within the students happen. This is a good opportunity for students to practice their communication in English.

Whether you are as young as eleven or as old as fifty, taking the TOEFL will not be a problem. The only thing that you need to have is the knowledge and the skill in taking the test. Getting a good score is not impossible once you have learned and practiced for the TOEFL. 

For more TOEFL tips toeflreview.blogspot.com.

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Training Center for Animal Production in Davao City

The opportunity to work overseas has been increasing for the past few years. The availability of different jobs in countries like Australia and New Zealand has brought hope to Filipinos who wish to earn more money. In the past years, healthcare professionals have had the highest and most demands of jobs overseas.  Recently, English speaking countries like Australia and New Zealand have been hiring people who are good at animal production. These people are skilled in handling animals in farms. They are primarily responsible in taking care of the animals such as feeding, monitoring their health and raising these animals.

In Davao City, TESDA or Technical Education and Skills Development Authority offers programs that educate participants on animal production. Participants are given lectures and seminars on how to have an effective communication in the workplace, how to be an effective member in a team, how to practice professionalism in the working environment, how to practice safety and all knowledge related topics in animal production.


Further, TESDA have to make sure that they have qualified candidates for this program; hence, these are the following requirements applicants should have:

• Ability to read and write

• Good moral character

• Ability to communicate – verbal and written

• In good physical and mental health to be certified by a Public Health Officer


The qualification of this program may be attained through (1) accumulation of Certification of Competency (COCs) in the following areas: raise poultry, raise small ruminants, raise swine, and raise large ruminants; (2) and demonstration of competence through project-type assessment.


With this program, a good number of people want to earn a certificate and find a job in the counties mentioned. However, since these are English-speaking countries, applicants are required to take an English proficiency examination. The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System examination is a requirement. Candidates who wish to work overseas should take the General Training module of the test and get an overall band score of at least 6.0.


In Davao City, many are already taking courses in animal production as well as enrolled training for the IELTS examination. It is best for anyone taking animal production programs to study IELTS for them to be prepared for the test. Fortunately, there are a number of good IELTS review centers in Davao City that can accommodate the needs of these candidates for quality training in the IELTS.


For more information on the Animal Production program, visit TESDA Region XI office or call them at (082) 227-3834.

Get more IELTS Tips here www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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How can I prevent myself from going off topic in the expression exams for IELTS?

Listening plays a huge role in speaking. Through listening, we understand the question and create responses that will directly answer what is being asked. However, there are times that our answers are out of the topic. Most of the time, the reason for this is that we failed to listen to the question carefully, some words are not familiar in the question, or we did not fully understand what the task was. In the IELTS exam, going off the topic affects a lot on your score. Hence, candidates have to be careful in giving their responses and make sure that they are on the right track.

source: englishharmony.com

In the speaking and writing sections of the IELTS exam, candidates are evaluated on the coherence of the response. Coherence refers to the logical connection of your answers to the question. The content of the response should hit what is being asked or to the given task. To prevent going off the topic in these sections, here are some simple yet useful tips.


IELTS Speaking

• Do not hesitate to ask the examiner politely to repeat the question or have him elaborate the question for you. The examiner will rephrase the question making it easier to understand; however, do not do this in all questions. Constantly asking the examiner to repeat the question shows your weakness in understanding the English language.

• Ask the examiner if he or she is referring to a particular meaning of the word. Some words have multiple meanings that might confuse you on how it is used in the question. Clarify this to the examiner. Do not ask the examiner to define the word for you.

• Have a simple pattern for your response. When asked a question, answer it and provide a simple detail to it. Avoid talking too much on a response as it may lead to going off the topic given.


IELTS Writing

• Understand the task whether you have to agree or disagree, show the advantage or disadvantage or have them both in your essay.

• There are some tasks to be written in your essay. Make sure that these are answered and check if the questions are directly responded.

• Brainstorm on ideas and remove points that may seem irrelevant or difficult to support.

• Create an outline before writing. Always have an introduction, a body and a conclusion.

• Check your details in your essay. The details should provide example to the idea you are making not introducing a new idea.


Practicing questions for speaking and writing for the IELTS is a good start to practice having a consistent idea in the response. Content is very important; hence, mock exams for speaking and writing are very valuable.

For more IELTS Tips www.ieltsexamstips.com.

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