The English Language Centre has prepared booklets to help students prepare for IELTS and the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) for the Hong Kong civil service. The booklets are available in the Self-Access Centre or online:

A Self Help Guide for the CRE

How to Prepare for IELTS
Listening
Reading
Speaking
Writing
FAQs

Importance of IELTS

IELTS scores are required for admission to many overseas universities. Some countries require immigrants to take IELTS and some professional organizations use the test as a language benchmark. IELTS scores can also help graduates find jobs.

Under the Common English Proficiency Assessment Scheme (CEPAS), the University Grants Committee reimburses graduating students who take IELTS. Details can be found under Student Services in the Academic Information Management System (AIMS).

Further information on the test is available from the official IELTS website.

IELTS Practice

Road to IELTS, a computer assisted language learning programme written by British Council IELTS examiners and examiner trainers, is available to CityU students in the Language Lounge, the Self-Access Centre and online.

At IELTS workshops, conducted by ELC teachers, students:
Get information on the test formats
Get information on how to approach the tasks
Discuss how to  prepare for the test
Practise the tasks

After active participation in the workshops, students should be familiar with the test and able to prepare for it independently.

ELC teachers also conduct IELTS Tutorials, where students can get feedback on their speaking and writing performance.

Students can also sign up for 15-20 minutes of speaking practice with a student helper. Up to three students will be registered in each 50 minute time slot and taken on a first-come, first-served basis.