Foreign Examinations

TOEFL - TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (FULL INFORMATION)

The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is used to measure English language proficiency. The TOEFL iBT® test, administered via the Internet, is an important part of your journey to study in an English-speaking country. In addition to the test, the ETS TOEFL Program provides tools and guides to help you prepare for the test and improve your English-language skills.

What is the TOEFL iBT Test?

The TOEFL iBT test measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. And it evaluates how well you combine your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills to perform academic tasks. It is an integrated test that combines up to three different communication skills in testing students' English language proficiency.
Millions of people, especially students from all over the world have taken the TOEFL test to demonstrate their English-language proficiency. Various people have taken the TOEFL test under the following categories:                     

• Students planning to study at a higher education institution.
• English-language learning program admissions and exit.
• Scholarstic and certification candidates.
• English-language learners who want to track their progress.     
• Students and workers applying for visas/resident permit.

Who Accepts TOEFL iBT Test Scores?

More than 8,500 , agencies and other institutions in over 130 countries accept TOEFL scores. It is the most popular English language proficiency in the world.
Your test scores will be considered together with other information you supply to the institution to determine if you have the appropriate academic and language background to be admitted to a regular or modified program of study. Often your field of study and whether you are applying as a graduate or undergraduate student will determine what scores you need.

Is there a Minimum Acceptable score?

Each institution that uses TOEFL scores sets its own minimum level of acceptable performance. These minimum scores vary from one institution to another, depending on factors such as the applicant’s field of study, the level of study (undergraduate or graduate), whether the applicant will be a teaching assistant, and whether the institution offers English as Second Language support for its students.

How is the TOEFL iBT Scored?

Thirty(30) points are allotted for each of the four sections of the TOEFL iBT. The total obtainable score is 120 points.

Test Seat Availability

The TOEFL test is taken all year round, especially on weekends. There are few authorized TOEFL test centers currently administering the TOEFL iBT test in Nigeria. Because of the high demand for the test, seats get quickly filled up, so students are encouraged to register well ahead of time in order to get their preferred test dates and locations.

Acceptable Document for Identification

Test takers in Nigeria will need a valid international passport as an identifying document on the day of the exam.

Test Duration

The TOEFL iBT test lasts for about four(4) hours, so candidates are advised to plan their test day properly. No other serious engagement should be fixed for that day.

Test Preparation

Four weeks of good preparation is recommended  for the TOEFL iBT examination.
For answers to other questions regarding the TOEFL test in Nigeria, please contact +234-8163154120

GRE - GRADUATE RECORD EXAMINATION (FULL INFORMATION)

The GRE Computer Based Test (CBT) is required by graduate and professional schools, as it is considered a crucial prerequisite/component for admission to a graduate program. Applicants for graduate school courses are usually required to submit the GRE test results together with other undergraduate records as part of the application/admission process. The test simply examines your analytical and critical reasoning skills. These are skills that have been established to contribute to successful achievement in a graduate program. The examination does not test prior knowledge of data or facts specific to any field of study.

The computer-based GRE contains three distinct sections with various types of questions:

Analytical Writing Assessment: One 30-minute “Analyze an Issue” task, and one 30-minute “Analyze an Argument” task.

Quantitative Reasoning: Two 20-question sections containing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, quantitative comparisons, and data interpretation questions. Average time for each section is 35minutes.
Verbal Reasoning: Two 20-question sections containing analogies/synonyms, sentence completions, and comprehension reading questions.

Prospective graduate and business school applicants from all around the world take the GRE revised General Test. Applicants usually come from different educational and cultural backgrounds and the GRE revised General Test provides a common measure for comparing candidates' qualifications.

GRE scores are used by admissions or fellowship panels to supplement your undergraduate records, recommendation letters and other qualifications for graduate-level study.
Here's a look at content covered in the three test sections — Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Analytical Writing.

Verbal Reasoning The Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to:

• analyze and draw conclusions from discourse; reason from incomplete data; identify author's assumptions and/or perspective; understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author's intent
• select important points; distinguish major from minor or relevant points; summarize text; understand the structure of a text
• understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts; understand relationships among words and among concepts

Featuring new types of questions, the Verbal Reasoning section measures your ability to understand what you read and how you apply your reasoning skills.

Quantitative Reasoning The Quantitative Reasoning section measures your ability to:

• understand quantitative information
• interpret and analyze quantitative information
• solve problems using mathematical models
• apply basic mathematical skills and elementary mathematical concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics

With increased emphasis on data interpretation and real-life scenarios, this section has new types of questions that require you to show your quantitative reasoning ability. To reduce the emphasis on computation, the computer-based test includes an on-screen calculator. And, if you are taking the paper-based test, a calculator will be provided at the test center.
Analytical Writing The Analytical Writing section measures your ability to:

• articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively
• support ideas with relevant reasons and examples
• examine claims and accompanying evidence
• sustain a well-focused, coherent discussion
• control the elements of standard written English

The Analytical Writing section requires you to provide focused responses based on the tasks presented, so you can accurately demonstrate your skill in directly responding to a task.
GRE test takers in Nigeria will need an international passport as an of identifying document on the  examination day.

We recommend that prospective GRE test takers should prepare for at least eight(8) weeks before sitting for the test. This will help them get familiar with the examination content and ensure proper time management.

GMAT - GRADUATE MANAGEMENT ADMISSION TEST (FULL INFORMATION)

Leading business schools and management education programs worldwide recognize the GMAT as the most effective predictor of success. You may already be on a career path, but you know that a management education will lead to even greater opportunities. Your continued success starts with the GMAT.

Consisting of four main parts delivered in English and administered in test centers around the world, the GMAT exam measures verbal, mathematical, integrated reasoning, analytical and writing skills that you’ve developed over time. The examination helps graduate programs assess your qualifications for advanced study in business and management. Your scores are valid for five years, so you have the ability to start your graduate studies now or much later.

The Analytical Writing Assessment (AWA) of the GMAT is designed as a direct measure of your ability to think critically and to communicate your ideas. The AWA consists of one 30-minute writing task— Analysis of an Argument.

The arguments presented on the test concern topics of general interest related to business or a variety of other subjects. Specific knowledge of the essay topic is not necessary; only your capacity to write analytically is assessed.

For the Analysis of an Argument section, you will need to analyze the reasoning behind a given argument and write a critique of that argument. You are not being asked to present your own views on the subject.

Two types of multiple-choice questions are used in the Quantitative section of the GMAT exam—Problem Solving and Data Sufficiency. The Quantitative section of the GMAT measures the ability to reason quantitatively, solve quantitative problems, and interpret graphic data.
Problem-Solving and Data-Sufficiency questions are intermingled throughout the section. Both types of questions require knowledge of:

• Arithmetic,
• Elementary algebra, and
• Commonly known concepts of geometry.

Three types of multiple-choice questions are used in the Verbal section of the GMAT® exam—Reading Comprehension, Critical Reasoning, and Sentence Correction. The Verbal section of the GMAT exam measures your ability to:

• read and comprehend written material,
• reason and evaluate arguments, and
• correct written material to conform to standard written English.

Acceptable Document for Identification

Test takers in Nigeria will need a valid international passport as an identifying document on the day of the exam.

Test Duration

The GMAT test lasts for about four(4) hours, so candidates are adviced to plan their test day properly. No other serious engagement should be fixed for that day.

Test Preparation

Eight weeks of good preparation is recommended  for the GMAT examination. For answers to other questions regarding the GMAT test in Nigeria.

SAT - SCHOLARSTIC APTITUDE TEST (FULL INFORMATION)

The SAT exam (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a recognized university admission test in the USA The test lets you show universities what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. SAT exam, tests your knowledge of reading, writing, and mathematics — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. Most students take the SAT exam during their junior or senior year of high school, and a large number of universities use the SAT test scores to make admission decisions.

Taking the SAT test/exam is the first step in finding the right university for you as an aspiring undergraduate. You must bear in mind that SAT test/exam scores are just one of many factors that universities consider when making their admission decisions. High school grades are also very important. In fact, the combination of high school grades and SAT exam scores is the best predictor of your academic success in university.

The general SAT test/exam which is usually referred to SAT 1 does not test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you are learning in school: reading, writing and mathematics. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in university and throughout your life.

The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions.

The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar usage.

The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.

Subject Tests usually referred to as SAT II is an hour-long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas where you excel. These are the only international admission tests where you choose the tests that best showcase your achievements and interests as a prospective undergraduate.

SAT Subject Tests allow you to differentiate yourself in the University admission process or send a strong message regarding your readiness to study specific majors or programs in University. In conjunction with your other admission credentials (your high school record, SAT exam scores, teacher recommendations, etc.), they provide a more complete picture of your academic background and interests.

Some universities also use Subject Tests to place students into the appropriate courses. Based on your performance on the test(s), you could potentially fulfill basic requirements or receive credit for introductory-level courses.

High scores in SAT test/exam may result in scholarship opportunities abroad.

The total score for SAT I is 1600---- (Mathematics---800, Critical Reasoning and Writing---800)

SAT 2 is the subject test which is required by some specific schools, subjects include major secondary school subjects.

SAT 1 and SAT 2 are arranged and administered in Nigeria about six(6) - seven(7) times a year.

SAT test/exam registration in Nigeria is usually done about 8-10 weeks before the intended exam date.

Acceptable Document for Identification

Test takers in Nigeria will need a valid international passport as an identifying document on the day of the exam.

Test Duration

The SAT test lasts for about four(4) hours, so candidates are advised to plan their test day properly. No other serious engagement should be fixed for that day.

Test Preparation

Eight weeks of good preparation is recommended  for the SAT examination.

ACT - AMERICAN COLLEGE TEST (FULL INFORMATION)

he ACT is an entrance exam that many colleges and universities in the United States use as part of the college admissions process. The ACT is a standardized test that evaluates a student's skills in five core areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, Science, and Essay Writing (optional). Students in grades 11 and 12 take the ACT so that they can process admission into colleges or universities.

The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice sections- English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science-and one optional essay section-Writing. Total testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes for the ACT without Writing and 3 hours and 35 minutes for the ACT with Writing. The breakdown of each section is as follows:

ACT Test Breakdown

Section	# of Questions & Time Limit	Content/Skills Covered	Question Types
English	75 questions in 45 min.	grammar & usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style	four-choice, multiple-choice usage/mechanics and rhetorical skills questions
Math	60 questions in 60 min.	pre-algebra, elementary algebra, intermediate algebra, coordinate geometry, plane geometry, and trigonometry	five-choice, multiple-choice questions
Reading	40 questions in 35 min.	reading comprehension of what is directly stated or implied	four-choice, multiple-choice referring and reasoning questions
Science	40 questions in 35 min.	interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem solving	four-choice, multiple-choice data representation, research summaries, and conflicting viewpoints questions
Writing (optional)	1 essay in 40 min.	writing skills	essay prompt

 ACT SCORING PATTERN

The ACT provides four answer choices to questions in the English, Reading, and Science tests but five answer choices to questions in the Math test. The ACT has a unique feature in which the odd-numbered questions have answer choices labeled A through D or E, whereas the even-numbered questions have answer choice labeled F through J or K with the exclusion of I.
Each correct answer on the ACT gets you a raw point, and there is no penalty for wrong answers. A scale score ranging from 1-36 is computed for each test on the basis of the raw score secured in that test. The ACT also provides a STEM score and seven different sub-scores.

ACT ENGLISH TEST
The English test consists of five passages with 15 questions per passage. Most of the questions ask you to select the answer that is most appropriate in grammar and style or the one that is most consistent with the tone of the passage.
Six elements of effective writing are tested in the English test, that fall under two categories.
1 Usage/Mechanics-40 questions

• Punctuation (10 questions)
• Grammar and usage (12 questions)
• Sentence structure (18 questions)

2 Rhetorical Skills-35 questions

• Strategy (12 questions)
• Organization (11questions)
• Style (12 questions)

ACT MATH TEST
Approximately 14 pre-algebra based, 10 Elementary algebra-based, 9 intermediate algebra-based, 9 coordinate geometry-based, 14 plane geometry-based, and 4 trigonometries based question comprise the math test. While the questions are arranged in a ‘general order of difficulty-easy, medium, and hardly you may see a few hard questions in the first 20 questions conversely, you may also find a few easy questions among the last 20 question’.

ACT READING TEST
Four passages belonging to for genres prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences comprise the Reading test. A Passage always follows this order and each passage is followed by 10 questions. This gives the test taker the advantage of working on those passages belonging to the genres he is most comfortable with first and save the harder ones at the end.

ACT SCIENCE TEST
The ACT science test does not test any ‘Science’ based knowledge; rather it is a test of reading and Reasoning based on science-related passages. In this test, you will see about 2-3 Charts and Graphs passages, about 2-3 science experiment passages, and 1 or 2 fighting scientists a passages-the number of questions ranged from 5 to 7.

ACT WRITING TEST
The writing test is optional and needs to be taken if the essay score is required by the college you are applying to. Most of the time the essay task asks you to take a position on an issue presented before you. The essay task asks for your views on an issue in the context of the three given perspectives presented on the issue.

IELTS - INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM

The international English language testing system (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 2 million tests taken through more than 800 test centers and locations in over 130 countries last year. IELTS is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the TOEFL.
IELTS assesses all of your English skills — Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, and is designed to reflect how you will use English at study, at work, and at play, in your new life abroad.
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training Version.

• The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.
• The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

You can take either IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training – depending on the organization you are applying to and your plans for the future. Both versions of the test are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.

WHY CHOOSE IELTS EXAM?

IELTS scores are accepted by over 9,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
IELTS is designed by experts to fairly assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is the language of communication.

International English

IELTS recognizes both British and American English in terms of spelling, grammar, and choice of words. It also incorporates a mix of native speaker accents from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US in the Listening component.

International Content

The IELTS approach is recognized as being fair, reliable and valid to all candidates, whatever their nationality, cultural background, gender or special needs. The test questions are developed by a network known as the IELTS item writers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and the US. They are based on real-life sources (for example, advertisements, books, newspapers and company policies), so ensuring that they are always fit for purpose.

International Consultation

IELTS has been developed in close consultation with academics, professional bodies, and immigration authorities from around the world.

International partners

IELTS is owned by a global partnership of education and language experts: the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the Cambridge English Language Assessment. These bodies are dedicated to academic excellence, cultural understanding, student recruitment and creating success worldwide.

Choose from more than 900 locations worldwide

IELTS tests are offered up to four times a month in over 900 test venues in more than 130 countries. The cost of taking the test is set locally and payable in the local currency, making registration convenient. Results are issued 13 calendar days after the test. Official IELTS test centers can send Test Report Forms directly to your organization or institution (provided it has been nominated), either by mail or as an electronic download.
Choosing IELTS enables you to:

• Prove your English Language Skills: Educational institutions, employers and government immigration agencies require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures. Increasingly, these organizations are choosing IELTS.
• Gain worldwide recognition for Study, Work, and Immigration: IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. Last year, over 2 million candidates used IELTS to open doors to the English-speaking world and beyond. IELTS is recognized by more than 8,000 organizations worldwide.
• Decide on a module that matches your goal: You will take a Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking test. You can choose between two IELTS modules in the Reading and Writing tests:
• Academic – if you want to study in English at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or seek professional registration.
• General Training – if you want to migrate to an English-speaking country (e.g. Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), or wish to train or study in English at below degree level.

All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests.

• Get the meaningful international result: The IELTS scoring system is recognized globally, giving you a truly international result. You will receive a score of 0–9, with 0 being for those who did not attempt the test and 9 being for those with a high level of English. Most universities accept scores between 6–7 as being suitable for undergraduate study in English.

The IELTS 9-band score system is consistent. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is the same scale of difficulty.

WHO ACCEPTS IELTS?

The IELTS test is developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment. It has an excellent international reputation and is accepted by over 8,000 organizations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
IELTS is the most widely accepted English language test that uses a one-on-one speaking test to assess your English communication skills. This means that you are assessed by having a real-life conversation with a real person. This is the most effective and natural way of testing your English conversation skills.

IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI & LIFE SKILL)

If the UK visa you are applying for asks you to prove your English language ability, IELTS is on the list of approved secure English Language Tests. The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specified only for individuals who wish to study, work or live in the United Kingdom. You can still choose between the IELTS Academic, General Training or IELTS Life Skills for UKVI tests, but you must ensure that you sit the exam at a center authorized by the British Home Office.
While the IELTS Life Skills is a UK Government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) version of the IELTS test. It is used to aid UK Visa and Immigration applications and is designed for international English speakers who need to meet specific immigration requirements. Candidates are required to demonstrate speaking and listening skills only. Your speaking and listening abilities will be assessed at levels A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The IELTS Life Skills test is available at two levels.
If you are applying for a visa to move to or stay in the UK, you can choose one of the tests below:

IELTS for UKVI Academic

IELTS for UKVI Academic is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration in the UK.
When applying for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at most UK universities and colleges, different arrangements may apply – you should contact the institution you wish to apply to for more information.
Components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

IELTS for UKVI General Training

IELTS Life Skills A1

IELTS Life Skills A2*

IELTS Life Skills B1

IELTS TEST FORMAT

All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a band score, which is shown on the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test

IELTS Listening – Duration 30Minutes

IELTS listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It consists of four recorded sections, played on cassette tape, in order of increasing difficulty. Each section might be a dialogue or a monologue. These include questions which test your ability to understand main ideas and detailed factual information, ability to understand the opinions and attitudes of speakers, ability to understand the purpose of an utterance and the ability to follow the development of ideas. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used and the test is played once only, and the questions for each section must be answered while listening, although time is given for students to check their answers.

IELTS Reading – Duration 60Minutes

Reading is the second part of the IELTS test, and takes 60 minutes. It consists of three or sometimes four reading passages of increasing difficulty, and there are a total of 40 questions to answer. A variety of question types is used in order to test a wide range of reading skills. These including reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, recognizing writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose. Though you can mark and write on the Question Paper, you must enter your answers on the Reading Answer Sheet, and be aware that no extra time is given for transferring your answers from the test booklet to the Reading Answer Sheet.

IELTS Writing – Duration 60Minutes

IELTS Writing Test lasts for 60 minutes, and you will need to complete two writing tasks, each of which requires different text types (description, report, discussion, argument, opinion text).

IELTS Writing Task 1

In the first part, you are given a task based on some graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarize or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. You are expected to write a descriptive report of at least 150 words on the information provided.

IELTS Writing Task 2

The second task is more demanding. You are expected to produce a written argument on a given topic and to organize your answer clearly, given some examples to support your points. You will have to write at least 250 words and, as Task 2 is longer than Task 1, you are advised to spend approximately 40 minutes on this task and 20 minutes on the first task. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.

IELTS General Writing

If you are planning to take the GT module, the Writing test is different. You are allowed one hour to complete two tasks, of 150 and 250 words, as in the Academic module. However, Task 1 is always a letter, while Task 2 is an essay based on a given topic

IELTS Speaking – Duration: 11 to 14 Minutes

IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner. The Speaking section assesses your use of spoke English. The three parts give the candidate the opportunity to use a range of different speaking skills. IELTS Speaking is recorded. The Speaking section is delivered in such a way that it does not allow candidates to rehearse set responses beforehand.

Timing

11 – 14 minutes

Marks

Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout the test.

NOTE:

No additional time is given for transfer of answers in Reading and Writing modules

The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.

The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.

Whatever your reason for taking IELTS, make the most of your language skills.