That there English test

It was removed because it was exposed as having several centres that were cheating and getting English speakers to sit the tests for people who couldn't speak English.

my g/f took a ielts test a few days ago--in the filis. her previous one had expired. that was taken in the UK. she said the recent one was much harder--lots of technical questions. she doesnt know how she got on---and she is a very bright lady--having spent 4+ years in the UK.

I looked at a few sample tests online, and when I looked at the IELTS I thought it looked a bit tricky, knowing my wife's level as I do.

The TOEIC was perfect for her. thins like describing a picture, ticking boxes to say what peole were doing in photos. it was easy for someone with a good overseas knowledge of English.

Some of the others have things like tenses and grammar which is a bit more tricky for someone.

The Cambridge PET or KET looked easier, but only go up to about C1 level for a top level pass. (The top level for KET is a B1, which is a bit risky incase they up the pass rate again for settlement).

They do put a few tricks into the sample test though. An example being in "What has the person lost", and the text saying something like "I've lost my book, ah here it is. Do you have a pen I can borrow as I don't know where mine is?"

The answer is pen, but it's easy to think it is book. And, being multipe choice, you get nothing for knowing what "I've lost my book" means.

That sort of thing.

There are also two Levels of IELTS

General - Accepted for spouses (easier test)

Academic - Required for other VISA's

They call it "Modules" in IELTS. Either way is acceptable

Is this the ESOL B1 test?

I've contacted a local language school and they say she should take the ESOL B1, but it's not specifically on the list.

Is it the same as "ESOL Skills for Life Entry 3"? That is level B1 according to the list. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploa...sh_language_tests_-_updated_November_2014.pdf

Am away just now, Graham so I cannot check. But "Skills for Life" rings a bell.

I see Bootsonground is active. What a decade.

Anyhow...here is the link to the test my wife took. Yes, the Skills for Life Test. It's the only one they do here. Exactly as described in the link.

http://www.iomcollege.ac.im/course-finder/further-education/immigration-speaking-and-listening-test

That's the one, John. Same as we are doing. It looks quite good as it just does speaking and listening and is specifically geared towards the spouse requirements.

OK. It didnt sound too difficult. Of course, both my wife and the Filipina she was paired with both said it was hard. But from her decription of the questions it didnt sound too much of a hurdle.