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A
language-proficiency examination, developed jointly in the UK
and Australia. Suitable for anyone planning to emigrate to an
English-speaking country (except the USA) or to study in the UK,
Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, etc. |
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The
exam tests all four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and
Speaking – at either the Academic level or in a General Training
context. The classes at ALBA concentrate mainly on the Academic
strand. |
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The
philosophy of the “course” is that it should give students a
broad-based experience of English at an academic level, not
always specifically oriented to the test itself. General
awareness of the language and of the underlying culture is
encouraged by semi-formal discussions, as well as by the use of
selected audio and video materials, most of which are not
readily available elsewhere. |
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From
time to time, practice sub-tests are arranged, in which students
approach tasks under exam conditions (as nearly as possible) |
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The
classes concentrate on Listening and Reading, with optional
Writing assignments. Individual speaking is not feasible in a
large-group context, but students are always encouraged to
contribute to classes, with comments, questions (complaints?) |
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