IBT TOEFL Test of English as a foreign Language
The iBT
is about as cutting edge as a proficiency test gets. With
a radically new platform and futuristic test delivery, the
iBT is the most exciting thing to happen to the world of exam
testing in decades.
The iBT is substantially different from the CBT (Computer
Based TOEFL) in that it has an 'integrated' testing platform.
This new platform integrates linguistic skills in an environ
that is a close replication of the classroom atmosphere. The
purpose of this new innovation in testing is to give score
receivers a better idea of how well speakers of other languages
will do in an academic setting where English is the first
language.
However, all the modules of the TOEFL have not been 'integrated'.
Students are only expected to show the skills of integrating
different sources of information in the 'Writing' and 'Speaking'
Sections.
The iBT will be introduced in Nepal in April 2006 and will
immediately impact the testing environ in Nepal. All universities
that accepted CBT scores will continue giving validity to
CBT scores till they expire and will also accept iBT scores
from
students in Nepal who have given this new test post April
2006. The is also no cost
rise in the administration of the iBT with a reasonable cost
of $140.
IELTS (International English Language Testing
System)
The IELTS is an entry level test in several English speaking
countries in the world.
It is a test of English proficiency that is mainly valid in
England, Australia and New Zealand. However, increasing numbers
of institutions in the United States have also begun accepting
IELTS scores as an alternative to the TOEFL.
IELTS is administered by the UCLES (University of Cambridge
Local Exam Syndicate) and IDP, Australia. In Nepal, the IELTS
is administered by the British Council. The British Council
in Kathmandu often uses 'outside' testing centers like the
'British School' and 'The Blue Star Hotel'.
SAT (Scholastic Admission Test)
The SAT is an entry level test for prospective undergraduates.
While there are many colleges and universities in the United
States that accept foreign students on the basis of their
TOEFL scores, the better state universities and private universities
require a certain score in the SAT 1 before they can admit
any student- domestic or international. The SAT 1 is also
one of the criteria that are used to evaluate scholarship
applications. A good SAT 1 score goes a long way in ensuring
that you get a scholarship award in the institution of your
dreams. The SAT 1 is a 'scholastic' test.
It is more esoteric than a proficiency test like the TOEFL
and is supposed to measure your aptitude in 'scholastics'.
Earlier, the SAT was the acronym for 'Scholastic Aptitude
Testing' but in the latest bulletins, this 'full form' can
is no longer found on any of the official publications or
media.
Classes are conducted from Monday to Friday for a total of
Two hours daily. Every Day, one hour each is allotted to the
Verbal portion (reading and writing) and the Math portion.
Sunday is for full length testing and dedicated testing. Dedicated
testing means that students are tested only on question types
that they have covered in class. A dedicated test in useful
in that, it pinpoints the weaknesses of the student in particular
areas.
GRE (Graduate Record Examination Test)
The GRE, in its present avatar, is a test of verbal reasoning,
analytical writing and quantitative reasoning. It is an entry
level criterion for prospective graduate students who wish
to enter Master's level courses in the Arts, Sciences and
Humanities.
The GRE is a computer based and computer adaptive test that
is administered in Nepal by the American Center. The GRE is
held daily but seats must be booked in advance in order to
avoid disappointment.
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