Volume 1 Edition 1
November 2020
Invent Education is a ‘Global Classroom’ that offers excellent quality instructional videos, audio tutorials, and written material that empowers learners to study at their own pace. A personalised learning dashboard is provided to help students have a structured approach to studying and imbibing.
Computer-delivered IELTS
In many countries you can now choose to take your IELTS test either on paper or on computer. Just like in the paper-based test, in the computer-delivered test the Listening, Reading and Writing sections are all completed on the same day. The Speaking test, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. All other aspects of the test are exactly the same, whether it is taken on paper or on computer, including the test content, the timings of the different sections, the question types and scoring. So, the content of the computer-delivered test is exactly the same as paper-based IELTS, and the skills you need to complete the tasks are identical. However, typing your answers on computer rather than writing them on paper means that things like making corrections, taking notes, highlighting text and key words etc. are a little different.
English is hard
- The bandage was wound around the wound.
- The farm was used to produce produce.
- The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
- We must polish the Polish furniture.
- He could lead if he would get the lead out.
- The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
- Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
- A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
- When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
- I did not object to the object.
- The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
SAT
The novel coronavirus has had a massive impact on colleges, and that includes college admissions. Because of stay-at-home orders, virtual learning, and cancelled SAT and ACT exam dates, among other things, many universities are aware that it might be difficult or impossible for incoming high school seniors to take and do well on standardized tests in time for application deadlines. The result? Dozens of colleges have dropped their SAT and ACT test requirements for the 2020/2021 college admissions cycle. Which schools have cancelled exams? Will they reinstate these test requirements next year? If you’re able to take a test, should you still submit your scores?
Newsletter
The ‘Busy Bee’ will bring you news every month from NovoInvent Education. The news will pertain to the latest in IELTS and SAT. There will be articles on General English, Riddles, Jokes, Puzzles, and much more to keep its readers interested and engaged.
News About IELTS
Due to the Covid-19 situation, IELTS testing is suspended at the moment in a number of countries. IELTS testing has resumed in some locations where it is permitted and safe to do so, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff. For countries where in-person testing is not yet possible, the IELTS partners, the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English, have introduced IELTS Indicator, an online test to help you move forward with your plans and applications for studying abroad during these challenging times.
Benefits of IELTS Indicator
- IELTS Indicator is an official IELTS product you can trust
- The test includes all four skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- It can be completed at home, online while IELTS testing is unavailable in your country
- Your performance is marked by official IELTS examiners
- You receive an indicative score for each section and an overall band score within seven days of taking the test
- Universities and educational institutions can use IELTS Indicator for application purposes.
Due to the Covid-19 situation, IELTS testing is suspended at the moment in a number of countries. IELTS testing has resumed in some locations where it is permitted and safe to do so, with additional precautions in place to help protect the health of test takers and staff. For countries where in-person testing is not yet possible, the IELTS partners, the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English, have introduced IELTS Indicator, an online test to help you move forward with your plans and applications for studying abroad during these challenging times.
It’s important to remember that IELTS Indicator is not a substitute for the in-person IELTS test, it’s a temporary solution while test centres are closed. Before you book, be sure to check with your university or educational institution if they will accept the result. Your university may still need you to take an in-person IELTS test at a test centre once testing starts up again, so make sure you ask them for full details of their requirements. The test fee is 149 USD.
Which Colleges Do Not Require SAT/ACT Scores for 2020/2021 College Admissions?
Below is a chart of all the colleges and universities in the United States that no longer require SAT/ACT scores for any applicants for the 2020/2021 admissions cycle as a result of the coronavirus. Some notable inclusions are the University of California system, Cornell College, and Williams College. Note that this list only includes colleges that have become test optional as a result of the coronavirus; this list only includes schools that are dropping the SAT/ACT requirement. Additional schools, such as Harvard, still require the SAT/ACT but are dropping requirements for SAT Subject Tests and AP tests for this year’s applicants.
Will These Schools Eventually Return to Requiring Standardized Test Scores?
The short answer is that some colleges will, some won’t. Some schools, such as the University of California system, have stated that the suspension of requiring ACT/SAT scores is only a temporary move. Some schools, such as Tufts University and Trinity University, are using this as a trial period, and will keep their test-optional policy for three years before deciding whether to implement it permanently or not.
Other schools, such as the University of Oregon and Scripps College, have announced that they’ve decided to become permanently test optional, beginning with the 2020/2021 admissions cycle. However, most schools aren’t committing to whether or not they’ll continue their test-optional policy after the pandemic ends. What we do know, though, is that more and more schools are becoming test optional. Colleges are making an effort to attract more diverse applicants, and they don’t want potential students to be held back by circumstances beyond their control, whether that’s test centers being shut down because of the coronavirus or
students not being able to afford standardized tests, even in non-pandemic times. Additionally, research has shown that students from more affluent backgrounds consistently have higher SAT and ACT scores, so many schools are dropping the standardized test requirement so students from more disadvantaged backgrounds aren’t put at a further disadvantage during the college admissions process. Already, over 1,000 colleges and universities in the United States are test optional, and others are test flexible— (where you don’t need to submit test scores if you have a certain GPA or meet another requirement). We expect this number to only grow over time.
If You Have SAT or ACT Scores, Should You Still Submit Them?
What if you’ve already taken the SAT or ACT, or you’re able to do so before college deadlines? Should you submit those scores? First, we recommend everyone who is reasonably able to take the SAT/ACT. Your scores might be higher than you expect, and even if they’re not, if you’re applying to a test optional school, you’re under no requirement to submit them. Taking a standardized test gives you the most options.
Second, it’s important to understand what “test optional” means. When a school says they are test optional, it means they don’t require SAT or ACT scores, but they will still review and consider them as part of your application. It does not mean that SAT and ACT scores are no longer important. Only schools that are “test blind” don’t look at standardized test scores at all. Test blind is a very rare policy, and currently only Hampshire College follows it. What does this mean for you? It means that, even for test optional schools, strong SAT or ACT scores will absolutely still help your college applications.
Not submitting test scores won’t hurt your application, as these schools have stated, but it also means you lose out on a potential chance to make your application stronger. So, how to decide? Use these guidelines:
Submit test scores if:
Your test scores are strong (at or near the 75th percentiles of admitted students to the school) You don’t have other strong test scores (AP tests, SAT Subject Tests, etc.) to send The school still recommends submitting scores if you can
Don’t submit test scores if:
Your test scores are low (Below 50th percentiles of admitted students) You’re confident other areas of your application (GPA, class rank, extracurriculars, etc.) make up for a lack of test scores You have strong test scores from other exams (AP tests, SAT Subject Tests, etc.) that you will submit Basically, for people able to take the SAT or ACT, submit your test scores if you think they’ll help you
A Beautiful Story
Read on…
He was watering the plants in the posh gardens of an International school, heat and dust
didn’t seem to affect him.
“Ganga Das, Principal Ma’am wants to see you — right now”…
The last two words of the peon had lots of emphasis on them, trying to make it sound like an urgency.
He quickly got up, washed and wiped his hands and headed towards the Principal’s chamber.
The walk from the garden to the office seemed never ending, his heart was almost jumping out of his chest.
He was trying all the permutation and combination, figuring out as to what has gone wrong that she wants to see him urgently…
He was a sincere worker and never shirked from his duties…
knock knock…
“Madam, you called me?”
“Come inside…” an authoritative voice made him further nervous…
Salt n pepper hair, tied neatly in a French knot, a designer sari— sober and very classic, glasses resting on the bridge of her nose…
She pointed out towards a paper kept on the table…
“Read this”…
“B..but Ma’am I am an illiterate person.
I can not read English.
Ma’am please forgive me if I have done anything wrong… give me another chance…
I am forever indebted to you for allowing my daughter to study in this school, free of cost… I could have never ever dreamt of such a life for my child..”
And he broke down almost trembling: “Hold on, you assume a lot…we allowed your daughter because she is very bright, and you have been our sincere worker.. Let me call a teacher in, she will read it out and translate it to you… this is written by your daughter and I want you to read this.”
Soon enough the teacher was called and she started reading it, translating each line in Hindi…
It read-
“Today we are asked to write about Mother’s Day.
I belong to a village in Bihar, a tiny village where medical and education still seem like a far fetched dream. Many women die every now and then while giving birth. My mother was one of them too, she could not even hold me in her arms. My father was the first person to hold me.. or perhaps the only person. Everyone was sad.. as I was a girl and I had “eaten up” my own mother.
My dad was instantly asked to remarry but he refused.
My grandparents forced him by giving all logical, illogical and emotional reasons but he didn’t budge.
My grand parents wanted a grandson, they threatened him to remarry or else he will be disowned…
He didn’t think twice… he left everything, his acres of land.. a good living, comfortable house, cattle and everything that counts for a good lifestyle in a village.
He came to this huge city with absolutely nothing — but me in his arms. Life was tough, he worked hard day and night raised me with tender love and utmost care.
Now I understand why suddenly he developed a dislike for things that I would love to eat when there was only one piece left in the platter…. he would say that he hates eating it and I would finish it considering that he does not like it…. but as I grew older I realised the reason and what sacrifice is all about.
He gave me the best possible comforts beyond his capacity.
This school gave him a shelter, respect and the biggest gift — an admission to his daughter…
If love and care defines a mother… then my father fits in there.
If compassion defines a mother, my father fits in well in that category too… If sacrifice defines a mother, my father dominates that category.
So in nut shell.. if a mother is made of love, care sacrifice and compassion…
MY FATHER IS THE BEST MOTHER ON EARTH THEN.
On Mother’s Day, I would like to wish my father for being the best parent on earth… I salute him and say it with pride that the hardworking gardener working in this school is my father.
I know I may fail this test after my teacher reads this — but this would be a very small price one would pay towards an ode to the selfless love of my father.
There was a deafening silence in the room… one could only hear soft sobbing of Ganga Das….
The harsh sun could not wet his clothes with sweat but soft words of his daughter had soaked his chest with tears…. he was standing there with hands folded..
He took the paper from teacher’s hands… held it close to his heart and sobbed.
Principal got up.. offered him a chair, glass of water and said something… but, strangely the crispness of her voice was taken over by a surprising warmth and sweetness….
“Ganga Das.. your daughter is given 10/10 marks for this essay… This is the best essay ever written about Mother’s Day in the history of this school.
We are having the Mother’s Day gala event tomorrow and the entire School Management has decided to invite you as the Chief Guest for the event…
This is to honour all the love and sacrifice a man can do to raise his children… to show that you do not have to be a woman to be the perfect parent…
And most importantly this is to reinforce/appreciate/acknowledge the strong belief of your daughter in you, to make her feel proud.. to make the entire school feel proud that we have the best parent on earth as stated by your daughter.“ “You are a True Gardner, who is not only looking after the gardens, but also nurturing the most precious flower of your life in such a beautiful way….”
“So Ganga Das, will you be our Chief Guest for the event?
