23
Nov
2009
IELTS Preparation
The IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an exam that can be taken to have evidence of your English language skills covering skills of reading comprehension, writing, listening comprehension and speaking. It has both an Academic version for entry into universities and a General Training version useful for entrance into high school, vocational study or an English speaking country. The test consists of four components:
- Listening (30 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Speaking (14 minutes).
The IELTS is a widely recognised indicator of the ability to use and comprehend English, accepted by over 6000 institutions and spanning 120 nations.
IELTS Exam Preparation
GEOS Gold Coast is an English college in Queensland, Australia, that offers a course to help students prepare for the IETLS exam. The couse runs for 10 weeks and focuses on key skills including speaking, listening, reading and writing. Students require a minimum of intermediate level English in order to benefit from the course.
It covers both the Academic and General format of the exam in two modules. The Academic Module prepares students who are taking the test to enter university. The General Training Module is designed for students who wish to continue with vocational training courses, for example at TAFE, as well as those who are applying for Permanent Residency in Australia.
GEOS Gold Coast is one of the leading schools on the Gold Coast. Established for 10 years and winner of the Gold Coast Export Awards for Education in 2005 and 2006, it is a college with experienced, caring and qualified teachers as well as a variety of different courses. The college is part of a network of GEOS schools in the Oceania region, meaning it is possible to transfer to another school in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and so on. Located only 5 minutes from the beach, the college not only offers great English courses but lots of fun as well.
23
Nov
2009
Academic and Cambridge Exams
PACE
GEOS Gold Coast is an English college offering a range of English language courses for all levels. Among these, it offers a course in Preparation for Academic and Cambridge Exams (PACE). PACE is a twelve-week course designed for students at an Intermediate to Upper-Intermediate level that are looking to study at an intensive level. It helps those who want to improve all areas of their English skills quickly, but are not at an appropriate level to enter the IELTS or Cambridge Exam preparation courses.
This course will improve students’ skills so they can enrol in an exam preparation course, but will also help those wanting to improve their English to travel and work in Australia. Students are tested on a weekly basis on grammar and vocabulary, speaking, listening, reading and writing. Classes are held five days a week, with different topics each week ranging from cinema to science, relationships and travel. Apart from in-class work on interviews, writing reports, reading comprehension, negotiation, grammar and so on, homework is also assigned each day from research tasks to translation.
Academic English
Academic writing is a genre different to news articles, fiction novels or blogging. It involves not only a strong grasp of the English language in order to present your argument succintly, but also specific skills in paraphrasing, summarising, critiqueing and referencing. For example, in a literature review you will outline the main ideas of other authors, referencing their works, then comparing and contrasting to reveal strengths and weaknesses.
A well-written academic paper will also be structured logically, cohesively and coherently. Students must know how to write a strong introduction and conclusion, as well as being able to link the main points in the body with topic and linking sentences. Furthermore, most academic papers will not be written in the first person using ‘I’. Instead, the author’s voice should come across through perceptive analysis of the evidence.
6
Nov
2009
Where is GEOS Gold Coast?
Gold Coast, Qld
GEOS Gold Coast is located in Surfers Paradise, on the Gold Coast of Queensland. Today the Gold Coast is reknown for its sun, surf and sand that stretches across 57 kilometres of coastline. According to the Gold Coast City Council, this reputation only took off around the 1950s. Previously, residents had focused on working the land, but at the turn of the century people started to look for more leisure. As a result, iconic holiday accommodation was built reflecting the philosophy of fantasy, fun, nightlife and relaxation. These included the Pink Poodle and the Gold Coast’s first high rise Kinkabool, built in 1959.
Then there is The Q1, which is the world’s tallest residential tower, and the Palazzo Versace. These last two are Australia’s only 6 star hotels, specialising in glamour and indulgence. Of course, the Gold Coast has a whole range of accommodation, from budget to family and luxury.
Surfers Paradise
Surfers Paradise is a large town encompassing wonderful beaches, shopping centres, restaurants and fun attractions. Surfers Paradise is on the Gold Coast, just over an hour away from Brisbane. The English college itself is on Orchid Avenue, in the heart of the town and only 5 minutes from the beach.
There is so much to do in Surfers Paradise to complement your English language studies and practice it in real world situations. There are beach volleyball games at Central Surfers Paradise Beach, fishing charters, whale watching cruises or a whole variety of water sports from scuba diving to surfing and jet skiing. You can hire equipment, whether surf boards, body boards or jet skis, or bring your own. Or you can simply enjoy the patrolled beaches along the coast, including Surfers Paradise Main Beach. There are plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars and nightclubs in the town and along the beach.
Away from the beach, there is still plenty to do. There are the Gold Coast’s famous theme parks, including Dreamworld, Wet ‘n’ Wild, Movie World, Sea World and WhiteWater World. You can go bunjy jumping, play mini golf, or go golfing at a professional course.