Level up Your IELTS Band Scores with These 5 Simple Tips

In our journey so far, we have walked you through the historical development of the standardized test of IELTS to its testing methodology and structure. It is thus safe to assume that we now understand why the English language testing tools such as the IELTS is of absolute necessity for study abroad aspirant.

Therefore, it is only obvious for our next stoppage to consider proper guidance and know-how to get 8 bands in IELTS with assurance for guaranteed success.

Below you will find a comprehensive analysis on proper techniques and tips for cracking IELTS with flying colors and get admission in your dream university to pursue higher education abroad.

Before You Begin

Now that you have a fair share of what's coming in line, let us formulate our first steps to carve out a perfect strategy and planning for cracking the IELTS examination. It is of paramount importance that as you read these lines, you begin to speculate the depth of your sincerity for appearing for this test.
As a wise man once said, “A strong determination builds your roots stronger and deeper helping you to stick to your goals in the long run”.

If you are sure about your dreams to study abroad then be it known, friends, that a serious preparation for cracking IELTS is akin to sowing seeds for a good harvest!

You must be wondering now- Alright! I am pretty sure that I want to pursue my higher studies abroad and I am going to prepare for it wholeheartedly. What's next?

Well! Your next step is obviously to understand what IELTS is ?

Now, a Quick Glance at the Test

International English Language Testing Services or IELTS is a global level language skills assessment examination intended at testing your four basic skills of reading, writing, listening and speaking in the English language.

The test is divided into two major parts of – Academic and General. The Academics section is focused solely on assessing your capability on the professional front; the General section is based more out of social and mainstream aspects. It gives IELTS a more realistic touch and an opportunity to the students to bring the best out of them.

We urge the students to get hands-on information over IELTS test structure and examination pattern as well.

You have 2 hours and 45 minutes to prove your mettle in the IELTS and show the world that you are indeed the black sheep in the herd!

From 6 to 8: 5 SIMPLE TIPS TO Increase Your IELTS BAND SCORE

ENGLISH:

1. Read, read and read as much as you can.

2. Build confidence. It's just a language, not a war!

3. Befriend a dictionary, learn new words every day and make sure to use them as well.

ACCENTS:

1. Get global by catching various accents like American, British, New Zealander etc.

2. Subscribe to podcasts, listen to radio, read journals and get the hang of each of those styles of English.

3. Don't stress much; instead, make it a fun activity and condition the rusted linguistic parts of your brain!

GRAMMAR:

1. Not the ‘Grammar Nazi’ but be a smart linguist.

2. List out the usual grammatical errors and improvise.

3. Learn to grasp the different connotations and contexts, tenses, idioms and the phrases.

SPEAKING:

Inculcate this cliché: “Walk in English, talk in English and sleep in English.”
No one is asking you to become English but just to get a thorough command over it since you are going to spend the next good part of your life in an English speaking environment.

PRACTICE TESTS:

1. Last but not the least; Enroll yourself in a IELTS coaching center in your city and solve as many practice papers as you can within the duration of the examination.

2. Speed, accuracy and focus: Do not lack on any of them!

What about Registrations?

Now that we have outlined all the major points and tips for your IELTS preparation, we are sure you are left with no trace of doubt that the road to cracking this test is actually simple and smooth.

The only thing that's left unsaid so far is about the registrations. Yes! The day when students like yourself feel confident with their preparations, that is the day you shall not forget the first thing in the morning- Register for the IELTS exam!
You can choose your IELTS test center out of more than 1100 locations spread across 140 countries globally.

ENDING NOTES

The platter of information served to you above was filled with the essence of everything you can get to read elsewhere. Since the examination strategies and planning are always a matter of personal discretion, we advise students to carve out a proper schedule before starting with your preparations for IELTS.

What is better to conclude as Alexander Graham Bell puts it: “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success”

Read More

GRE vs GMAT : Final Considerations

For the GMAT, the Quantitative and Verbal scores are section scores, and these two section scores are combined to create the Total Score. The Total Score is the one most familiar to GMAT test takers, and it is given on the well-known 200 to 800 scale, with 200 being the lowest score and 800 the highest score. 

Final Considerations:

Now that you understand the most important differences between the GMAT and the GRE, do also consider the following before making a decision:

If at least one program that you MUST apply to do not accept the GRE, you do not really have a choice.

If you have very strong quant skills, but feel that your verbal skills (particularly vocabulary) are weaker, consider taking the GMAT. GMAT Verbal is heavily weighted towards reasoning and grammar whereas GRE Verbal ha an accent on vocabulary-in-context.

Both the Verbal and Quantitative sections are more reasoning based on the GMAT; the Data Sufficiency questions on GMAT Quant involve higher-order quantitative reasoning skills.

If you have very strong English skills (and if your vocabulary is stronger than your grammar knowledge), but feel less confident in math, consider taking the GRE.

If you are applying to a program focusing specifically on your Quantitative or Verbal scores (such as Engineering or English), consider taking the GRE.

The AWA section is more demanding on the GRE. However, B-schools do not consider this data point as important as other numbers in your application mosaic.

Finally, there is no IR section on the GRE though there is a DI set on GRE Math that has about 4 questions based on a DI set).

GOOD LUCK!

And whichever exam you decide to take, USERC has a tailor-made program for you. Get in touch with us today!

Know More : http://www.useducentre.com/

Read More

How is GMAT Integrated Reasoning Scored?

Integrated Reasoning

The GMAT has a unique section called Integrated Reasoning which has four question types (total 12 questions).

 They measure how well you integrate data to solve complex problems and test the following skills:

• Synthesizing information presented in graphics, text, and numbers
• Evaluating relevant information from different sources
• Organizing information to see relationships and to solve multiple, interrelated problems
• Combining and manipulating information from multiple sources to solve complex problems

Basically, you are given charts, graphs, tables, or other sets of data and asked to interpret them to provide meaningful answers to the questions asked.

Scoring

Both the GRE and the GMAT use an adaptive exam format, but in different ways. The computer adaptive format on the GMAT chooses each question based on your performance on the previous question(s) - you must answer each question in order, and you cannot skip questions or go back to prior questions. That is why the GMAT is called a CAT – a Computer Adaptive Test.

The GRE, on the other hand, is section-adaptive: your second sections of Verbal and Math adapt (become harder or easier) depending on your overall performance in your first section of Verbal and Math, respectively. You can skip questions and move around within a section, much as you can on more traditional, paper-based exams. Mercifully!

The GRE gives three different scaled scores:

• A Quantitative score reported on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• A Verbal score reported on a 130-170 score scale, in 1-point increments
• An Analytical Writing score reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments

The GMAT provides five separate scores:

• A Quantitative Score on a scale of 0 to 60, in 1-point increment
• A Verbal Score on a scale of 0 to 60, in 1-point increment
• A Total Score on a scale of 200 to 800, in 10-point increments; only the scores on Verbal and Quantitative Ability sections count towards your TOTAL score. We are not privy to how a Quant/Verbal combo is converted to a TOTAL score.
• An Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) score reported on a 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments
• An Integrated Reasoning (IR) score reported on a 1-8 score scale, in 1-point increment

Know More: http://www.useducentre.com/test_prep.html

Read More

GRE vs. GMAT: Verbal and Writing Section

Verbal Section

Reading Comprehension passages are common to Verbal sections in both exams.

You can expect Reading Comprehension passages typically consisting of 200-600 words per passage with 3-4 questions for each passage.

The GMAT has two other Verbal question types: Critical Reasoning and Sentence Correction.

Critical Reasoning questions present a short statement or argument and then test your ability to use logical analysis to evaluate the statement. These questions have multiple choice answers.

Sentence Correction questions contain a sentence in which a part of the sentence or the entire sentence is underlined, and you will be asked to identify and correct errors in grammar and usage in the underlined portion.

Expect to see 1-4 GMAT-style Critical Reasoning questions in the Verbal sections of the revised GRE.

While there are no Sentence Correction questions on the GRE, it contains two additional Verbal question types: Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence.

Text Completion questions will have a sentence or short passage with one, two, or three words or phrases missing. From the answer choices, you must pick the missing word(s) that best fit(s) the overall meaning and context of the sentence.

Sentence Equivalence question present a single sentence with one word missing. From among six answer choices, you must select the TWO answer choices that both logically complete the sentence AND produce sentences with equivalent meanings. These question types are a test of your ability to understand a) the logic and structure of English sentence formation; and b) vocabulary-in-context.

Expect to see hard (not-so-commonly-used) English words in Text Completion and Sentence Equivalence questions.

Writing

The GRE and GMAT both have a 30-minute essay on the analysis of an argument, where you are asked to analyze an argument for its questionable assumptions and overall validity. The GRE, additionally, has a second 30-minute essay where you are prompted to take a position on an issue and present an argument for your position using specific and relevant examples. The specific tasks on the GRE (and the expected quality) of your draft are far more exacting than those on the GMAT.

Read More

GRE vs. GMAT: format and structure of both the GMAT and the GRE

Can you tell me about the format and structure of both the GMAT and the GRE so that I can take an informed decision?

Since the two tests are both taken on a computer, you must examine the specific contents of each test in order to make the proper decision.To begin with, compare the sections on each test:

GMAT
GMAT Test Section	# of Questions	Question Types	Timing
Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA)	1 topic	1. Analysis of Argument	30 Minutes
Integrated Reasoning	12 questions	1. Multi-Source Reasoning 2.Graphics Interpretation 3.Two-Part Analysis 4.Table Analysis	30 Minutes
Quantitative	31 Questions	1.Problem Solving 2.Data Sufficiency	62 Minutes
Verbal	36 Questions	1.Reading Comprehension 2.Critical Reasoning 3.Sentence Correction	65 Minutes
Total Exam Time (not incl. breaks)			3 hours 07 minutes

GRE
GRE Test Section	# of Questions	Question Types	Timing
Analytical Writing Measure	2 Topics	1.Analyze an Issue 2.Analyze an Argument	30 Minutes 30 Minutes
Quantitative (x2)	20 Questions in each of the two sections (40 total)	1.Multiple-Choice: Select One 2.Multiple-Choice: Select One or More 3.Numeric Entry 4.Quantitative Comparison	35 Minutes per section (70 min. total)
Verbal (x2)	20 Questions in each of the two sections (40 total)	1.Text Completion 2.Sentence Equivalence 3.Reading Comprehension	30 Minutes per section (60 min. total)
Total Exam Time			3 hours 45 min.

Each test has Quantitative, Verbal and Writing sections, the types of questions within either Verbal or Quant section between the two tests are not similar.

Quantitative Section

One important difference between the GMAT and the GRE, especially helpful for those who hate doing (complex) math mentally is that the GRE provides an on-screen calculator for use during the Quantitative sections, while the GMAT does not.

The body of knowledge tested in the Quantitative sections of each exam is quite similar: questions in both tests are based on high school level arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The most common question type on each test is multiple-choice, which are problems in which you are presented with a question and several answer choice options. Note that the math in the GMAT is considered more challenging than that of the GRE by a fair margin.

Read More

GRE vs. GMAT: Other factors to consider before you decide.

Just because business schools accept scores from either exam doesn’t necessarily mean that they view the exams equally.

Why?

First, business schools feel that the questions on the GMAT, particularly the Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning sections, test skills and knowledge more directly related to what you’ll need to know to do well in business school, such as multi-source reasoning and data interpretation. It is a fact that multi-source reasoning and Data Interpretation have direct application in case-based pedagogies.

Second, some schools believe that submitting GMAT scores shows that you’re certain (and confident in your decision) about attending business school and committed to that career path. The GRE is used for admissions to a much wider variety of grad school programs from a Master’s in English Literature to a PhD in Biotechnology, and many programs in between; submitting GRE scores could make it seem like you are unsure about which grad school program you are interested in and are trying to keep your options open.

What other factors should I consider before deciding?

Research School Exam Policies:  Many schools will specifically state which exam(s) they accept on their website.

Take a Practice Exam: Take a simulated exam under realistic conditions (without distractions!) and the scores you get will give you a better idea regarding the exam itself and your own strengths, weaknesses and preference.

You can download free GMAT mock test after registering from:

https://www.mba.com/india/the-gmat-exam/prepare-for-the-gmat-exam/test-prep-materials/free-gmat-prep-software.aspx

You can download free GRE mock test after registering from:

https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/powerprep/

Scholarship: Some schools require applicants to submit scores from a specific exam in order to be eligible for certain scholarships. If you want to keep your education costs down, you may want to make sure which test the school you are targeting prefers.

Cost: Taking the GMAT costs $250 (approximately Rs.16000 in India) compared to $205 (approximately Rs.13000) for the GRE. The GMAT fee includes five free score reports; the GRE includes four. If you think you might have to take the test multiple times, the GMAT’s higher fee might have to be factored in. To send additional score reports, it costs $28 for each GMAT report and $27 for each GRE report sent.

Read More

GMAT or GRE?

Top graduate programs in the US and Europe require prospective students to submit either a GRE score or a GMAT score. Though the GMAT is mainly used in the business school application process and the GRE is used for other graduate majors, a vast majority of programs allow applicants the option of submitting the results of either exam.

About 90% of US business schools will accept either GMAT or GRE scores. If a school provides you the opportunity to choose between the two exams, pick the one you can master more easily, that is, one in which you can score a higher percentile overall (particularly in the sections that matter more in the program you are applying to). This much is obvious. However, consider the following factors as well to make an informed decision:

Just because schools accept scores from either exam doesn’t necessarily mean that they view the exams equally.

Why?

First, business schools feel that the questions on the GMAT, particularly the Quantitative and Integrated Reasoning sections, test skills and knowledge more directly related to what you’ll need to know to do well in business school, such as multi-source reasoning and data interpretation. It is a fact that multi-source reasoning and Data Interpretation have direct application in case-based pedagogies.

Second, some schools believe that submitting GMAT scores shows that you’re certain (and confident in your decision) about attending business school and committed to that career path. The GRE is used for admissions to a much wider variety of grad school programs from a Master’s in English Literature to a PhD in Biotechnology, and many programs in between; submitting GRE scores could make it seem like you are unsure about which grad school program you are interested in and are trying to keep your options open.

Thus, if you are a professional with 4-5 years of work experience, you would be better off taking the GMAT: this would convey your seriousness and maturity to business schools. Note also that if you foresee yourself pursuing a career in consulting and/or finance post-MBA, prospective employers/recruiters might factor in your GMAT score (the higher the better, obviously!) in deciding your eligibility.

Know More: http://www.useducentre.com/

Read More

Planning to appear for GRE or GMAT? Keep these things in mind

The evolution of Admissions processes in top-colleges has made it necessary for students to start preparing for Entrance tests at least a year in advance. To ensure the best of students, these colleges also boast a competitive minimum score requirements.

Here are a few pointers for students to consider while preparing for their GMAT/GREs:

First things First: Where do you stand and when will you be ready?

It is advisable to test yourself once before jumping into the preparation for exams like GMAT/GRE. Taking a mock test early will ascertain how much preparation one needs. Surprisingly, it also manages to filter out the less motivated ones. But more importantly, it gives you a feel of the challenge.

Create a study routine

No matter what phase one is in their career, creating a non-negotiable study routine will ensure you chip the mountain one day at a time. Students find it easier to inculcate this change within their timetable but professionals need heightened will power to stick with the routine. Trick is to create a timetable which is easily manageable even on your busiest day. 24 hours in a day with an average 8 hours of sleep. Work out an achievable routine within the rest 16hours!

Consistency Matters

While many topics within these exams may seem familiar or childish, consistency matters. Do a detailed analysis of the various sections and the kind of questions that are asked. Find out your strength areas. Make a habit of answering these questions correctly as these are your sure-shot scoring points. Mind you, this requires a lot of practice as you have to be sure of covering all possible permutations and combinations in which the questions could be asked.

Join a Test-Prep Class

Not everyone may need to join a test-prep class. However, we have seen that actively attending one keeps you up to date with the latest formats, makes you practice harder and holds the motivation level higher. Furthermore, these classes will prepare you well through their Mock Test routines.

Pick an early date

Do keep an eye on the Application and Scholarship deadlines of your dream-college and pick a test date at least 2 months prior to the deadlines. This will ensure that the local Test Centre has slots available for your date of choice. There is no better way to get serious about your preparations than to have the clock ticking. In the worst case scenario, if you are not satisfied or score poorly in your first attempt then you still have time to take another crack at it before Admissions Deadline sets in.

Prepare for being tested in an ‘alien’ environment

This is one of the most overlooked aspect of Test preparations. Students generally take their mock tests in the sanctity of their homes or at Test-prep classes. These places do not get you out of your comfort zone. But the actual testing environment is much more ‘serious and solitary’. Next time, try giving your mock test sitting in the middle of a busy ‘food-court’ in some Shopping Mall. It will help you summon additional concentration levels. It is as much a test of your aptitude as it is a test of your mental strength, something you will need in abundance on the test day.

Revise, Revise and then Revise some more, No getting complacent!

After a while the topics may seem repetitive or boring. But do remember that you need just one shot at the test. It is a one-day ‘Test’ match. The more correct questions you solve early on will set the tempo for the rest of the Test. Hence, you have to ensure that Complacency does not set in while you are preparing for the all-important test. Keep practicing daily, even when your mock tests are showing good numbers.

Time yourself

The GMAT/GRE is all about time management. If there is no time-limit, every test-taker will score over 85%. But the time limit tests your quick thinking, clarity in understanding and analytical mindset. Work towards not only answering your strength areas correctly but also quickly, this will allow you more time to spare on comparatively weaker sections. Having said this, don’t forget that GMAT/GRE is one of the several criteria to get into your dream college. Try not to get obsessed with Taking The Tests. After all, it is only a means to take up a new challenge!

Read More

Start the New Year with the Expert Guidance of US Education Resource Centre

Studying abroad in a renowned university is a wise decision and also quite thrilling for any student. However, making a definite choice and finding a trusted source who knows the details of various universities abroad is quite tough considering the overload of information everywhere. Even knowing which information is genuine becomes an uphill task most of the times. 

Talking to family and friends who have studied abroad may be useful to some extent but getting exact details which are very important for admission can be difficult. It is always advisable to take advice from experts who can tell you more about the universities and even the scholarships available.

'US Education Resource Centre' is one such renowned global education corporate with its presence all over the country. It guides students at every step of the admission procedure and even helps in the Visa process.

Furthermore, the experts at 'US Education Resource Centre' can help a student in knowing about various entrance exams and where one needs to go for preparation and mock tests. 'US Education Resource Centre' is well-known for its ethical way of working and has excellent counselors all over the country. It even organizes global education fairs where delegates personally interact with students.

New year will start with a huge number of students going abroad to start a new session and a new life. The huge exposure that an individual gains after living and studying abroad with students from around the globe helps in understanding and adjusting with various people in the real corporate world. This is because the person becomes more adjusting and expands his/her horizon of knowledge.

If you too want to join a fresh batch in a renowned university in Australia, USA, UK, Europe ,Singapore, New Zealand, Canada, etc in the next session, don't delay—Come to 'US Education Resource Centre'. The expert counselors will make the whole journey of studying abroad not only easier for you but memorable too!!!

Read More

Understanding The Need For Standardized Test Preparation

Higher Education, a road less traveled in the past but currently a highway that everybody desires to select on their journey to personal and professional success. each highway requires a toll to be paid where the higher education's 1st toll tax assumes the form of various standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT or SAT. And it needs sheer hard work, focus, determination and willpower to get through. 

Therefore, further in this blog, we are going to look at various standardized tests that Indian students are needed to prepare for with good scores to secure their admissions in the choice of their university or higher education institutes abroad.

Test Preparation but WHY?

Aspirations to study abroad begin to take form as soon as students have made their course and country selections. every country and university overseas receives huge amounts of student applications globally for admissions however to think that all of them will get to the summit of the everest is naive. Isn't it?

That is why certain educational boards were set up to help with shortlisting of the applications and so the standardized tests came into being. Students are now needed to prove their mettle by scoring a minimum eligibility score in these tests set by the universities or even country rules and rules for higher education.

Standardized tests like IELTS, TOEFL etc are designed specifically to fulfill with academic needs, make sure that candidates are extremely serious regarding their higher education and most importantly they're fit for an academic system that's entirely totally different from their home country. let us help you with an example:

If you're aspiring to pursue your higher education at Graduate level in the USA, students are required to prepare for GRE,

If you're aspiring for UG level education in the USA, students should target SAT, and

If you're looking to pursue MBA abroad, then GMAT should be your goal.

A Brief On various test preparation

So far, we believe that you should have understood the importance of preparing for various standardized tests as the 1st roadblock in your plans to study abroad. let us now understand briefly about them:

1. IELTS, short for International english language Testing System, was formally established in 1989 and is predominantly an academic english language, speaking and writing along with a face to face assessment. Offers a spread of English accents ranging from British, American, New zealander and Australian.

2. TOEFL, short for test of English as Foreign Language, was set up around 1988 as is purely computer-based academic English language assessment test in an MCQ format.

3. SAT, short for Scholastic power test was introduced in 1926 to evaluate students' understanding of specific subjects taught within the classroom along with their competitiveness and likelihood to succeed in their course.

4. GRE, short for Graduate Record Examination, started in 1936 is used to evaluate student's aptitude for success in various graduate programs like biology, literature, chemistry, math, physics etc.

5. GMAT, short for Graduate Management power test, introduced in 1953 is designed to evaluate students aspiring for business or management program.

6. PTE, short for Pearson test of English, introduced in 2009 is designed to assess, authorize and validate English speaking skills of non- native students aspiring to study abroad.

We hope that this blog served to assist you understand the requirement for test preparation whereas planning to study abroad, hence, in the upcoming posts we are going to discuss long about various aspects of these standardized tests from preparation perspective.

Know More : www.useducentre.com

Read More