07 Sep 2017

Teachers have been urged to take advantage of the British Council product dubbed ‘International English Language Test (IELTS) to invest in themselves and take their profession further.

The IELTS is the world English test established in 1989 and it tests one’s ability to communicate in English and the test is done in four language skills being listening; reading; speaking and writing.

The chairperson of Botswana Association of Teachers of English (BETA), Mr Lesotlho Sebogodi urged teachers to show interest so that the association could negotiate discount on their behalf as they have established a smooth working relationship with the council.

He explained that the council availed the opportunity to BETA members on January and a good number applied, but they were eliminated on technicality of the test.

Earlier on, Mr Stephen Kiror from the British Council explained that the council was committed to support education sector, adding that they worked with many cultural and educational organisations.

He said the IELTS product was relevant to teachers as it could take their profession to greater heights, adding that their product was conducted in more than 110 countries worldwide.

“We offer various programmes from education to cultural relations.

We connect people worldwide with learning opportunities and creative ideas,” he added.

Mr Kiror further said over two million candidates appear on the programme annually, noting that some countries used IELTS as standard English speaking.

He said many organisations had accepted and trusted the product as it produced desired results.

The product, he said, was also increasingly used by employers, professional bodies, government agencies and institutes of higher education.

He also mentioned some of the reasons why people should take the product such as reliability, 100 per cent integrity, unique online registration, practice and fast online results.

Results were said to be seen online within 13 days of the date one took the test.

When an applicant confirmed their registration for an IELTS test with the council, they also got access to 30 minutes of free training.  

Mr Kiror revealed that in Botswana, the test was conducted in Gaborone and urged all to apply and gain English language qualifications that would help them make the most of their chances in life. Ends