Which is Better, the IELTS or the TOEFL Test?

The IELTS is often considered to be the only test that can compete with the TOEFL test in the United States.

Peterson's Staff 

For many years, the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) was the exam most U.S. colleges and universities relied on to measure and test English language skills exhibited by applicants from non-English speaking countries. Worldwide, that was not the case. Another test, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), was the exam required by most other English-speaking countries, including Britain and Australia, to test English language skills. The IELTS is often considered to be the only test that can compete with the TOEFL test in the United States.

The TOEFL test did not match the IELTS in all areas

With its live, one-on-one component, the IELTS has been viewed by many as a superior exam for evaluating the spoken English skills of potential students. Until recently, the TOEFL had no such component and many of the countries requiring the IELTS felt that a speech component to an English proficiency exam was crucial.

Whether or not the IELTS is a better exam really seems to be a matter of opinion. However, its acceptance as an assessment tool has grown in the United States in recent years. In addition to the TOEFL, more than 3,000 U.S. institutions and programs now accept the IELTS as well. You can see a list of these institutions and programs, the IELTS Recognition List, at http://ielts.org/usa.aspx. For the most part, the choice of which test to take is up to you.

The TOEFL iBT is playing catch up

So, which test is better? It depends on who you ask! Some schools remain firmly devoted to the IELTS and its interactive, personalized-speech format. On the other hand, the TOEFL gained some ground globally when it introduced its Internet-based test (TOEFL iBT) format with its new recorded-speech portion. With both tests now offering the ability to test spoken language, and the TOEFL spreading its Internet-based testing ability across the globe, the TOEFL has seen upward spikes in number of users in various parts of the world.

Do you need to prepare for the IELTS or the TOEFL test?

Internet-based testing is just getting started for the IELTS. The current IELTS format is expected to stay around for at least a few more years and, worldwide, many test-prep and coaching companies prepare students for the IELTS. On the other hand, test-prep companies are still a bit stumped by the TOEFL iBT, and preparation lessons and techniques for the iBT are still being developed. Certainly, both tests offer sample materials to potential test-takers, but if you have the choice of preparing for one test or the other with a professional test coach, you may prefer the IELTS, as long as the schools you're applying to will accept it.

Both the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS now evaluate speech

As far as speech evaluation goes, there is no definitive rule on which test is better. Some say the individualized IELTS format is great, while others think there's a potential for bias and an even greater chance of inconsistency in scoring due to individual nuances of the examiners. Critics of the IELTS believe that the panel review of recorded speech for the TOEFL test is a more accurate, less biased mechanism for evaluation.

Which will you take, the IELTS or the TOEFL test?

Ultimately, the test you take will probably be guided by which test is required by the school(s) to which you are applying. If both are acceptable, the availability of testing locations and cost will probably play a significant role in your decision. Both tests have Web sites that can answer many of your questions and that maintain up-to-date news on the progression of their Internet-based test expansions. For most testing dates and locations, you can register online for most testing dates and locations. The Web is also a good access point for sample test materials and testing tips. It is a great place to begin planning your IELTS or TOEFL preparation so that in the end, you earn the best IELTS or TOEFL score you can.

Also, even as you're planning for the IELTS or TOEFL tests, make sure that you prepare for all the parts of the application that will matter, including the admissions essay. For that, there's no better source for help than the essay editing service of EssayEdge, which is staffed by expert Ivy League graduates who can provide you with tips and assistance to perfect your essay. Visit EssayEdge today and get to work on improving your essay!

source: Peterson's Staff, 24 Jan 2013

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE: FOUNDATION YEAR PROGRAMS

Do you want to study sciences, engineering, life sciences and combine honors, but do not have the correct entry requirements?

This program is designed to help students from a wide range of backgrounds that have an interest in any scientific or engineering area, but for whatever reason don’t have the correct entry requirements to join the mainstream program immediately.

ENGINEERING FOUNDATION PROGRAM

Engineering Foundation refers to program with a preparatory year specifically planned to lead into the main engineering disciplines, to produce BEng and MEng graduates. They have been designed for students from wide range of backgrounds who with to progress into engineering but don’t have the correct entry requirements.

The long-term demand for engineers and technologists is high and career prospects are excellent. The foundation year gives student the opportunity to become a professional engineer through access to high quality degree programs.

Engineering Foundation Program opens a path for Chemical Engineering, Electrical Electronic Engineering or to any other Electronic Programs, Mechanical Engineering, ElectroMechanical Engineering, Product Design Courses.

SCIENCE FOUNDATION PROGRAM

The Science Foundation is designed to prepare candidates for a successful transfer to a wide range of degree programs leading to BSc degrees.

The year concentrates on elements of biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics at the standard equivalent. The focus is to provide student with experience with those scientific and mathematical concepts that are required for success on the undergraduate programs in Chemistry, Biosciences, and within Combined Honors, but student will also develop their knowledge of IT and computing. Students are not expected to have advanced science qualifications, but an enthusiasm for science and a desire to learn are essential. Also, no previous IT knowledge is required.

Science Foundation Program opens a path for Science subjects, Chemistry Programs, Bioscience Programs and more.

ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE: TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

Transport and distribution are of crucial importance to our economy and society, and is being brought sharper into focus with issues such as congestion and public transport in the news virtually every day. Transport Management Program examines the economic, operational, societal and environmental issues related to the transport and distribution industries.

Coupled with a detailed knowledge and understanding of the transport and distribution industries, students will gain the professional, academic and management skills necessary to enter any sector of the industry, and to move between sector of the industry, and to move between sectors during student's career. Student's management skills will also prepare student for a large number of alternative graduate jobs.

Course Guide

This program covers Introduction to Logistics; Principles of Transport Planning; Principles of Economics; Principles of Business Management; Marketing; Data Analysis; Development and Regulation of Transport Activity; Law; Financial Accounting; IT; Literature Review Project; Planning and Controlling Logistics; Air Transport; European Transport; Management Accounting; Maritime Transport; Operations Research; Project Management; Service Marketing; Vehicle Fleet Operation; Environmental Management; Environmental Evaluation; Transport Planning Systems; Human Resource Management; Passenger Service Provision; Political Institution and Sustainability; Highways Engineering; Rail Transport; Service Logistics; Business Statistics; Transport Economics; Investigative Projects.

TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT

This program is designed as a general management degree, using examples, illustrations and case studies from the transport and distribution industries. Student's studies will incorporate all the relevant management skills; accounting, marketing, human resources and operations management. All are set within the context of the transport related industries, including passenger and freight modes. Student's business skills will also be enhanced by courses such as economics, data analysis, operations research, computing and information management.

TRANSPORT PLANNING

Transport Planning Program helps student to develop an understanding of the physical and economic processes involved in Transport Planning and the efficient use of land resources together with the essential resource links between those land uses, including the application and use of Geographical Information Systems. In addition, students will study relevant management skills such as accounting, marketing and human resources. Typical employers include central and local government, consultants in land use transportation and communications, and those private employers with significant commitment to land use development.

CAREER PROSPECTS

The tremendous growth and changes in transport activity have created an increased demand for transport managers. Career prospect for Transport Management Program graduates is good. Graduates are mostly employed by distribution divisions of manufacturers, bus, rail and airline companies, airport and shipping authorities, shipping lines, road freight hauliers, local and central government and transport consultants.

Why choose University of Sunshine Coast, Australia?

A five-star education
USC has received 5 stars for teaching quality (the highest rating for any public university in Queensland) 8 years running.

Wide range of study choices:
Choose from more than 70 undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in the areas of business and information technology; communication and design; education; health; humanities and social sciences; law; and science and engineering

Affordable tution fees:
Tution fees at USC are one of the most affordable in Australia.
Masters in Professional Accounting: $7875 per semester
Bachelor of Business: $8900 per semester
Ask us for a degree of your choice!

Next intake is July 2014. Come along with your IELTS score and academic certificates to grab a spot for next intake.

Contact us:
Nova Education and Consulting Services
Opposite PK Campus, Bagbazar, Kathmandu
Phone: 01 - 4167548
Email: kathmandu@novaeducation.com.au
Web: www.novaeducation.com.au
Offices in BRISBANE | KATHMANDU
Our Foundation is your TRUST — at Nova Education and Consulting Services.

DEBATING DISTANCE/DISTANCE LEARNING

Learning need not take place face-to-face with a teacher or tutor. Increasingly distance learning is the method of choice for many, particularly post-graduates.

Elspeth Harrison of the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council discusses the real advantages for post-graduate study, the drawbacks of distance, and gives some pointers on choosing the right course.

Distance learning is not a new idea. But more and more people today find it the most suitable way to master new skills and qualifications.

The obvious attractions of distance learning are the flexibility and the capacity to fit learning to lifestyle. Study wherever is convenient, at times to suit, at a speed you set, and start dates are not necessarily fixed to an outdated academic calendar.

In recent years, the choice of courses has expanded to cover practically any subject, and these lead to a wide range of qualifications, from GCSEs to Masters and Doctorates.

The Internet is creating new possibilities. The advocates of “e-learning” argue that it will revolutionize education. One American university has gone so far as to insist students take at least one online course a year.

“Home study” need not mean second class or unsupported. Success rates are often higher than for traditional learning, as distance learners have more control over their studies and the motivation to excel.

High quality course materials are specially devised to optimize learning at a distance. Each student has an individual expert tutor, drawn from amongst the best in the country, to provide professional guidance, support and encouragement, which may be by correspondence, telephone, fax or e-mail. Where hands on experience is essential, for instance in the healing arts, this can be provided through separate sessions.

Nor should learners feel lonely. Peer-group contact and discussions can take place, either locally, through special sessions, or using new technologies such as e-mail chat groups. Larger providers will also have student and careers advisers, ready to help and offer advice.

However, distance has disadvantages. It is essential to assess any provision carefully to ensure likely outcome matches aspiration, that there is adequate support, and above all that the course is of a high quality. Learners with ODL QC-accredited providers are covered by the ODL QC Guarantee. Those who receive a poor service, or have a dispute they cannot resolve can write to ODL QC who will look into their case. With other providers, such support may not be available.

Motivation can be higher amongst those in the correspondence community, but commitment and stamina are essential to complete courses. Learners who lack the will power to ‘get down to work’ or the time management skills to organize their studies will find it harder to succeed. When choosing a course prospective learners must be pragmatic about their own abilities and the time necessary for any program of study.

For post-graduates distance learning can be a particularly effective.

Learners who wish to obtain a specific qualification, such as MSc or Doctorate, are more likely to be able to judge whether any provision will give the required result. In addition, a first degree (gained via distance or traditional methods) will have taught study skills and organizational techniques.

Post-grads with analytical skills can take advantage of the wealth of courses offered by international providers. The US is a particularly strong player in distance learning and with careful selection, learners anywhere can benefit from a world-class provision in practically any subject.

According to figures from The Open University, a high proportion of post-graduate diplomas are now gained via distance methods. There is no single reason for this but the key is undoubtedly the flexibility that distance learning allows.

Graduates may decide on extra qualifications once established in work to enhance or change their career. After university students often wish to experience “real life”, and to undertake any further study whilst working. The value, both monetary and through the eyes of employers, is great. In practical terms, it allows learners to fund their studies and gain financial independence. Costs, particularly transport and residential, are kept to a minimum.

Increasingly, qualifications alone are not enough to climb the career ladder. Whilst demanding highly educated staff, employers also seek evidence of transferable skills, and often demand relevant professional experience. Distance learning is the ideal way to meet this challenge. What better way to prove organizational skills, flexibility and motivation? Indeed, many courses are run in partnership with employers, who provide time and money to support training.

Every learner wants to choose a high-quality, relevant provision. A new booklet from the Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODL QC) shows how to identify a quality provision and find the right course. Entitled “Distance Learning Courses: A Buyers Guide”, it is available upon request.

Established by government as the official accrediting body for Open and Distance Learning, the Council has 30 years unrivalled experience of ensuring excellence. ODL QC aims to ensure learning is flexible, friendly, and above all secure.

Accreditation, which allows providers to display the ODL QC Guarantee, gives learners much needed reassurance as to the quality of the opportunities on offer in the rapidly expanding “home-study” sector. For details of ODL QC Accredited Providers (and the courses they offer) contact ODL QC at the address below.