IELTS

  On 31 March 2021, Hassan Costello and Dr. Sayyed Rashid Ali Shah delivered an in-service teacher training webinar to 145 participants. The webinar, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in Asir and Rijal Alma on "IELTS Listening and Speaking" by Hassan Costello and "IELTS Preparation: Reading & Writing!" by Dr. Sayyed Rashid Ali Shah, provided both male and female teachers with exam-specific tips and how to answer different question types.   After introductions by Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Costello began the webinar by reviewing the content of the IELTS Listening Test, and then he moved on to provide a lot of useful tips. He explained that the IELTS Listening Test is not only about listening to the recording but also about understanding the content and finding answers at the same time. "When you have your test, you need to listen to the recording, read the questions, and at the same time write down your answers. At one time, you are listening, reading, and writing. You really are multitasking during this listening test. It can be quite difficult, and it's something that you do need to practice." He then explained that concentration is the biggest challenge for test-takers. He noted that test-takers really need to concentrate during the IELTS Listening test because if focus is lost at any time, test-takers will miss an answer and lose their place in the recording. He then moved on to discuss how test-takers can do well on the 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking Test. He encouraged test takers to avoid yes or no responses in part 1 and expand their answers through examples. "The speaking task has three different parts to it: part one, part two, and part three. In part two, candidates are expected to speak for about two minutes, and there is no interruption. In part 3, it's more like an interview. If the examiner asks you some sort of question, you respond and they ask you another question, or they might ask you to go deeper into the first question. Sometimes they'll ask you to predict something, you might compare, and they might ask you to give your opinion. Remember that part 3 is based on a theme. In part 2 you're given something to describe and it might be a historical building, it might be a teacher you really liked, it might be an object precious to you. Part 3 continues from part 2, so whatever you talked about in part 2 you're going to talk about in part 3 but at a more abstract level." Towards the end of his part of the webinar, Costello advised potential test-takers not to worry about accents or about mistakes. "It's okay if you have an accent in terms of your pronunciation mark. The main thing they're looking for is that you speak clearly and they can understand what you're saying. Don't worry if you make mistakes. Treat this almost like a conversation."   Dr. Shah then began by noting a lot of the strategies covered on the IELTS Listening Test are applicable to the IELTS Reading Test, and he will provide 10 reading strategies and 6 writing strategies that candidates often need to remember. "I'll try to share my personal experience with you because I went through these different stages in my academic life. I took IELTS as a student, and more than twice I moved on, and at the end, I reached the target of becoming an IELTS examiner," he said. Dr. Shah then highlighted that there are 11-14 various types of questions, explaining that awareness of the types of questions along with identifying the types of questions will help candidates to score well. Dr. Shah then emphasized the importance of skimming and scanning long passages. He related that it would be difficult to answer all 40 questions without efficient skimming and scanning techniques. "Candidates are usually not very much familiar with the types of texts included in the IELTS academic module or general training. Reading articles online will help to widen reading skills and develop familiarity with complex texts and passages," he said. Towards the end of his part of the webinar, Dr. Shah highlighted Task 2 of IELTS Academic Writing, explaining that techniques can be applied to writing a letter in the general training module or to describe a graph or pie chart, which is Task 1 in IELTS Academic Writing. After, he explained that the IELTS Writing rubric evaluates four different aspects of your responses: Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Task Response. Dr. Shah then provided examples of each of the 4 aspects, noting that they should not be ignored. "It is important that you understand the question. Understanding questions solves half of the problem," he said.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to participating in community partnership activities as part of its role in the community partnership plan at King Khalid University. Date: 4/7/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  On 31 March 2021, Hassan Costello and Dr. Sayyed Rashid Ali Shah delivered an in-service teacher training webinar to 145 participants. The webinar, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education in Asir and Rijal Alma on "IELTS Listening and Speaking" by Hassan Costello and "IELTS Preparation: Reading & Writing!" by Dr. Sayyed Rashid Ali Shah, provided both male and female teachers with exam-specific tips and how to answer different question types.   After introductions by Vice Dean for Academic Development & Quality, Dr. Abdulrahman Almosa, Costello began the webinar by reviewing the content of the IELTS Listening Test, and then he moved on to provide a lot of useful tips. He explained that the IELTS Listening Test is not only about listening to the recording but also about understanding the content and finding answers at the same time. "When you have your test, you need to listen to the recording, read the questions, and at the same time write down your answers. At one time, you are listening, reading, and writing. You really are multitasking during this listening test. It can be quite difficult, and it's something that you do need to practice." He then explained that concentration is the biggest challenge for test-takers. He noted that test-takers really need to concentrate during the IELTS Listening test because if focus is lost at any time, test-takers will miss an answer and lose their place in the recording. He then moved on to discuss how test-takers can do well on the 3 parts of the IELTS Speaking Test. He encouraged test takers to avoid yes or no responses in part 1 and expand their answers through examples. "The speaking task has three different parts to it: part one, part two, and part three. In part two, candidates are expected to speak for about two minutes, and there is no interruption. In part 3, it's more like an interview. If the examiner asks you some sort of question, you respond and they ask you another question, or they might ask you to go deeper into the first question. Sometimes they'll ask you to predict something, you might compare, and they might ask you to give your opinion. Remember that part 3 is based on a theme. In part 2 you're given something to describe and it might be a historical building, it might be a teacher you really liked, it might be an object precious to you. Part 3 continues from part 2, so whatever you talked about in part 2 you're going to talk about in part 3 but at a more abstract level." Towards the end of his part of the webinar, Costello advised potential test-takers not to worry about accents or about mistakes. "It's okay if you have an accent in terms of your pronunciation mark. The main thing they're looking for is that you speak clearly and they can understand what you're saying. Don't worry if you make mistakes. Treat this almost like a conversation."   Dr. Shah then began by noting a lot of the strategies covered on the IELTS Listening Test are applicable to the IELTS Reading Test, and he will provide 10 reading strategies and 6 writing strategies that candidates often need to remember. "I'll try to share my personal experience with you because I went through these different stages in my academic life. I took IELTS as a student, and more than twice I moved on, and at the end, I reached the target of becoming an IELTS examiner," he said. Dr. Shah then highlighted that there are 11-14 various types of questions, explaining that awareness of the types of questions along with identifying the types of questions will help candidates to score well. Dr. Shah then emphasized the importance of skimming and scanning long passages. He related that it would be difficult to answer all 40 questions without efficient skimming and scanning techniques. "Candidates are usually not very much familiar with the types of texts included in the IELTS academic module or general training. Reading articles online will help to widen reading skills and develop familiarity with complex texts and passages," he said. Towards the end of his part of the webinar, Dr. Shah highlighted Task 2 of IELTS Academic Writing, explaining that techniques can be applied to writing a letter in the general training module or to describe a graph or pie chart, which is Task 1 in IELTS Academic Writing. After, he explained that the IELTS Writing rubric evaluates four different aspects of your responses: Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Task Response. Dr. Shah then provided examples of each of the 4 aspects, noting that they should not be ignored. "It is important that you understand the question. Understanding questions solves half of the problem," he said.   The Bachelor of Arts in English program at the Faculty of Languages and Translation is committed to participating in community partnership activities as part of its role in the community partnership plan at King Khalid University. Date: 4/7/2021 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education has recently collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver the 2nd annual 4-week intensive English language course designed for Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers.   With this program, FLT and Al Khaleej Training and Education teachers provided English language instruction to nearly 90 public school teachers at the primary, secondary, and high school levels. The purpose of the program was to deliver an English language refresher course to public school teachers. The curriculum was geared to both beginners and those expecting to take the IELTS exam in the near future.   This program was sponsored by the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs, Faculty of Languages and Translation Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel. ELC Director, Fahad Al-Shehri, supervised operations under the tutelage of Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri.   After passing an entrance exam, governed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), nearly 90 students joined one of four different groups reflecting their English language proficiency.   Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, attended the opening ceremony. He congratulated the participants and thanked the faculty and staff who made the program possible. "I congratulate all of you attending this program. You have wonderful instructors that I am sure you will learn a lot from. This 2nd annual program will be even better than the first, and we hope to expand and improve the effort each succeeding year," he said.   Representing the Faculty of Languages and Translation were Hassan Costello and Dr. Michael Hadzantonis. Representing Al Khaleej Training and Education were Bryan Bell and Rocio Munoz.   The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education recognizes the importance of this program and is committed to its continued success. Dean Aqeel explained that education should be a lifelong endeavor, even for teachers.   King Khalid University is proud to partner with the National Center for Educational Professional Development (NCEPD) and other public institutions for the benefit of our citizenry at the local, regional, and national levels. The Faculty of Languages and Translation is pleased to participate in all public service and other outreach efforts. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

  The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education has recently collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver the 2nd annual 4-week intensive English language course designed for Ministry of Education (MOE) teachers.   With this program, FLT and Al Khaleej Training and Education teachers provided English language instruction to nearly 90 public school teachers at the primary, secondary, and high school levels. The purpose of the program was to deliver an English language refresher course to public school teachers. The curriculum was geared to both beginners and those expecting to take the IELTS exam in the near future.   This program was sponsored by the Vice Presidency of Academic Affairs, Faculty of Languages and Translation Dean, Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, and Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel. ELC Director, Fahad Al-Shehri, supervised operations under the tutelage of Vice Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Yahya Asiri.   After passing an entrance exam, governed by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), nearly 90 students joined one of four different groups reflecting their English language proficiency.   Vice Rector of Academic Development and Quality, Dr. Merzin Al-Shahrani, attended the opening ceremony. He congratulated the participants and thanked the faculty and staff who made the program possible. "I congratulate all of you attending this program. You have wonderful instructors that I am sure you will learn a lot from. This 2nd annual program will be even better than the first, and we hope to expand and improve the effort each succeeding year," he said.   Representing the Faculty of Languages and Translation were Hassan Costello and Dr. Michael Hadzantonis. Representing Al Khaleej Training and Education were Bryan Bell and Rocio Munoz.   The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education recognizes the importance of this program and is committed to its continued success. Dean Aqeel explained that education should be a lifelong endeavor, even for teachers.   King Khalid University is proud to partner with the National Center for Educational Professional Development (NCEPD) and other public institutions for the benefit of our citizenry at the local, regional, and national levels. The Faculty of Languages and Translation is pleased to participate in all public service and other outreach efforts. Date: 8/25/2019 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation

On November 5th, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Faculty of Languages and Translation held a two-hour workshop titled "Reach Your Goal With IELTS". It was led by lecturer Ms. Anjum Misho. She began with an overview of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS, she explained, is the premier English language proficiency test and is recognized worldwide for admission to education and employment opportunities. She then conducted a brief session concerning the IELTS testing process and assessment parameters. Thereafter, Ms. Misho held an intensive session concerning IELTS preparation. She focused on the Academic module, which is the test most used by students applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. This module is especially important to those seeking graduate, post-graduate, or professional training. Each program participant received a variety of materials, which will be helpful in preparing for the 4-testing components (listening/reading/writing/speaking skills). The workshop was attended by 25 undergraduate, graduate, and former students. From the numerous questions posed by the attendees, it was apparent that many were very eager to master the test. Ms. Misho provided a great deal of useful information on methods to prepare for and do well on the IELTS test. Towards the end of the workshop, the scientific research committee coordinator gave special thanks to Ms. Amjad Khazim Alamri and Ms. Ahlam Ahmad Asiri. The coordinator also recognized the participants for their attention and diligence. Certificates of participation were then distributed to the grateful participants. Date: 15/11/2018 Source: Ms. Amal Abdelsattar Metwally, Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

On November 5th, the Women's Scientific Research Committee of the Faculty of Languages and Translation held a two-hour workshop titled "Reach Your Goal With IELTS". It was led by lecturer Ms. Anjum Misho. She began with an overview of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS, she explained, is the premier English language proficiency test and is recognized worldwide for admission to education and employment opportunities. She then conducted a brief session concerning the IELTS testing process and assessment parameters. Thereafter, Ms. Misho held an intensive session concerning IELTS preparation. She focused on the Academic module, which is the test most used by students applying for higher education or professional registration in an English speaking environment. This module is especially important to those seeking graduate, post-graduate, or professional training. Each program participant received a variety of materials, which will be helpful in preparing for the 4-testing components (listening/reading/writing/speaking skills). The workshop was attended by 25 undergraduate, graduate, and former students. From the numerous questions posed by the attendees, it was apparent that many were very eager to master the test. Ms. Misho provided a great deal of useful information on methods to prepare for and do well on the IELTS test. Towards the end of the workshop, the scientific research committee coordinator gave special thanks to Ms. Amjad Khazim Alamri and Ms. Ahlam Ahmad Asiri. The coordinator also recognized the participants for their attention and diligence. Certificates of participation were then distributed to the grateful participants. Date: 15/11/2018 Source: Ms. Amal Abdelsattar Metwally, Scientific Research Committee Coordinator

The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver an introductory level short course to primary, secondary, and high school teachers who work for the Ministry of Education.  Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel, Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, led the program.  Over the course of 4 weeks, nearly 100 registered participants were deeply engaged in a mix of active lesson types. The practical sessions involved a variety of communicative formats with a focus on grammar and vocabulary that utilized pair work, group work, and class activities. At the end of each week, participants had the chance to test their abilities to use collocations, complex grammar, and discourse markers in a tailored IELTS speaking exam workshop.  Director of the English Language Center, Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Rezgi, Hashim Ali Asiri, lecturer, Khalid Mater Asiri, lecturer, and Hassan Costello, language instructor, delivered the program. Date: 8/12/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education

The Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education collaborated with the Faculty of Languages and Translation to deliver an introductory level short course to primary, secondary, and high school teachers who work for the Ministry of Education.  Dr. Abdullah Al-Melhi, Dean of the Faculty of Languages and Translation, and Dr. Omar Alwan Aqeel, Dean of Community Service and Continuing Education, led the program.  Over the course of 4 weeks, nearly 100 registered participants were deeply engaged in a mix of active lesson types. The practical sessions involved a variety of communicative formats with a focus on grammar and vocabulary that utilized pair work, group work, and class activities. At the end of each week, participants had the chance to test their abilities to use collocations, complex grammar, and discourse markers in a tailored IELTS speaking exam workshop.  Director of the English Language Center, Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Rezgi, Hashim Ali Asiri, lecturer, Khalid Mater Asiri, lecturer, and Hassan Costello, language instructor, delivered the program. Date: 8/12/2018 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Source: Deanship of Community Service and Continuing Education

The British Council in Saudi Arabia organized an IELTS Train the Trainer workshop for King Khalid University on the 16th and 17th of December. The two-day workshop was held for the staff of the College of Languages and Translation. Lucy McClay, Trainer, administered the workshop and covered not only the four testing skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but also included test knowledge alongside in-depth training on how to administer mock tests and calculate approximate band scores. Abdul Rauf Khan, Head of the IELTS Testing Center at KKU, said, "This is beginning of an excellent liaison between the British Council and KKU which I hope will be a long-term collaboration." Participants of the event left feeling that: §  The event was useful for professional development. §  It helped to increase awareness of the challenges that students face when preparing and planning for the IELTS Academic and General Tests. §  Overall confidence about teaching the IELTS exam preparation classes to students increased. Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi Dean, said, "The workshop was a great professional development opportunity which was collaborative in nature and connected to improving student learning outcomes." The workshop was stimulating and left all who attended engaged intellectually and ready to make a difference.   Date: 12/17/2016 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution:  Sayed Karim

The British Council in Saudi Arabia organized an IELTS Train the Trainer workshop for King Khalid University on the 16th and 17th of December. The two-day workshop was held for the staff of the College of Languages and Translation. Lucy McClay, Trainer, administered the workshop and covered not only the four testing skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but also included test knowledge alongside in-depth training on how to administer mock tests and calculate approximate band scores. Abdul Rauf Khan, Head of the IELTS Testing Center at KKU, said, "This is beginning of an excellent liaison between the British Council and KKU which I hope will be a long-term collaboration." Participants of the event left feeling that: §  The event was useful for professional development. §  It helped to increase awareness of the challenges that students face when preparing and planning for the IELTS Academic and General Tests. §  Overall confidence about teaching the IELTS exam preparation classes to students increased. Dr. Abdullah Al Melhi Dean, said, "The workshop was a great professional development opportunity which was collaborative in nature and connected to improving student learning outcomes." The workshop was stimulating and left all who attended engaged intellectually and ready to make a difference.   Date: 12/17/2016 Source: Faculty of Languages and Translation Multimedia Contribution:  Sayed Karim