Welcome to IELTS

Grants and awards

All IELTS research activities are co-ordinated as part of a comprehensive and coherent framework for research and validation of the test. A major component of this framework is the IELTS Joint-funded Research Program which is sponsored jointly by IELTS Australia and British Council with support from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

The IELTS Master’s Award is awarded annually for the Master’s-level dissertation or thesis in English which makes the most significant contribution to the field of language testing.

The IELTS Partners can offer support for students and external researchers who are engaging in IELTS-related research projects e.g. access to materials and /or test data, where appropriate.

Any enquiries about this type of assistance should be addressed to one of the partner organisations. Each request will be considered individually and take into account confidentiality, security and the amount of resources needed.

The IELTS partners are making available grant funding to a total value of around £120,000 (AUS$225,000) for IELTS-related research projects to be conducted during 2011

IELTS Joint-funded research program 2010/2011

Educational institutions and suitably qualified individuals are invited to apply for funding to undertake applied research projects in relation to the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Financial support for individual projects selected will in principle be limited to a maximum of £15,000/AU$36,000 though this upper limit may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances.

What areas of interest have been identified?

The IELTS Joint Research Committee is interested in supporting external researchers to conduct quality research under the three headings below. This year we would particularly encourage applications to undertake research studies which fit within these broad areas.

1. Test development and validation issues
• Studies investigating the IELTS General Training Reading test, particularly stakeholder reactions to the revised section two
• Investigation of the cognitive processes of IELTS test takers
• Investigation of the process of writing IELTS test items
• Investigation of Writing and Speaking features that distinguish IELTS proficiency levels, including investigation of the impact of different L1s on transition between proficiency levels 

2. Issues relating to contexts of test use
• studies to establish appropriate IELTS score levels in specific contexts (for access to a university department or vocational training course)
• use of IELTS for professional registration purposes, or for purposes of migration, citizenship or employment
• studies investigating the use of IELTS and IELTS scores in local contexts, especially in-depth case studies focusing on individuals or small groups
• Investigation of IELTS usefulness compared to other tests in similar contexts

3. Issues of test impact
• Investigations of the role of interactive communication in the IELTS speaking or writing tests and the impact of this on candidates’ preparedness for interactive communication in study or training contexts.
• Investigations of attitudes towards IELTS among users of test scores including admissions and academic subject staff in receiving institutions
• Investigations of perceptions towards IELTS among test takers, teachers, learners and others engaged in preparing for IELTS (particularly in countries where there has been little or no previous IELTS related research)
• Test impact relating case studies in local contexts (e.g., teachers’ experiences of working with IELTS)
• Case studies on English language progression among overseas students in undergraduate or post-graduate contexts
• Case studies on in-session English programmes at English–speaking universities, particularly with consideration of the relationship between hours of study and typical score gains

Consideration will also be given to other issues of current interest in relation to IELTS.

Annual timetable

All applications received will be treated on a confidential basis.

The decision of the review committee will be final. Proposals from researchers and institutions with established links with IELTS are welcomed.

Institutions/individuals are invited to submit a written application (maximum of 10 pages, unbound) in accordance with the format and content requirements (see 3. Guidelines for applying, below).

2010/2011 Application form
Download the Application form (MS Word, 282KB)

IELTS Joint-funded research program 2010/2011

All IELTS-related research activities are co-ordinated as part of a coherent framework for research and validation. Activities are divided into areas which are the direct responsibility of Cambridge ESOL, and work which is funded and supported by IELTS Australia and the British Council.

As part of their ongoing commitment to IELTS-related validation and research, IELTS Australia and the British Council are once again making available funding for research projects in 2010/2011. For several years now the two partners have issued a joint call for research proposals that reflect current concerns and issues relating to the IELTS test in the international context. Click here for a full list of research studies which have received grant funding since 1995. Such research makes an important contribution to the monitoring and test development process for IELTS; it also helps IELTS stakeholders (e.g. English language professionals and teachers) to develop a greater understanding of the test.

All IELTS research is managed by a Joint Research Committee which agrees research priorities and oversees the tendering process. In determining the quality of the proposals and the research carried out, the Committee may call on a panel of external reviewers. The Committee also oversees the publication and/or presentation of research findings.

What areas of interest have been identified?

This year the IELTS Joint Research Committee would like to encourage applications for research studies which fit within these three broad areas.

1.Test development and validation issues
• Studies investigating the IELTS General Training Reading test, particularly stakeholder reactions to the revised section two
• Investigation of the cognitive processes of IELTS test takers
• Investigation of the process of writing IELTS test items
• Investigation of L1 Writing and Speaking features that distinguish IELTS proficiency levels

2. Issues relating to contexts of test use

• Studies to establish appropriate IELTS score levels in specific contexts (for access to a university department or vocational training course)
• Use of IELTS for professional registration purposes, or for purposes of migration, citizenship or employment
• Studies investigating the use of IELTS and IELTS scores in local contexts, especially in-depth case studies focusing on individuals or small groups
• Investigation of IELTS usefulness compared to other tests in similar contexts

3. Issues of test impact

• Investigations of the role of interactive communication in the IELTS speaking or writing tests and the impact of this on candidates’ preparedness for interactive communication in study or training contexts
• Investigations of attitudes towards IELTS among users of test scores including admissions and academic subject staff in receiving institutions
• Investigations of perceptions towards IELTS among test takers, teachers, learners and others engaged in preparing for IELTS (particularly in countries where there has been little or no previous IELTS related research)
• Test impact relating case studies in local contexts (e.g., teachers’ experiences of working with IELTS)
• Case studies on English language progression among overseas students in undergraduate or post-graduate contexts
• Case studies on in-session English programmes at English–speaking universities, particularly with consideration of the relationship between hours of study and typical score gains

Consideration will also be given to other issues of current interest in relation to IELTS.

Is access to IELTS test materials or score data possible?

Access to IELTS test materials or score data is often not possible for a variety of reasons, e.g. test security, data confidentiality. However, a limited amount of retired material (e.g. writing test prompts) may be made available for research purposes, and IELTS Official Practice Materials, IELTS Scores Explained DVD and other published practice tests can often be used as research tools. Cambridge ESOL may be able to supply writing scripts and speaking test recordings for the purposes of analysis, and a set of instruments and procedures for investigating the impact of IELTS on materials and on the teaching/learning context has also been developed in recent years; these are available for use by researchers following consultation with Cambridge ESOL (and subject to an appropriate research agreement).

Who can submit proposals?

As part of the IELTS policy of stimulating test-related research among its stakeholders, it is hoped that many of the research proposals submitted this year will come from researchers and organisations around the world who have a direct and ongoing connection with IELTS, e.g. consultants, examiners and IELTS Administration Centres. There is, however, no objection to proposals being submitted by other groups/centres/individuals.

Research Ethics and Confidentiality

All applications should follow necessary ethical clearance and confidentiality codes as required by your university, organization and/or region. Click here for a guide to ethics resources from the UK, Europe and the world.

What is the level and duration of funding available?

The maximum amount of funding which will be made available for any one proposal is £15,000/AUS$36,000 (including institutional overheads/taxes). This upper limit may be reviewed in exceptional circumstances. The research study will need to be completed and a full report submitted by the end of December 2011.
Please note that applications for extensive travel or large items of equipment are not encouraged.

What is the procedure for submitting proposals?

The Application form (MS Word, 282KB), a sample proposal format and guidelines for submission (together with terms and conditions) are available on-line and from IELTS Australia and the British Council - see below for contact details. Proposals for funding should take the form of a typed/word-processed document of no more than 10 pages, and be accompanied by the completed application forms.

Who will evaluate the proposals?

All research proposals will be evaluated by the IELTS Joint Research Committee comprising representatives of the three IELTS partners as well as other academic research experts in the field of applied linguistics and language testing.

What criteria will be used to evaluate proposals?

The following factors will be taken into consideration when evaluating proposals:
• Relevance and benefit of outcomes to IELTS
• Clarity and coherence of proposal’s rationale, objectives and methodology
• Feasibility of outcomes, timelines and budget (including ability to keep to deadlines)
• Qualifications and experience of proposed project staff
• Potential of the project to be reported in a form which would be both useful to IELTS and of interest to an international audience.

What is the timescale for the submission and evaluation of proposals?

The following time scale will apply


Where and how to send application forms and proposals?

Applicants should submit application forms and project proposals in both electronic form and hard copy to either the British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia who are equal funding bodies for the IELTS Research Programme.

For further information:

ANNEXE IV

Specifications for formatting your IELTS Research Paper

 Use word for Windows, version 6.
 Use black and white for graphs, tables, etc; no colours
 Take care with pie charts; the different shades of grey may not reproduce so well in the final product.
 Include abstract, authors’ biodata and contents page of your report. The abstract is longer than one A4 size sheet of paper and each author’s biodata should be within 150 words. Contents page should also be included in the beginning of the report.
 Document’s Layout Specifications IELTS Research Report

1 PAGE SET-UP IN MICROSOFT WORD

1.1 Margins

Inside 3 cm (to allow for gutter and binding)
Outside 2 cm
Top 3cm
Bottom 3.5cm

In Page Layout menu on the document, set it at Mirror Margins so gutter space is in the middle of each spread.

1.2 Header

First page of each report – IELTS logo and circles in header (First page to start on RHP)
Alternating: Left hand page – authors’ names, left aligned.
Right hand page – Title of report, right aligned Arial 8 pt bold, no initial capitals, line below from Border menu, 0.5 pt, header 2 cm from top

1.3Footer

Set up as alternating so page number always on outside edge, footer 2 cm from bottom Title of publication and page number within entire publication (not just within that report) + IELTS website; Arial 8 pt bold, different alignment on left and right pages, Line above from Border menu, 0.5 pt. Single paragraph space after footer text.

2. HEADINGS

2.1 HEADING 1, 12 pt
Heading 1, Arial 12 point, bold, capitals, 10 pt space after heading, 20 pt space before heading when in body of text. Use numbering system 1, 2, 3, 4 etc and indent Heading by 1.5cm

2.1.1 Heading 2, 11 pt
Heading 2, Arial 11 point, bold, lower case, no initial capitalisation 4 point space before heading when in body of text; 4 point space after heading

2.1.2 Heading 3, 10 pt
Heading 3, Arial 10, bold, lower case, no initial capitalisation 4 point space before heading when in body of text; 4 point space after heading

2.1.3a Heading 4, 10 pt
Heading 4, 10 pt, not bold, lower case, no initial capitalisation 4 point space before heading when in body of text; 4 point space after heading

3. BODY TEXT
Body of text – Times New Roman, 11 point, left aligned.
Single space between sentences. Single spacing throughout body of text.
8 point space between paragraphs
Bullet points: squares indented in text (1.5cm), text beginning at 2cm, next level of bullet point is a dash, 2 pt between bullets after text. Numbering within body text: use 1, 2, 3 (indented at 1.5cm, text at 2cm) – not i), ii) iii) or a), b), c). Where necessary to indent text (eg sample quote from student exam), indent to 1.5cm, left aligned

3.1 Tables
Text of tables in Arial, 9pt (where feasible – may need to be in 8pt sometimes); Table title in Arial 10 pt, bold, italics;
Title below table. 20 pt space between table and body text paragraphs. Tables left aligned and ensure that all are in black and white (no colour).

3.2 Referencing
Harvard referencing system – no footnotes, brackets within text.
References list – open punctuation (see sample below)
Harvard system – Title of book, journal, conference in italics / Title of article in a journal or chapter in a book in plain text (not italics) in single inverted commas / Title of conference paper in plain text in single inverted commas / Title of unpublished reports or thesis in plain text in single inverted commas

Skehan, P, 1998, A cognitive approach to language learning, Oxford University Press, Oxford Lewkowicz, J, 1997, ‘The integrated testing of a second language’ in Encyclopaedia of Language and Education, Vol 7: Language Testing and Assessment, eds C Clapham and D Corson, Kluwer, Dortrecht, The Netherlands, pp 121-130 Mangan, SS, 1988, ‘Grammar and the ACTFL oral proficiency interview: discussion and data’, Modern Language Journal vol 72, pp 266-76

3.3 Style
Numbers within the text to be written in words up to nine, then numerically from 10 onwards.
Numerical – single figure thousands no comma 2000 not 2,000. Then 10,000 onwards Percentage symbol to be used %, rather than spelling out per cent.
Open punctuation: eg, Dr, Not e.g., Dr., (no full stops)
Australian-style spelling (eg finalise, not finalize)

3.4 Title page of each report
Report title in 18 point bold and 10 pt space afterwards
Author in 12 point bold and 10 pt space afterwards
Grant awarded info and two sentence overview in 12 point Arial (not bold), 10 pt space
Abstract title in Heading 1
Abstract text in body text

3.5 Content page
Contents title in Heading 1
Text in 10 point Arial, with 4 point space after each line
Text bold for top level headings (eg 1, 2, 3) then normal text for others (1.1, 2.2)
Where there is only one author, biodata to fit beneath Contents on the same page. If there are two authors or more, biodata to be on a separate page.

3.6 Pagination
Tables – where possible, ensure text and tables take up a full page (keep short pages to a minimum by moving text or tables if appropriate).

Appendices – where possible, make appendices fit neatly onto pages, and use smaller type if necessary to reduce page numbers.

As part of the tenth anniversary of IELTS in 1999, the IELTS partners - British Council, IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations - established an annual award of £1,000 for the Master's-level dissertation or thesis in English which makes the most significant contribution to the field of language testing.

Submission and evaluation procedures

Each year the IELTS Research Committee, comprising members of the three partner organisations, reviews submissions for the award and shortlists potential winners. Submissions must be for a dissertation/thesis written in partial or total fulfilment of the requirements for a Master's degree or its equivalent, and must be supported by a letter from the applicant's academic supervisor. The work should be language testing focused but need not be IELTS-related.

A full copy of all shortlisted dissertations/theses is then requested and a further reference may be sought. Shortlisted items are reviewed and evaluated by the IELTS Research Committee according to a set timetable and established criteria. The Committee's decision is final.

Annual timetable

* June: Deadline for submission of dissertation/thesis extracts and reference to Cambridge ESOL
* August: Deadline for submission of full copy of short listed dissertations/theses
* October/November: Meeting of IELTS Research Committee
* November/December: Announcement of award

The award is normally presented in public at a major language testing event during the following year, e.g. at the annual Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC), and the IELTS partners sponsor the award winner's attendance at this event for this purpose.

Application forms and further information

Please note that submission details for the IELTS Master's Award may change from year to year. It is therefore important that the most current procedures are consulted. Click here to download the latest IELTS Master's Award Submission Guidelines

Submission and evaluation procedures

Dissertations will only be considered eligible if they were submitted and approved by your university in 2009. Dissertations completed in 2010 will not be considered eligible for the 2010 award but may be submitted the following year.

Submissions should be for dissertations written in partial or total fulfilment of the requirements for a Masters degree or its equivalent. The dissertation should be language testing focused but need not be IELTS-related.

The full dissertation abstract, accompanied by both the Introduction and Method chapters together with a reference from your supervisor, should be submitted in both electronic form and hard copy to:

Dr Sacha DeVelle
Research and Validation Unit
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
1 Hills Road
Cambridge
CB1 2EU
United Kingdom
DeVelle.S@cambridgeesol.org

The IELTS Research Committee will review the submissions and shortlist potential award winners. For all shortlisted submissions a full copy of the dissertation will be requested and a further reference may be sought.

Shortlisted dissertations will be reviewed and evaluated by the IELTS Research Committee according to the following criteria:

• Rationale for the research
• Contextualisation within the literature
• Feasibility of outcomes
• Design of research question(s)
• Choice and use of methodology
• Interpretation and conclusions
• Quality of presentation
• Use of references
• Contribution to the field
• Potential for future publication

The Committee's decision is final.

Timetable

The following timetable will apply in 2010: