The test in Kuwait is conducted exclusively by the British Council, they ensure a thoroughly professional execution, by all means strict invigilators, but helpful and cheerful.
Listening test
Section 1. A conversation between a Music Teacher who gives private classes and an interested father. An interesting little exchange of information that discussed age-groups, instruments taught, reference books, timing, fees etc. Very simple questions!
Section 2. A detailed description of a National Park & Wildlife Research center; a slightly higher degree of difficulty as the accent wasn’t very clear initially.
Section 3. A conversation between a Marketing professor and his two students on their chosen thesis subjects. A simple conversation if you know the Marketing jargon.
Section 4. Various precious stones & reflectance. A very simple recording.
Reading test
Probably a little time consuming and irritating one of the lot, but still it was fairly simple in comparison to the reading texts found in IELTS study materials anywhere.
Passage 1. A town festival and the various celebrating groups and communities.
Passage 2. Admission to a College and the various requirements, application procedures, timings, attendance requirement, faculty, fees- questions revolved round these issues. An irritating question type was the one that involved numbering the various paragraphs.
Passage 3. An exhaustive overview of Mountain Climbing, its history, environmental issues, types of climbing and techniques. A little tricky.
Writing test
Make sure you practice writing, getting used to computer keyboards over the years can be such a pain-worse than carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s not easy to get the pen moving on the answer sheet. Practice, some general knowledge also helps. I might end up with a band 8-8.5 if all goes well.
Writing Task 1 (a letter)
You had applied to city college recently. Now the college has written back saying the course you applied for is full and they have even suggested an alternative course. Write back to them stating why you chose the first course, your views on the suggested second course and your plan of action. Minimum 150 words.
Task 2 (an essay)
Many countries host international sporting events these days. What are the positive and negative impact of hosting such events? Discuss both sides and give your opinion on this.
Speaking
At a designated time, I was called to take my speaking test. A cheerful lady-the examiner, made sure that I was comfortable while she went about her job with an almost clinical precision. I say almost because she dropped my passport, not once but twice…:)
Interview
The test started with a little introduction about myself, my origin and my job. There we moved on to the whole test as it ranged from motivation factors in my job, my future aspirations etc. She suddenly looked up and asked me ‘do you like gifts? and then followed a little question and answer session on gifts, why we need them and my interest in them.
Cue Card
My topic was about my favorite newspaper, my preferred time of reading and my favorite columns in the newspaper.
Discussion
My hunch was right as I knew what the following topic was going to be – SENSATIONALISM AND TABLOIDS. I had a ball talking on this subject. Overall I think I could have done better – I spoke too much and too fast. Keep your control on the content and the diction. I think I will score well.
We are grateful to Amar who sent us this wonderful report.