My wife failed her English test

[blackcat22]

She registered with Study connect and even tho' they asked her to attend classes a week leading up to test date she cannot attend the classes bcoz it's too far to travel to makati from where she lives near everyday so she opted to do their online study/practice test instead.

then 2 days before her English test they called her in for a prelim.

My wife written english is very good but have occasional grammar mistakes etc.. her spelling is even better than mine lol
Her spoken english could be as good as she writes but bcoz she can be shy to speak bcoz she fears for bad pronounciation etc... bcoz of this she doenn't speak as much as I like her to.

Ok anyway she got her test today and it's a fail. She said the online practice test study connect using on their website is multiple choice but in actual exam it's written essay and that's why she not prepared well.

How hard is it to pass these english exam?

anybody else deal with study connect before to pass?

Why is study connect giving her student multiple choice to practice when the real exam is in essay?


any thoughts??

[joebloggs]

which test did she do ? what mark did she get,


some tests are easier than others.

[blackcat22]

The minimum required A1 English test

[blackcat22]

haven't got the full details on marks she obtain but it's a fail which put VISA application on hold for another 6 weeks or so when she will try again.

[raynaputi]

Did she take IELTS? Study Connect is not included in the accredited test provider. Their accreditation has expired since June/July 2011. I can see from their online page that they only offer review courses for IELTS.

[Terpe]

The minimum required A1 English test

Blackcat, don't take this the wrong way, but there is no such thing as a minimum od standard A1 test.
There's no such thing as an A1 test.
A1 is the level required for some specific tests.

What test did she take?

Here's the UKBA approved listing

As joebloggs says, some tests have a higher pass level than others.

It should be a very basic test.

Is Makati her nearest centre?

Sorry to learn of this delay, I'm sure she will get there soon, especially with a little practice on the best course.

I have some doubts that Study Connect are the right accredited organisation. Are you sure they are offering the correct test? Also are they an approved Test Centre?
Who is the 'provider' (ie who issue the pass certificate)

[blackcat22]

oh no, I picked study connect for her bcoz a forum member here posted that she used study connect and they are good etc..

Yes it was IELTS she took, they have so many name variant for it it's a bit confusing, have seen it beinb called A1 test

So even she she passed it's no use bcoz study connect are no longer accredited.

Study connect knows what she needed it for but they not said "oh by the way it's no use using us for this exam"

I don't know the full details yest until I speak to study connect on the phone myself. it's likely study connect collect the money enrol her to their class then book her the test with an accredited exam center. Study connect could be doing it as a middle man so they get a bit of money from the deal also but I won't know what they did until I speak to them personally.

[raynaputi]

I did take IELTS myself. And I find their exam quite easy. IELTS test consists of Speaking (which you'd have an interview as a test), Reading & Writing (which would be consist of multiple choice and essay tests), and Listening (which involves listening to a recording and written exam). I posted before about my test here on this thread, post #3.

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....17-Ielts.....?

[blackcat22]

Blackcat, don't take this the wrong way, but there is no such thing as a minimum od standard A1 test.
There's no such thing as an A1 test.
A1 is the level required for some specific tests.

What test did she take?

Here's the UKBA approved listing

As joebloggs says, some tests have a higher pass level than others.

It should be a very basic test.

Is Makati her nearest centre?

Sorry to learn of this delay, I'm sure she will get there soon, especially with a little practice on the best course.

I have some doubts that Study Connect are the right accredited organisation. Are you sure they are offering the correct test? Also are they an approved Test Centre?
Who is the 'provider' (ie who issue the pass certificate)

That PDF with UK approve listing is confusing as it listed many tests with grade levels etc.. and all the contacts who administer the test are all in UK

Quezon city is much nearer but i'm not sure if any center there

I just want someone to say this is the minimum test and the easiest to pass and the minimum grade level :xxgrinning--00xx

[blackcat22]

I did take IELTS myself. And I find their exam quite easy. IELTS test consists of Speaking (which you'd have an interview as a test), Reading & Writing (which would be consist of multiple choice and essay tests), and Listening (which involves listening to a recording and written exam). I posted before about my test here on this thread, post #3.

http://filipinaroses.com/showthread....17-Ielts.....?

Thanks for that forum link post, it gives me better understanding what it's all about

How did you prepare for the exam?

which accredited exam agency did you use?

The big headache is the accredited agency you used for IELTS last year might no longer be accredited now

[Terpe]

.....I just want someone to say this is the minimum test and the easiest to pass and the minimum grade level :xxgrinning--00xx

So what test did she take?

On the face of it she would be better advised to undertake a test where the A1 level only is assessed.
Means choose only those at A1 level.

Look, blackcat, Hopkins is pretty good.
They do TOEIC

Please review the listing and do some research.
Better she finds something near to where she lives.

[raynaputi]

Thanks for that forum link post, it gives me better understanding what it's all about

How did you prepare for the exam?

which accredited exam agency did you use?

The big headache is the accredited agency you used for IELTS last year might no longer be accredited now

I just tried using online test samples by searching on Google. What I practiced mostly is the listening part as my mind usually wonders when listening to something ..Like what Terpe said, there are other exams that your wife can take, and would require an A1 level score only. IELTS require a band score as low as 4.0, which is equivalent to B1. Anyway I registered to take the IELTS exam via IDP Philippines which is still accredited..http://www.philippines.idp.com/ielts.aspx

[blackcat22]

So what test did she take?

On the face of it she would be better advised to undertake a test where the A1 level only is assessed.
Means choose only those at A1 level.

Look, blackcat, Hopkins is pretty good.
They do TOEIC

Please review the listing and do some research.
Better she finds something near to where she lives.

Great stuff thanks

[blackcat22]

I just tried using online test samples by searching on Google. What I practiced mostly is the listening part as my mind usually wonders when listening to something ..Like what Terpe said, there are other exams that your wife can take, and would require an A1 level score only. IELTS require a band score as low as 4.0, which is equivalent to B1. Anyway I registered to take the IELTS exam via IDP Philippines which is still accredited..http://www.philippines.idp.com/ielts.aspx

Thanks

really useful reply

[blackcat22]

Ok my wife said her score is 3.5 but form earlier post pass score mark begin from 4.0

am I right?

[blackcat22]

According to statement from UKBA

"the applicant only needs to pass the speaking and listening elements at the A1 level they do not need to pass the reading and writing parts."


Eeven if she failed overall as long as she passed the speaking and listening parts then it's ok

[blackcat22]

below is break down of her result

speaking 3.5
listening 3.0
reading 3.5
writing 3.0


Is that a pass or a failure?

[blackcat22]

Also just a quick one,

I'm off to manila tomorrow for xmas and new year and I want to open bank account with BPI (Bank of philippines island)

what document will they ask for to open account. just passport is enough?

[melovesengland]

Also just a quick one,

I'm off to manila tomorrow for xmas and new year and I want to open bank account with BPI (Bank of philippines island)

what document will they ask for to open account. just passport is enough?

2 valid id and id photographs. check their website for more infos or let the wifey inquire in one of the branches.

she definitely failed ielts as the minimum req is 4.0..

what i can suggest is for her to take toeic at hopkins. there are loads of good reviews and feedback about them and she will only do listening and speaking.

if she can do workshops in her free time would be good or like rayna done she kept searching and practising online.

hope she pass her test nxt tme.

[blackcat22]

2 valid id and id photographs. check their website for more infos or let the wifey inquire in one of the branches.

she definitely failed ielts as the minimum req is 4.0..

what i can suggest is for her to take toeic at hopkins. there are loads of good reviews and feedback about them and she will only do listening and speaking.

if she can do workshops in her free time would be good or like rayna done she kept searching and practising online.

hope she pass her test nxt tme.

Ok cool

passport and driving UK driving license accepted as prove of ID?


Thanks a lot!!

[tiger31]

I tried to open bank account with bdo with passport nope they want an acr card too which takes 6 months of being there to get one .it maybe only that banks criteria but they did tell me all banks want acr but i don,t believe half what they tell you anyway i opened one now coz ive got my acr card

[Steve.r]

Hi Blackcat,

My wife used Hopkins, they also do practice sessions and I am sure like Rayna says it is not 'over' difficult.

As for the bank think, I have a PNB account, just basic ID was enough (passport, something with a photo, maybe a utility bill)
Have a great Christmas with your loved one and a joyous new year

[blackcat22]

Hi Blackcat,

My wife used Hopkins, they also do practice sessions and I am sure like Rayna says it is not 'over' difficult.

As for the bank think, I have a PNB account, just basic ID was enough (passport, something with a photo, maybe a utility bill)
Have a great Christmas with your loved one and a joyous new year

Ok we are about to appy for her test again and i'm trying to use Hopkins but strangely enough they will not tell her how much it cost for 2 tests of listening and speaking. they telling her she must come into office before they tell her price.

what sort of none-sense is that?

Do they set price based on what you look like when you walk thru the door or something? is that why they won't tell price over the phone?

[melovesengland]

Ok we are about to appy for her test again and i'm trying to use Hopkins but strangely enough they will not tell her how much it cost for 2 tests of listening and speaking. they telling her she must come into office before they tell her price.

what sort of none-sense is that?

Do they set price based on what you look like when you walk thru the door or something? is that why they won't tell price over the phone?

I think it would be better to visit Hopkins so they can explain things clearly and how things will go on. Doesnt sound none sense to me and english tests are DEAR thats why it needs to be discusses in person.

[tiger31]

its called welcome to the philippines you will be amazed how they do things here

[Mrs.Smith]

Ok we are about to appy for her test again and i'm trying to use Hopkins but strangely enough they will not tell her how much it cost for 2 tests of listening and speaking. they telling her she must come into office before they tell her price.

what sort of none-sense is that?

Do they set price based on what you look like when you walk thru the door or something? is that why they won't tell price over the phone?

you can visit their website, here is the link http://www.hopkins.ph/index.php/regi...ow-to-register. It has the step by step how you can register online and how much is the cost and how you gonna pay it.
This is what I did when I took the exam last July 2012.
You can also opt to avail the workshop session, its just 500 pesos I think. Its like a review session and they will provide you review materials in CD and you will do practice exam as well

[marga]

Had my english test at hopkins last march 2012 and the results were great.Didn't avail the workshop and just did online practice tests.

Here is their website www.hopkins.ph.Hope this helps

[McGregor03]

Hi Blackcat,

My wife used Hopkins, they also do practice sessions and I am sure like Rayna says it is not 'over' difficult.

As for the bank think, I have a PNB account, just basic ID was enough (passport, something with a photo, maybe a utility bill)
Have a great Christmas with your loved one and a joyous new year

Hi Steve.r, I might use hopkins as well, looks like it's a good one... Just wanna ask how much did u pay for it?

[blackcat22]

Hopkins quoted 5,500 php for speaking and listening test. Exam only with no study materials

[Arthur Little]

Hopkins quoted 5,500 php for speaking and listening test. Exam only with no study materials

... that's a bit hefty ... is it NOT?