Welcome to the latest edition of IELTS News Tracker.
In this post, we report on the latest goings on in the world of IELTS.
You will also find curated articles on topics often covered in the IELTS test.
The Latest IELTS News
The British Council has funded research and a trial of video-conferencing technology for the IELTS Speaking test.
The research has already passed through three phases with tests in London, Shanghai and five cities in Latin America.
The trials showed that candidates received similar scores to the traditional test. However, the authors did note changes to the way that examiners and examinees interacted.
This research could open the way for remote testing via video to become mainstream.
Before that happens, the researchers have recommended changes to the test to reflect the new delivery system.
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IELTS International Job News
Restriction on Movement of Doctors in the EU Could Benefit UK
A German minister has asked the EU to prevent member states from “poaching each other’s doctors and professionals”.
In a report by Reuters, the German Health Minister complained that many German doctors had emigrated.
He went on to say that Germany then found replacements for these doctors from other member states, leaving a shortage of doctors elsewhere.
Future restrictions on the movement of EU professionals should not affect the UK, which will exit the EU this year.
If you need band 7.5 or higher to work as a doctor in the UK, check out our coaching options.
Changes to OET Driving More Medical Professionals back to IELTS.
Last year the GMC started to accept OET in the UK, which resulted in many flocking away from IELTS.
However, in recent months we have seen an increasing number of medical professionals returning to the IELTS test.
Our students tell us OET has lost popularity because of changes to the listening and reading components of the test.
OET says that these changes have not made the test harder. However, candidates now receive a mark out of 500 and a grade from A-E. These grades allow employers to choose candidates with the highest scores, making the test too competitive for some.
Changes to the IELTS test have also helped. Last year the score required for nurses dropped slightly.
If you need help with the IELTS test check out our coaching options here.
Study Abroad With An IELTS Certificate
2019 School’s Doctoral Studentships
The School of Mathematics, Computer Science and Engineering at City, University of London has 14 full-time and three-year doctoral studentships.
Students from the EU will receive an annual bursary of £16,000 with full tuition fees. International students from outside the EU will have to make up the difference between local and international fees.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in oral and written English by scoring 6.5+ in IELTS, with no less than 6.0 in each component.
Click here if you need any help reaching those scores.
Read About IELTS News Topics To Improve Your Vocabulary
The following articles contain a vocabulary and ideas that you can apply to IELTS Writing or use in the Speaking test.
Culture
This article by Laura Snapes and published by The Guardian contains a wealth of high-level vocabulary about reggae and international injustice. Vocabulary that you can put to good use in the IELTS Writing test.
Health
Obesity has appeared as an IELTS Writing topic in recent times.
This well-written article on weight loss by Kevin Deighton and published by Science Alert contains useful vocabulary and ideas.
Who knows, Kevin might just inspire you!
Climate Change
This article by Kate Sambrook and published by the University of Leeds provides a range of vocabulary and ideas you can use to discuss climate change in IELTS Writing.
If that’s not enough, Kate explains how we can reduce carbon emissions by restricting ourselves to local shops and produce.
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That’s all for this issue.
See you in March!