19
Oct
2009
English Language Colleges
Why study at a language college?
While it is possible to learn another language on your own, or through a distance education course, or simply by immersing yourself in the language by going overseas, and English language college can give you the best of all these options.
GEOS English language colleges immerse you in English-language cultures all over the world, providing ample opportunity not only to practice your language skills, but also have a lot of fun exploring the country and meeting new people. Through regular weekday and weekend activities, as well as fun courses such as ‘English plus Surfing’, students get to experience much more than simply the classroom. Students will also get to make new friends within the college, with a mix of students from over 30 different countries.
On the other hand, spending time at an English language college will mean that you get a real grasp on the language- including reading, writing, listening and speaking. From the basics to advanced English courses, GEOS colleges offer a range of courses to cater for whatever level students are at. These include General English, Cambridge Preparation Programs, English for TESOL and much more. The courses are taught by highly qualified and experienced teachers who have lived and taught all around the world. In addition, these courses offer pathways to further studies, whether university or other tertiary institutions such as TAFE.
Learning English
GEOS Gold Coast, located 5 minutes from Surfers Paradise Beach, offers a range of English language courses. These include General English, Preparation for Academic and Cambridge Exams (PACE), IELTS Exam Preparation (IELTS), Cambridge Exam Preparation (FCE/CAE), Certificate IV in Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), the Joey Kangaroo Club (Young Learners Program), and the Study Tour Program.
The Study Tour Program offers students a range of custom made courses and programs, designed to combine English lessons with an area of interest. So this would mean combining an English language course (such as General English) with sports, sightseeing, adventure holidays and more.
30
Jun
2009
CAE- Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English
CAE
The Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English is an examination that tests a candidate’s English abilities for work or study purposes. There are many benefits to taking the CAE including its wide recognition by businesses and academia, convenience of location (it is available across 127 countries), and its availability (exams are generally held twice a year). A preparation CAE course will equip candidates with valuable language skills at a Level C1 of the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). Furthermore, it is valid for life and gives you confidence to use English in actual situations.
Is CAE the right test for you?
The CAE is for those who can - in English- read quickly enough to succeed in an academic course, understand complex opinions, produce clear and well-structured pieces of text, use English flexibly in social situations and effectively in business situations. As the name of the Certificate implies the test is aimed at those with an advanced grasp of the English language in all its forms - speaking, writing, reading and listening.
CAE test format
In contrast to other test papers such as TOEFL and the IELTS, the CAE paper has five components. The first section deals with reading skills (1.25 hrs) which requires the applicant to understand a wide range of texts include fiction and non-fiction books, journals, magazines and newspapers. The second section tests the applicant’s writing abilities (1.5hrs) through producing 2 pieces of writing in different formats (such as a report, essay, article, proposal, etc). This is followed by a component that tests the applicant’s use of English grammar and vocabulary through a serires of different tasks. Then there is the listening component (40 minutes) that tests understanding across different verbal texts (eg lectures, radio broadcasts, conversations, and speeches). Finally there is a 15 minute speaking exam which you undertake with another candidate to test your skills in different types of interaction.
30
Jun
2009
IELTS
IELTS- International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System is a test to prove your English language skills across reading, writing, listening and speaking components. It comes in two versions- the Academic version and the General Training version. The Academic test is for entry into tertiary study at English-speaking colleges and universities. The General Training test is a more basic test for both study or day-to-day English speaking, including attending an English-speaking secondary school, work experience, training programs, or if you simply want to move to an English-speaking country.
The IELTS is useful as English is the third most spoken language in the world, and covers countries such as Australia, USA, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Canada, India, and the UK.
Information for sitting the IELTS
The IELTS is recognised by over 6000 institutions across 120 countries as a trusted and valid indicator of the ability to communicate and comprehend English orally and in written form. To sit the IELTS you should first find out which version of the test you need to take (depending on the requirements of the institution you are applying to) - whether the Academic or the General Training. You should also familiarise yourself with the test components: 30 minutes Listening, 60 minutes Reading, 60 minutes Writing and 14 minutes speaking. It is important to note that the speaking component can be on the same day, or alternatively 7 days before or after the other test components. There are sample tests available to inform yourself of the format and types of questions, as well as to practice your answers.
The fees for both the Academic and the General Training tests are the same. You must bring identification on the testing day, such as a passport or identity card (depending on which you used in your application). The test uses a variety of English accents so no one is disadvantaged- this could include an American, Australian or British accent.