Band Scale
IELTS is scored on a nine band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English.Overall Band Scores are reported to the nearest whole or half band.
For the avoidance of doubt, the following rounding convention applies; if the average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
The nine bands are described as follows:
[edit] 9 Expert User
Has full command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. It is very hard to attain this score.
[edit] 8 Very Good User
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
[edit] 7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
[edit] 6 Competent User
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
[edit] 5 Modest User
Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communication in his or her own field.
[edit] 4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
[edit] 3 Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
[edit] 2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
[edit] 1 Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
[edit] 0 Did not attempt the test
No assessable information provided.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
IELTS Test Structure
IELTS Test Structure
All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a Band, which is shown on an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
Reading: 60 minutes.
Writing: 60 minutes.
(n.b. No additional time is given for transfer of answers in Reading and Writing modules)
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a Band, which is shown on an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
Reading: 60 minutes.
Writing: 60 minutes.
(n.b. No additional time is given for transfer of answers in Reading and Writing modules)
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
What is IELTS?
IELTS (pronounced /ˈaı.ɛlts/), or 'International English Language Testing System', is an international standardised test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia, and was established in 1989.
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version:
* The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.
* The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
It is generally acknowledged that the reading and writing tests for the Academic Version are more difficult than those for the General Training Version, due to the differences in the level of intellectual and academic rigour between the two versions.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 2,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada. This has been criticised in Canada, because the English accents employed in the Listening section of the IELTS are far removed from typical Canadian accents.
An IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF - see below) is valid for two years.
In 2007, IELTS tested over a million candidates in a single 12-month period for the first time ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration.[1]
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version:
* The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.
* The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
It is generally acknowledged that the reading and writing tests for the Academic Version are more difficult than those for the General Training Version, due to the differences in the level of intellectual and academic rigour between the two versions.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, over 2,000 academic institutions in the United States, and various professional organisations. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada. This has been criticised in Canada, because the English accents employed in the Listening section of the IELTS are far removed from typical Canadian accents.
An IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF - see below) is valid for two years.
In 2007, IELTS tested over a million candidates in a single 12-month period for the first time ever, making it the world's most popular English language test for higher education and immigration.[1]
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
What is TOEFL?
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (or TOEFL, pronounced "toe-full")
evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities.
Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.
The TOEFL test is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered worldwide. The test was first administered in 1964 and has since been taken by more than 23 million students.
Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language.
The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 12 specialists in linguistics, language testing, teaching or research. Its main responsibility is to advise on TOEFL test content. The committee helps ensure the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies.
evaluates the ability of an individual to use and understand English in an academic setting. It is an admission requirement for non-native English speakers at many English-speaking colleges and universities.
Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, licensing bodies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. A TOEFL score is valid for two years and then will no longer be officially reported since a candidate's language proficiency could have significantly changed since the date of the test. Colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent TOEFL score.
The TOEFL test is a registered trademark of Educational Testing Service (ETS) and is administered worldwide. The test was first administered in 1964 and has since been taken by more than 23 million students.
Policies governing the TOEFL program are formulated with advice from a 16-member board. Board members are affiliated with undergraduate and graduate schools, 2-year institutions and public or private agencies with an interest in international education. Other members are specialists in the field of English as a foreign or second language.
The TOEFL Committee of Examiners is composed of 12 specialists in linguistics, language testing, teaching or research. Its main responsibility is to advise on TOEFL test content. The committee helps ensure the test is a valid measure of English language proficiency reflecting current trends and methodologies.
TOEFL Paper-Based Test
Paper-Based Test
In areas where the iBT and CBT are not available, a paper-based test (PBT) is given. Because test takers cannot register at the testing center on the test date, they must register in advance using the registration form provided in the Supplemental Paper TOEFL Bulletin. They should register in advance of the given deadlines to ensure a place because the test centers have limited seating and may fill up early. Tests are administered only several times each year.
The PBT tests essentially the same skills as the CBT, albeit with some differences, noticeably the number of questions (which is higher in the PBT) and the score scales. The test lasts 4 hours more or less. Students can take the test as many times as they wish. However, colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent score.
1. Listening (30–40 minutes)
It consists of three parts. The first one contains 30 questions about short conversations. The second part has 8 questions about longer conversations. The last part asks 12 questions about lectures or talks.
2. Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes)
This part has 15 exercises of completing sentences correctly and 25 exercises of identifying errors.
3. Reading Comprehension (55 minutes)
It has 50 questions about reading passages.
4. Writing (30 minutes)
One essay with 250-300 words in average
In areas where the iBT and CBT are not available, a paper-based test (PBT) is given. Because test takers cannot register at the testing center on the test date, they must register in advance using the registration form provided in the Supplemental Paper TOEFL Bulletin. They should register in advance of the given deadlines to ensure a place because the test centers have limited seating and may fill up early. Tests are administered only several times each year.
The PBT tests essentially the same skills as the CBT, albeit with some differences, noticeably the number of questions (which is higher in the PBT) and the score scales. The test lasts 4 hours more or less. Students can take the test as many times as they wish. However, colleges and universities usually consider only the most recent score.
1. Listening (30–40 minutes)
It consists of three parts. The first one contains 30 questions about short conversations. The second part has 8 questions about longer conversations. The last part asks 12 questions about lectures or talks.
2. Structure and Written Expression (25 minutes)
This part has 15 exercises of completing sentences correctly and 25 exercises of identifying errors.
3. Reading Comprehension (55 minutes)
It has 50 questions about reading passages.
4. Writing (30 minutes)
One essay with 250-300 words in average
TOEFL Internet-Based Test
Internet-Based Test
Since its introduction in late 2005, the Internet-Based test (iBT) has progressively replaced both the computer-based (CBT) and paper-based (PBT) tests. The iBT has been introduced in phases, with the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in 2005 and the rest of the world in 2006, with test centers added regularly.
Although the demand for test seats was very high, and candidates had to wait for months, it is now possible to take the test within one to four weeks in most countries.[1] The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring mainly one of the basic language skills (although some tasks may require multiple skills) focusing on language used in an academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the iBT. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.
1. Reading
This module determines proficiency in understanding intellectual reading issues. The Reading module contains questions about 3 to 5 long passages. The passages are chosen from the academic topics, which are found in undergraduate university textbooks.
2. Listening
This module determines proficiency in understanding spoken English as it is used in colleges and universities. The listening module consists of 6 comprehensive passages. Two passages will be conversations between students, and the other four will be academic lectures or discussions. Students have to understand the conversations and answer the corresponding questions.
3. Speaking
This module determines proficiency with speaking in English. The speaking module consists of 6 tasks: two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. In the independent tasks, students have to answer opinion questions concerning academic life. In two of the integrated tasks, students have to read a passage, listen to a passage, and speak about how the ideas in the two passages are related. In the other two integrated tasks, students have to listen to long passages, review them and speak about the information in the passages.
4. Writing
This module determines proficiency with writing in English that is pertinent for colleges and universities assignments. The writing module consists of two tasks: one independent task where students have to read an academic passage, listen to an academic passage and write their reviews about the two passages, and another integrated task where students have to write an essay.
Task iBT Approx. time
READING 3 passages and 39 questions 60 minutes
LISTENING 6 passages and 34 questions 50 minutes
SPEAKING 6 tasks and 6 questions 20 minutes
WRITING 2 tasks and 2 questions 55 minutes
At least one of the sections of the test will include extra, uncounted material. Educational Testing Service includes extra material to try out material for future tests. If the test taker is given a longer section, he must work hard on all of the materials because he does not know which material counts and which material is extra. For example, if there are four reading passages instead of three, three of the passages will count and one of the passages will not be counted. It is possible that the uncounted passage could be any of the four passages.
Since its introduction in late 2005, the Internet-Based test (iBT) has progressively replaced both the computer-based (CBT) and paper-based (PBT) tests. The iBT has been introduced in phases, with the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy in 2005 and the rest of the world in 2006, with test centers added regularly.
Although the demand for test seats was very high, and candidates had to wait for months, it is now possible to take the test within one to four weeks in most countries.[1] The four-hour test consists of four sections, each measuring mainly one of the basic language skills (although some tasks may require multiple skills) focusing on language used in an academic, higher-education environment. Note-taking is allowed during the iBT. The test cannot be taken more than once a week.
1. Reading
This module determines proficiency in understanding intellectual reading issues. The Reading module contains questions about 3 to 5 long passages. The passages are chosen from the academic topics, which are found in undergraduate university textbooks.
2. Listening
This module determines proficiency in understanding spoken English as it is used in colleges and universities. The listening module consists of 6 comprehensive passages. Two passages will be conversations between students, and the other four will be academic lectures or discussions. Students have to understand the conversations and answer the corresponding questions.
3. Speaking
This module determines proficiency with speaking in English. The speaking module consists of 6 tasks: two independent tasks and four integrated tasks. In the independent tasks, students have to answer opinion questions concerning academic life. In two of the integrated tasks, students have to read a passage, listen to a passage, and speak about how the ideas in the two passages are related. In the other two integrated tasks, students have to listen to long passages, review them and speak about the information in the passages.
4. Writing
This module determines proficiency with writing in English that is pertinent for colleges and universities assignments. The writing module consists of two tasks: one independent task where students have to read an academic passage, listen to an academic passage and write their reviews about the two passages, and another integrated task where students have to write an essay.
Task iBT Approx. time
READING 3 passages and 39 questions 60 minutes
LISTENING 6 passages and 34 questions 50 minutes
SPEAKING 6 tasks and 6 questions 20 minutes
WRITING 2 tasks and 2 questions 55 minutes
At least one of the sections of the test will include extra, uncounted material. Educational Testing Service includes extra material to try out material for future tests. If the test taker is given a longer section, he must work hard on all of the materials because he does not know which material counts and which material is extra. For example, if there are four reading passages instead of three, three of the passages will count and one of the passages will not be counted. It is possible that the uncounted passage could be any of the four passages.
Friday, May 1, 2009
MQ Best Practices
* when installing MQ Server, do install MQ Client also. It is very useful to connect to remote sites.
* naming convention (MD00, GG24-4469 and MD04)
See Intercommunication manual for suggested naming conventions
o queue name max length = 48 chars (all MQ objects, except ...)
o channel name max length = 20 chars
* use ReplyToQ/ReplyToQMgr fields
* use REPLY type in response message
* use triggering if possible. Use TRIGGER FIRST. TRIGGER EVERY only if needed. Avoid TRIGGER DEPTH.
* do not use persistence if possible
* copy Message_Id into Correl_Id field to correlate response to request
* request a Report if your message is rejected or expires.
* know the default queue manager and verify it exists - used by runmqsc -w
* MQ & clustering :
o define a Qmgr to be exclusively FR1 and another Qmgr to be FR2
o use 2 (and no more) Full Repositories
o make sure both FRs have a Cluster Sender Channel to the other FR
* MQ under HACMP :
o use virtual IP in "IPADDR( )" at listener definition
o use separated disks for Data & Log - better performance
o if cluster is used, place FR's on HACMP machines
* MQ for MB :
o increase LOG size, as default MQ log for Windows is not enough to deploy a 500KB bar file
o increase CM 2 BK channel message length; otherwise flows wont be deployed. Easiest way is: immediately after creating the queue manager, ALTER the MAXMSGL attribute of SYSTEM.DEFAULT.LOCAL.QUEUE, SYSTEM.DEF.SENDER, SYSTEM.DEF.RECEIVER, SYSTEM.DEF.CLUSSDR, and SYSTEM.DEF.CLUSRCVR. Even better: have a script to create queue managers for MB that does log size and MAXMSGL automatically.
* naming convention (MD00, GG24-4469 and MD04)
See Intercommunication manual for suggested naming conventions
o queue name max length = 48 chars (all MQ objects, except ...)
o channel name max length = 20 chars
* use ReplyToQ/ReplyToQMgr fields
* use REPLY type in response message
* use triggering if possible. Use TRIGGER FIRST. TRIGGER EVERY only if needed. Avoid TRIGGER DEPTH.
* do not use persistence if possible
* copy Message_Id into Correl_Id field to correlate response to request
* request a Report if your message is rejected or expires.
* know the default queue manager and verify it exists - used by runmqsc -w
* MQ & clustering :
o define a Qmgr to be exclusively FR1 and another Qmgr to be FR2
o use 2 (and no more) Full Repositories
o make sure both FRs have a Cluster Sender Channel to the other FR
* MQ under HACMP :
o use virtual IP in "IPADDR( )" at listener definition
o use separated disks for Data & Log - better performance
o if cluster is used, place FR's on HACMP machines
* MQ for MB :
o increase LOG size, as default MQ log for Windows is not enough to deploy a 500KB bar file
o increase CM 2 BK channel message length; otherwise flows wont be deployed. Easiest way is: immediately after creating the queue manager, ALTER the MAXMSGL attribute of SYSTEM.DEFAULT.LOCAL.QUEUE, SYSTEM.DEF.SENDER, SYSTEM.DEF.RECEIVER, SYSTEM.DEF.CLUSSDR, and SYSTEM.DEF.CLUSRCVR. Even better: have a script to create queue managers for MB that does log size and MAXMSGL automatically.
IBM Websphere MQ Tools
MQ tools
Tool / file name Purpose
amqsaicq.c Create a local queue using the MQ Administration Interface (MQAI)
amqsaiem.c Event monitor using the MQ Admin Interface (MQAI)
amqsailq.c Inquire the current depth of all local queues using MQAI
amqsaxe0.c ApiExit which traces MQAPI calls
amqsbcg0.c Browse messages, text and header (use amqsgbr for text only)
amqsblst.c Bandwidth and connectivity tester
amqscnxc.c Client connection information on MQCONNX
amqsecha.c Echo messages to reply to queue (triggered program) (sent by amqsreq, maybe)
amqsgbr0.c Browse messages, text only (use amqsbcg for text and header)
amqsget0.c Get a message
amqsgrma.c Get reference messages from a queue. Checks that the objects, identified in the messages, exist
amqsinqa.c MQINQ sample (triggered program)
amqsldpc.c Look up the MQ host name, channel name and queue name in an LDAP directory + MQPUT
amqsmon0.c Get an statistics or accounting message
amqsprma.c Create a reference message
amqsptl0.c Put messages to a list of queues
amqsput0.c Put a message
amqsqrma.c Channel message exit program to process reference messages
amqsreq0.c Put request messages to a queue, and show the reply message (sent by amqsecha, maybe)
amqsseta.c MQSET sample (triggered program)
amqsspin.c SSPI Channel Exit routines (Security)
amqsstop.c Inquire on all the connections for a selected process and request them to be stopped
amqstrg0.c Trigger monitor - read an initiation queue, and start the program associated with trigger message
amqstxgx.c Get transaction for Tuxedo
amqstxpx.c Put transaction for Tuxedo
amqstxsx.c Server for Tuxedo
amqsvfc0.c Skeleton of a Data Conversion exit
amqswlm0.c CLWL exit that chooses a destination QMgr
amqsxae0.c Sample Encina program
amqsxrma.c Channel message exit to process reference messages
amquregn.c Dump MQ values from Registry (NT)
amqzscgn.c CICS GLobal User Exit (GLUE) program for the CICS Task termination user exit (UE014015)
amqzscin.c XA switch program for CICS XA Initialisation
Tool / file name Purpose
amqsaicq.c Create a local queue using the MQ Administration Interface (MQAI)
amqsaiem.c Event monitor using the MQ Admin Interface (MQAI)
amqsailq.c Inquire the current depth of all local queues using MQAI
amqsaxe0.c ApiExit which traces MQAPI calls
amqsbcg0.c Browse messages, text and header (use amqsgbr for text only)
amqsblst.c Bandwidth and connectivity tester
amqscnxc.c Client connection information on MQCONNX
amqsecha.c Echo messages to reply to queue (triggered program) (sent by amqsreq, maybe)
amqsgbr0.c Browse messages, text only (use amqsbcg for text and header)
amqsget0.c Get a message
amqsgrma.c Get reference messages from a queue. Checks that the objects, identified in the messages, exist
amqsinqa.c MQINQ sample (triggered program)
amqsldpc.c Look up the MQ host name, channel name and queue name in an LDAP directory + MQPUT
amqsmon0.c Get an statistics or accounting message
amqsprma.c Create a reference message
amqsptl0.c Put messages to a list of queues
amqsput0.c Put a message
amqsqrma.c Channel message exit program to process reference messages
amqsreq0.c Put request messages to a queue, and show the reply message (sent by amqsecha, maybe)
amqsseta.c MQSET sample (triggered program)
amqsspin.c SSPI Channel Exit routines (Security)
amqsstop.c Inquire on all the connections for a selected process and request them to be stopped
amqstrg0.c Trigger monitor - read an initiation queue, and start the program associated with trigger message
amqstxgx.c Get transaction for Tuxedo
amqstxpx.c Put transaction for Tuxedo
amqstxsx.c Server for Tuxedo
amqsvfc0.c Skeleton of a Data Conversion exit
amqswlm0.c CLWL exit that chooses a destination QMgr
amqsxae0.c Sample Encina program
amqsxrma.c Channel message exit to process reference messages
amquregn.c Dump MQ values from Registry (NT)
amqzscgn.c CICS GLobal User Exit (GLUE) program for the CICS Task termination user exit (UE014015)
amqzscin.c XA switch program for CICS XA Initialisation
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