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Exam Preparation

IELTS

What is IELTS?
How can I prepare for IELTS ?

UBELT

The UBELT Test
UBELT Preparation at Bath Academy

Cambridge ESOL

What is Cambridge ESOL? (KET, PET, FCE, CAE, CPE)
How can I prepare for Cambridge ESOL exams?

Other Exams


The IELTS Test

The International English Language Testing System (or IELTS for short) is recognised by English-speaking universities as evidence of the required level of written and spoken English for entry to both undergraduate and post-graduate degree courses.

Test Structure
All candidates must complete four Modules:
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking
All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules.
There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.

Scoring
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Instead, each candidate receives a band between 1.0 and 9.0.

Dates
IELTS can be taken at the University of Bath every month, and in certain other cities almost every week.

Cost
IELTS currently costs around £120.00. Please note that the cost of the examination is not included in the Bath Academy course fees.

IELTS Preparation at Bath Academy

Several Bath Academy teachers are also IELTS examiners, so we have a team of real experts to help you with your IELTS preparation.

Most universities require a level of IELTS 6.5, so this is generally the target for the IELTS course. Students' English level should be at least IELTS 5.0 before starting this course. If a student does not have this level, we would recommend that they take an Intensive English course until their level is strong enough to join the IELTS class.

In the mornings, students join our Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate or Advanced General English class, focusing on grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation and offering practice in the four skill areas: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

The afternoon classes provide preparation and practice for the IELTS examination, and there are regular IELTS practice tests. It is also possible to study on our Intensive Preparation for IELTS (IPI) class, consisting of 23 lessons per week (mornings and afternoons) of IELTS preparation. This is normally for a maximum of 4 weeks. Please contact us for details.

We will be happy to help you with your application for the exam. For more information about IELTS, visit www.ielts.org

Sample IELTS Timetable
  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
13:00 - 14.00 Writing Module Task 1 Vocabulary Extension Writing Module Task 2 Listening Module No class
14.10 - 15.00 Speaking Module Part 1 Reading Module Reading Module Error Analysis No class

The UBELT Test

UBELT is an English language test for dentists, dental hygienists, dental nurses, general medical practitioners and pharmacists. UBELT is recognised by many medical organisations in the UK including the National Health Service, the Department of Health, Boots the Chemist (pharmacists), Tesco Pharmacy (pharmacists), Integrated Dental Holdings (dentists) and Oasis Dental Care (dentists).

 

Content:

 

  • Writing - 20 minutes - whole group test
  • Reading - 30 minutes - whole group test
  • Listening - 35 minutes - whole group test
  • Speaking - 12 to 15 minutes - individually scheduled

The test reflects professional practice situations in an English-speaking environment. For example, reading texts are similar to those found in professional magazines or on the Internet. Topics deal with every-day and professional issues, as well as professionally related products, equipment, research and so on. The test focuses on communication rather than grammar.

Scoring
There is no pass or fail in UBELT. Instead, each candidate receives a band between 1.0 and 5.0.

Dates
UBELT can be taken at the University of Bath every month.

Cost
UBELT currently costs around £165.00. Please note that the cost of the examination is not included in the Bath Academy course fees.

UBELT Preparation at Bath Academy

Normally, UBELT preparation is built into one of our Professional English courses (e.g. English for Dentists, English for Medicine). However, we can also offer a stand-alone UBELT course: please contact us for details.

For more information about UBELT visit www.bath.ac.uk/ubelt

The Cambridge ESOL General English Suite of Exams

Proficiency CAE First Certificate PET KET

Cambridge ESOL exams are recognised around the world by employers, universities and other organizations as proof of ability to use English. The certificates never expire and do not need to be renewed.

 

Papers:
KET & PET each have 3 papers: Reading & Writing, Listening and Speaking.
FCE, CAE & CPE each have 5 papers: Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking.


Dates:
Exams can be taken in several places in or near Bath. They are held in June (application deadline: mid April) and December (application deadline: mid October). Sometimes there is an exam in March or August.


Cost:
The cost of these exams varies, but is usually around £60.00 - £100.00. Please note that the cost of the examination is not included in the Bath Academy course fees.

For more information about these exams, visit www.bath.ac.uk/ubelt

Cambridge Exam Preparation at Bath Academy

Bath Academy’s Intensive and General English course levels are closely linked to these exams and exam practice can be provided as part of the course. Please let us know if you would like to take one of these exams. We can provide you with the necessary preparation for the exam and we will be happy to help you with your application form.

Courses at a Glance:

 

The following chart shows the relationship between Bath Academy course levels and the most common exams.

 

Bath Academy
Level
Target
CEFR Level
Target
Cambridge
Exam
Target IELTS Band
Advanced C2 CPE 8.0 / 7.5 / 7.0
Upper Intermediate C1 CAE 7.0 / 6.5 / 6.0
Intermediate B2 FCE 6.0 / 5.5 / 5.0
Pre Intermediate B1 PET 4.5 / 4.0 / 3.5
Elementary A2 KET 3.5 / 3.0
Beginner A1 - 2.5 / 2.0

 

CEFR: Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
Cambridge: Cambridge ESOL exams
IELTS: International English Language Testing System

Other English Language Exams

  • Some businesses use BULATS to check the English level of their staff before sending them to work abroad.
  • Dentists and pharmacists who wish to work in the UK may need to pass UBELT.
  • Organisations in certain countries prefer TOEFL.
  • Some companies insist on a strong score on TOEIC before you can be promoted.
  • The LCCI exams are favoured by certain businesses.

Whatever your examination needs, the team at Bath Academy is able to provide you with individual tuition when required to help you apply and prepare for your exam effectively. Please contact us to discuss your requirements and fees.


Further Information: