Taking IELTS [part 2]

Well, the next tests in IELTS are writing and speaking. TOEFL [paper based] does not include these two examinations. What kind of writing test?

Generally,the writings tasks of IELTS divided into two sections, section one, in which we need to describe a chart, graph, table, or so on; and section two, wherein we have to write a short essay on a topic given.

Look at this example.

 In this section, as clearly stated by the direction, we have to describe the information given.

Rule number one: start with a sentence telling the reader what we are going to explain. For example: The graph shows global water use by sector during the last a century; while the table depicts water consumption in Brazil and Congo in the year 2000.

Rule number two: Just define any information you can obtain from the figure, chart, table, or anything given. Avoid mentioning additional reasons, causes, or any personal thoughts that often we think will give bonus points. I am telling you this, the examiner will cut your points if you’re doing so. There is no use of all those stuff. Just explain what we can read. For example, the graph tells us that the largest water consumption is for agricultural use for the last a hundred years. It keeps raising as the years go by, while water for industrial and domestic use generally minimum until in 1950s, when the uses steadily increase with time. Do not mention some reasons why agriculture consume more water or why the water consumption for industrial and domestic uses are less. Another thing is, in the IELTS preparation, we will be trained to use adverbs to describe how far is the changes in charts or whatsoever, like dramatically, slowly, sharply, etc. It is very useful to give accurate description of some information.

My Jump!

Hi all, a bit long since my last post. Well, I got busy preparing for my qualification exam this morning. And now all done . I’ve done the best, and now let God takes the rest.

Well, as you may or may not heard, I decided to apply for the fast track transfer for PhD program in my department. So here, in NTUST, there is a program for first year master student or fourth year undegraduate students who are qualified, to take a ‘jump’ to PhD program. It means if you’re a master student, you do not have to complete the 2-years master program, but instead directly enrolled as PhD student in the second year of your master program [spend only 1 year in master program], or even you can directly become a PhD student after you finish the undergraduate program.

Around a month ago, the application was due. And I had made up my mind, so I turned in all the requirements needed for the fast track program. After several days, an interview with a kind of committee was held. I had to present my future research plan for PhD program. The announcement for my application was not so soon.

But finally, I received my notification. So, my application has been approved. I am going to be a PhD student [hahaha officially, I must register for Fall 2009].

The hard part is about going to be spilled . One of the requirements for obtaining a PhD degree here is: pass the qualifying exams. In the Department of Chemical Engineering, two out of three qualifying exams need to be overcome. They are Transport Phenomena, Advanced Chem Eng Thermodynamics, and Advanced Chem Eng Kinetics. I took Transport Phenomena this morning. Oh well, how should I say? Bad? Well, I would like to say, I’ve done my best. And I hope I can pass, so I can concentrate to my research next semester.

Today I feel so relieved . Tommorrow waits for experiments .

Taking IELTS [part 1]

In any [or most of] overseas education application, English proficiency proof is a must. I, an Indonesian student, who want to pursue a higher degree of education in the U.S.A, for example, need to prepare proper English proficiency proof as one of requirements for admission. Usually different institutions have their own language requirement set.

Two well-known English proficiency tests are TOEFL and IELTS. Is there any difference? Sure there are several differences. The basic difference is that TOEFL conducted based on the U.S.A [American English], while IELTS developed by the British Council. Other differences mainly cover the technical scope.

So, when we want to apply for admission in overseas educational institution, which one is better?

I will say, both will do. But as my own preference, I prefer IELTS. I have taken many institutional TOEFL tests and I also took an official IELTS test about one and a half year ago. TOEFL [paper based] comprises of grammar understanding, listening and reading comprehension. IELTS tests the proficiency in reading, listening, writing, and also speaking [a one-to-one interview with a licensed examiner]. IELTS seems more intimidating than TOEFL, but as your reference, I found it is really interesting. I would love to talk more about IELTS [since TOEFL is kind of more familiar to everyone]. IELTS test divided into two types: General [for job purpose] and Academic [for school requirement]. They differ in the topic chosen to be examined. Here I will explain about the Academic type.

First test: reading. In an IELTS test,  do not expect to find ‘just a simple multiple choice form’. Look at this reading answer sheet specimen.

 

Quote of the Day

I found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.

–Mother Teresa of Calcutta-

 

The question is: how dare you to bear the pain?

Cerita Hari Rabu

Seperti biasa, hari Rabu adalah hari padat. Kuliah Enzyme Engineering jam 08.30 – 11.20. Kuliah  Characterization for Thin Film Materials [pake Advanced ding, kelupaan ] jam 12.30 – 15.20. Seminar jam 15.30 – 17.00. Sigh. Padat merayap.

Apakah ada yang lucu hari ini? Cuit suka deh sama prof yang ngajar Characterization for Thin Film Materials [jangan menafsirkan 'suka'-nya secara bebas yak hehehe]. Ngajarnya enak sih. Udah gitu lucu lagi [hehe]. Seperti biasa, prof ini suka sekali mengajukan pertanyaan-pertanyaan teroris eh retoris [maksudnya dia udah tau jawabannya gitu, ngetes doang]. Dan seperti biasa juga, mahasiswa-mahasiswa di kelas selalu diem [hihihhi]. Dan masih seperti biasa juga, sang prof akhirnya bilang, ‘Yeah I think this will be a good question in final exam.” Baru pada gabrak-gubruk nyatet ).

Tadi tuh, seperti biasa [lagi], prof bertanya, “Why at the edge the signal intensities always high?’ Dan lagi-lagi, senyap. Satu menit, dua menit. Akhirnya sang prof berkata,”This will be a good question in the final exam [sebenernya pertanyaannya ada berapa seehhh prof di final exam?? Banyak aja ]. I have explained this a long time ago. Can you go back bla bla bla [rada panjang dan teknis bgt ngomongnya, jadi diskip aja]. So, does that answer your question?” Sang prof berhenti sebentar, nyadar, trus berkata lagi,”Answer my own question actually.” Cuit langsung cekikikan [hihihihi]. 

Besok, hari padat merayap lagi. Kuliah Adv Env Science 08.30 – 11.20, kuliah ADV Solid State Chem 13.30 – 16.20, les Mandarin 18.30 – 21.30. Sigh. 

Pengen jalan-jalan [hiks].

Cheers,

cuityangsedangbelajarfenomenatransportyangsusahdangajelasinigimananihtinggalberapaharimintadoanyayahehe

Ketahuan [Jazz Version]

Originally sung by Matta [a band from Bandung, Indonesia]

I love this song!! So much more interesting than the original one…

25 Mei 2009

Facebook dan Y!M statusnya cuit akhir2 ini selalu sama. 25 Mei. Aduh. Ada apa sih dengan 25 Mei? 25 Mei 2009 tepatnya. Ulang tahun kah? Duh masih lama. Panik. Dan beberapa minggu terakhir cuit cuma ngubek2 materi kuliah yg sama. Sigh. Trus ada apa tanggal 25 Mei 2009?

Ini dia: QUALIFYING EXAM. Bold, red, capitals.

Minta doanya ya teman-teman. Terima kasih .

 

[cuitkembalibelajar ditemanikopibukudankertasseabrekdanberharapbisamengingatsemuanyadanlulusamin]