english language test!!

[sheldon1]

This certainly seems to put a spanner in the works.. My wife now is terrified about this, and seems to have lost interest in coming to uk now. I know its just lack of confidence, she speaks english well and writes well. She was never educated after 11 years old. If i dont force into doing something, she will not do it. Filling forms in terrifies her. She did come to uk last year on a visit visa, but i want her and my kids over here full time now. Is there any mock tests on line or anyway she could practice to give her more confidence. I feel i am pushing her, i really dont want to do that, A lot of filipino women lack confidence when really there is nothing to worry about. Any other members in the same boat as me? Things just aint moving since she heard about this test. She has just clammed up... HELP!!

[Terpe]

The UKBA site states that,
"In the test, you will need to demonstrate a basic command of English (speaking and listening) at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference Someone assessed at level A1 can understand and use simple, everyday expressions and very basic phrases.
You will not need to demonstrate your reading and writing skills. The minimum standard that you must meet is in speaking and listening at level A1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. "

Whatever any of us feel about this crazy procedure, the fact remains that she cannot secure UK settlement without a pass certificate for this English Test

Do remember that UKBA currently only requires a very basic level (A1) for Speaking and Listening. There is no reading or writing or grammar testing at all.

All of the various English tests are quite expensive. In the region of about P7000 - P8500

You really need to find a test centre that offers an appropriate test at reasonable cost, close to where your wife live. Many of these test centres also arrange review classes for those whose self-confidence needs a boost.

UKBA requires applicants to pass ANY English Language test that meets or exceeds the A1 level of the European Common framework.
There are a number of different tests that can be taken, and a number of Approved Providers and test-centres but they must be on the UKBA approved listing.

Please look here for the new approved listing from UKBA for providers of English language courses and tests:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/applicationforms/new-approved-english-tests.pdf

This UKBA page also contains some more information and also useful links:-
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/employers/esol-providers/

Please do take a look here, they are on the UKBA listing and I think it may be useful for your wife (and others):-
http://www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/general-english/fce.html

Here is a test called First Certificate in English (FCE) which not only meets the UKBA A1 requirements but is available at the British Council in Phils.
There are also others that include KET, PET and BEC all at the required A1 level and all conducted by the British Council.
Check out their test centres in Philippines for the different tests here:-
http://cambridgeesol-centres.org/centres/index.do

Another trusted resource and great information for the English Language Test at A1 levels may be found here:-
http://www.toeic-phil.com/index.htm
This is part of the ETS network and also listed on the latest UKBA approved providers.

For anyone who is interested in checking out some online tests or self-assessments, FREE, here are some great links to test:-
http://www.goalsci.com/elsaDemoTests/tests/writing.html
http://www.goalsci.com/elsaDemoTests/tests/reading.html
http://www.goalsci.com/elsaDemoTests/tests/listening.html
http://www.goalsci.com/elsaDemoTests/tests/speaking.html

Just keep hitting the next button until the tests begin. These tests are representative of A1 level and will hopefully help to increase the self-confidence of anyone with doubts.

Remember it's only the speaking and listening tests that are required to meet UKBA requirements.

My last resource is here:-
http://www.english-test.net/

Plenty of OnLine tests for FREE
A lot of links are not free but most are free and no need to register

Sorry for the long post. Just wanted to give you as much info as possible so you can choose which resources to share with your wife.
If she will only try some online tests I'm sure she will feel much more confident and secure.

Hope this helps

[BoholoX]

Thank you Terpe, very informative.

My wife will be needing to take this (nearest centre is in Cebu) in the next 12 months before we settle back in the UK in 2013.

I will post our experiences, but she should have no problems.

[sheldon1]

Thank you very much for your help. much appreciated

[joebloggs]

might be a good idea to send her on a course which has some lessons on passing the test and will give her some experience of taking the test in an classroom so she has more confidence :rolleyes:

[Dedworth]

Thank you Terpe, very informative.

My wife will be needing to take this (nearest centre is in Cebu) in the next 12 months before we settle back in the UK in 2013.

I will post our experiences, but she should have no problems.

Just read this about a "test centre" in Cebu http://filipinaroses.com/showthread.php/29233-English-Language-Test-in-Cebu?highlight=testing

[sheldon1]

Does anybody of approved schools near to angeles city ?