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.
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.