How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test

The much-anticipated IELTS speaking test was run today (the first day after the apocalypse). Well, leaving apocalyptic references aside, for some students, that speaking test is a real judgement-day kind of experience.

I have been conducting speaking tests for the last 10 years and I am quite confident that exam terror, although originated by the exam itself, rarely benefits the test taker. I feel, however, that it is still a natural positive reaction which shows genuine interest rather than apathy. Apathy is another word for indifference, of which I saw much today. Bottom line is: Acing the IELTS speaking test (or for that matter, any speaking test including job interviews) is a question of POSITIVE ATTITUDE. Below is a sample:

This candidate got a well-deserved band 7 score. For me, 50% of that score goes to attitude. There may be  problems with this method of evaluation which many will consider purely subjective. To answer them I'd say that until the speaking exam is marked by artificially-intelligent machine examiners, human examiners will be positively affected by candidates who show that they are comfortable with the exam and willing to entertain the examiners with smart ideas delivered in adequate language.

Is the World Going to End Tonight?

Many have been excitedly talking about an old Mayan prophecy predicting the destruction of the world on 21.12.12. Well, it is 9:06pm now and nothing has happened (yet). Since almost 3 hours are left before midnight, I am going to get me a good big Cappuccino and share some thoughts with you until time for the Apocalypse comes. Scientists seem to be more confident. NASA experts say that you don't need to ask your government about the end of the world, you simply have to look at the sky.

I Believe in Science!

GOING THAI!!   Please vote for the outing at the top right corner/ bottom  of this page. --}

For those interested to go back there, here's how:

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The website:
Midan Hotel Suites

It's not that we didn't enjoy the food, but it would be a good idea to have this the next time we venture out of ELC:
                       
How was the lunch?

Level one Vocabulary and Spelling Quiz
Mr. Ahmed

We will start using online quizzes very soon. Here is a sample for level one.

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A Workshop at the SAC

The ELC members had the pleasure of meeting with Mr. Kishore, who instructed them on

Creating your Own Web Profile


Everyone knows how to make a web profile now, and are soooo happy!

                                        Thanks Kishore