Business plan for online business

Executive Summary

Nature's Candy is an e-commerce company designed to become the market leader in Web based sales of naturalistic and homeopathic nutritional supplements.  The company is located in Portland, OR.  Although many Internet companies have recently failed, the Internet is still poised to support e-commerce retailers.  Most of the dot-coms failed because of too easy access to capital and unproven business models with no true revenue streams.  Nature's Candy will overcome these problems with an easy-to-use website and an efficient distribution system.

In the next three years Nature's Candy intends to create an icon e-commerce brand through laser-focused marketing and will grow to $319,000 in revenue.

1.1 Objectives

Nature's Candy's objectives for the first three years are:

• To make Nature's Candy an icon brand.
• To develop an effective, well placed e-commerce site for sales of homeopathic and naturopathic products.
• To launch a laser-focused marketing campaign in a controllable and measurable market that will drive customer's toward the company's website.
• To create an infrastructure for the fulfillment of Web-based sales.

1.2 Mission

Nature's Candy's mission is to provide the finest in natural supplements using the Internet to lower the consumer's cost.  We exist to attract and maintain customers.  When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.  Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.  

1.3 Keys to Success

Nature's Candy's keys to success are:

• Marketing.
• Web design.
• Product quality.
• Service.

Company Summary

Nature's Candy's goal is to become the e-commerce market leader in sales and marketing of naturopathic and homeopathic dietary supplements.

2.1 Start-up Summary

Nature's Candy will incur the following start-up costs:

• Legal fees for the business formation.
• Office supplies.
• Web development.
• Telephone line installation.
• Desk, chair, filing cabinets.
• Shelving units for inventory storage.
• Computer system with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks Pro, CD-RW, printer, and a broadband Internet connection.

Start-up Requirements

Start-up Expenses

      Legal                                                $1,000

      Stationery etc.                                   $200

      Web Development                              $10,000

     Total Start-up Expenses                       $11,200

Start-up Assets

Cash Required                                       $65,600O

other Current Assets                              $0

Long-term Assets                                  $3,200

TOTAL ASSETS

$68,800

Total Requirements

$80,000

START-UP FUNDING

Start-up Expenses to Fund

$11,200

Start-up Assets to Fund

$68,800

TOTAL FUNDING REQUIRED

$80,000

Assets

Non-cash Assets from Start-up

$3,200

Cash Requirements from Start-up

$65,600

Additional Cash Raised

$0

Cash Balance on Starting Date

$65,600

TOTAL ASSETS

$68,800

Liabilities and Capital

Liabilities

Current Borrowing

$0

Long-term Liabilities

$0

Accounts Payable (Outstanding Bills)

$0

Other Current Liabilities (interest-free)

$0

TOTAL LIABILITIES

$0

Capital

Planned Investment

Quack

$45,000

Stewart

$35,000

Other

$0

Additional Investment Requirement

$0

TOTAL PLANNED INVESTMENT

$80,000

Loss at Start-up (Start-up Expenses)

($11,200)

TOTAL CAPITAL

$68,800

TOTAL CAPITAL AND LIABILITIES

$68,800

Total Funding

$80,000

2.2 Company Ownership

Nature's Candy is a privately held Oregon corporation.  Quack Vendor will be the majority owner.  The company intends to recruit a sophisticated team of owner board members. The board members will be granted shares of stock to provide an incentive for their performance on the board.

Products

Nature's Candy will market and sell private label (manufactured by a company that places the retailer's name on the packaging) naturopathic homeopathic dietary supplements to individual consumers via the Internet.  These products will include ginseng, ginkoba, and various antioxidants.  After year one additional products will be offered.

Market Analysis Summary

The market for vitamins and nutritional supplements has grown to over $6.5 billion annually. Herbal sales alone are growing by 20% per year.  This market is lead by the aging Baby Boomer who is concerned with his/her mortality.  Also, there has been a paradigm shift of perception of nutritional supplements.  Homeopathic and naturopathic products are seen as normal.  In addition, positive medical results from major studies have further legitimized these products.

4.1 Market Segmentation

A significant trend in America, and abroad, is that people are taking a more proactive interest in their health.  This is exemplified by the increase of health clubs and health club memberships.  People are looking to avoid invasive surgery and powerful pharmaceuticals. People are taking an active role in the maintenance of their health and practicing preventive medicine.  Naturopathic medicine promotes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of human disorders through the use of non-invasive, non-pharmaceutical products and practices.  In 1993, the United Stated government recognized this trend when it established the Office of Alternative Medicine.

Besides the general development of naturopathic medicine, the aging of the American population is a significant trend driving the use of naturopathic and homeopathic health supplements.  The Baby Boomers are now reaching middle age and mortality is becoming a focus.  This demographic segment, which is comprised of 80 million people, represents over 50% of our county's discretionary income.  It is reasonable to believe that this wealthy market segment will continue to grow the sales of naturopathic products.

Another global trend is the emergence and popularity of e-commerce.  Brand-focused Web retailers that can provide quality products, customer service, information, and the intangible, emotional buy-in by the customer are becoming hugely successful.  E-commerce retailers have an advantage in that "Unlike traditional retailers, Web-based sellers are not slowed by the friction of store growth and local marketing"  (J.W. Gurley, Fortune, 1/11/98).  In addition, e-commerce companies do not have the excessive overhead of a traditional brick and mortar retailer.  As seen by the recent success of Amazon.com and Gap.com, consumers are comfortable buying online and will pay for convenience.  Experts predict Web sales to grow to $12 billion by 2003.

This enthusiasm about the Internet is not irrational but grounded in reality in light of the recent market crash of Internet retailers.  The recent Internet crash was based on too-easy access to capital invested into retailers and other dot-coms without reasonable business plans or revenue models.  Regardless of the recent fallout, the Internet is a very efficient marketing and distribution model that if done right, significantly decreases costs of serving the consumer. Nature's Candy will harness these efficiencies and will grow intelligently unlike other .dot-coms that became dot-bombs.

4.2 Industry Analysis

The nutritional supplement market is a semi-mature market characterized by high-growth rates, medium barriers to entry, and a few large competitors.  Despite the competition in the market, many companies have reported annual growth levels of 30%.  The market leaders are as follows:

• GNC (General Nutritional Companies, Inc.): This company is a nationwide specialty retailer of vitamins, minerals, and sports nutrition supplements.  With over 3,000 stores, GNC generated $1.19 billion in 2000.

• Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.: Nature's manufactures and markets a variety of health supplements.  This multi-level marketing company had 2000 revenues of approximately $370 million.

• Rexall Sundown, Inc.: Rexall develops, manufactures, markets and sells vitamins, nutritional supplements, and consumer health products through retailers, independent distributors, and mail order.  Rexall had 2000 revenues of approximately $370 million.

• International Vitamin Company, Inc.: IVC manufactures, packages, sells, and distributes private label vitamins and nutritional supplements to drug stores, supermarkets and health food stores.  IVC had revenues of $107 million in 2000.

The primary channels of distribution in this market are:

• Mass market retailers (Fred Meyer, Rite Aide).
• Direct Sales organizations.
• Health Food Stores (GNC).
• Mail order catalogs and the Internet.

4.2.1 Competition and Buying Patterns

Within the mass market retailer channel, the three main primary vitamin and supplement product categories are national brands, broad-line brands, and private label brands.  The national and broad line brands consist of 60% of the domestic market, which the private label brands account for the remaining 40% of the market.

National BrandsExamples:  Centrum, One-A-Day.
Generally do not provide a full line of vitamins or other supplements.
The product formulas are conservative and generic in nature.

Broad-line Brands
Examples:  Rexall Sundown, GNC's Nature's Fingerprint, Country Life.
Full lines of produce under one brand.
Manufactured by company.
This is the market segment where most of the product development and innovation occurs.
Stronger potencies and cutting edge ingredients.
Highest price.

Private Label Products
Examples:  NatureMed.
Under retailer's name.
Smaller line of products than broad-line brands.
Manufactured by a third party.
More conservative potencies than broad line.
Tend to be the cheapest.

Strategy and Implementation Summary

Nature's Candy's strategy is based on capturing a small percentage of the growing homeopathic and naturopathic supplement market share through Web sales.

Also, Nature's Candy intends to create a premier brand, so that they can eventually capture market share across broad geographic lines.

5.1 Competitive Edge

Nature's Candy's competitive edge will be their easy-to-use website and superior customer service.  The website design will be a competitive advantage because research indicates that an easy-to-use website significantly increases sales.  The design of Nature's site will encourage purchases because it is so easy and quick to make the purchase.  Too often sales are lost because of complex websites that are far from intuitive.

Nature's Candy's other competitive edge is superior customer service.   The mantra of the customer service department is to serve the customer in any way required.  Customers that call in with problem/issues will be amazed at the amount of personal attention they receive and how quickly issues are not only resolved, but significantly improved.  This will be a powerful asset.

5.2 Marketing Strategy

Nature's Candy  is focused on the merging/redefined Internet marketplace.  The users will be Baby Boomers, which represent approximately 50% of the discretionary income currently in the United States.  They are looking for proactive, non-invasive, and non-pharmaceutical ways to stay healthy as they age.  Nature's Candy can bring these people cutting-edge products coupled with convenience and service.

The long range goal of Nature's Candy is not only to dominate the naturopathic and homeopathic supplement market, but to create an icon brand.  Initially the company will:

• Engage in Web-based marketing for the next year to generate awareness of the company and product information.  Because Internet based advertising has declined in recent quarters, the prices for advertising have consequently significantly dropped making the expenditure more cost effective.

• Engage in outdoor advertising providing general awareness to the public at large and direct individuals to the company's website.

5.3 Sales Strategy

Nature's Candy will process 90% of it's sales online through a secure socket layer (SSL), an secure Internet connection.  All orders will be charged to Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.

By ensuring that the website is easy to navigate as well as simple to order from, Nature's Candy will be ensuring that people who make it to the website will end up purchasing something.  This last point is key.  Research indicates that too many sites that are not easy or intuitive lose customers who migrate through the site, often putting products in their basket, yet leave without purchasing anything.

5.3.1 Sales Forecast

The first month and a half will be used to develop and ready the site. There will be no sales. From month two on, Nature's Candy expects a gradual rise in sales.

5.4 Milestones

Nature's Candy will have several milestones early on:

• Business plan completion.  This will be done as a roadmap for the organization.  This will be an indispensable tool for the ongoing performance and improvement of the company.
• Office set up.
• Website completed.
• Complete hiring of the initial company personnel.

Web Plan Summary

Nature's Candy will use their website as their catalog and ordering device.  The website will be a complete product offering as well as to provide company information.

The website will be designed with simplicity in mind.  It is imperative that customers are able to navigate throughout the site intuitively with no problems.  Nature's Candy will be benchmarking websites such as Amazon's to develop a best practices for the different elements of the site.

A phone number will be offered on the website to remedy and problems that customers encounter.

6.1 Website Marketing Strategy

The website will be marketed through search engines such as Yahoo and Google.  In addition to advertisements on search engines, Nature's Candy will advertise with websites that have similar customer demographics like REI.com, an outdoor retailer.  The cost of Internet advertising has dropped significantly with the collapse of so many dot-coms that it has become quite cost effective.

6.2 Development Requirements

Stew Wachit will be responsible for site development. Stew will be hiring a programmer to assist him starting month one.

Management Summary

Quack Vendor, president and founder.  Quack worked for Arthur Andersen until qualifying for his CPA credential.  He left Arthur Andersen to become operations manager at Nautilus Footwear, a niche footwear start-up.  His duties included general office management, finance manager, and jack-of-all-trades.  Quack has gained useful insight into the supplemental industry through in-depth conversations with his father, a naturopathic physician.  He received his BS from the University of Oregon.

Stewart Wachit, technology officer.  Stew worked at Imagina for two years where he specialized in C++ and HTML/XML programming.  Stewart left Imagina to become a Web database developer at Systems Management Incorporated, specializing in ColdFusion and JSP.  He received his BS from the University of Pittsburgh.

There are important gaps as follows:

• Customer service representative/manager.
• Distribution/warehouse manager.
• Advisory board.

7.1 Personnel Plan

Quack and Stewart will be on the payroll starting month one and a customer service agent and distribution agent will be hired for month two.

One programmer in addition to Stew will be hired in month one.

8. Break-even Analysis

The Break-even Analysis indicates that $24,248 will be needed in monthly revenue to reach the break-even point.

8.1 Projected Profit and Loss

The following table will indicate projected profit and loss.

8.4 Projected Cash Flow

The following chart and table will indicate projected cash flow.

If you want any further detail for the plane or want to start up your own business and need a complete business plane for start up then you can contact with me I will develop a professional and realistic business plane for you.you could contact me in comment box.If you need business plane then put your mail ID there and I will contact with you.

Read More

scope of visiting card

   SCOPE OF  VISITING CARD

Visiting cards or Business cards are one of the oldest methods of business promotion, yet they continue to remain popular even though they are simple and low-tech. A business card often represents the first impression of a company or service, and provides vital information about the business and its members. In many cases, business cards complement other more modern marketing methods such as websites, and encourage potential customers to make contact and receive additional product information. It could provide the following,

·        Company Identification

·         Name Recognition

·         Professional Decorum

        If you find post useful kindly click the ads for my motivation

Read More

scope of company logo development

     SCOPE OF  COMPANY LOGO DEVELOPMENT

A logo is a small symbol or design used in business marketing is usually one of the first visual symbols a company develops in the early stages of planning. It often follows the naming the business and coincides with the development of a company motto or slogan and other visual representations. Having an effective logo can benefit your company.

·    Our designed logo will give your company an easily recognized visual symbol.

·      Well-conceived and -designed logos would be instrumental in building and maintaining a certain image of your brand/business.

     

If you find the post useful then kindly click ads for my motivation

Read More

scope of website development

We will provide your Company with a fresh new web design that is easy to navigate and provides useful information to current subscribers. The design will also convey to potential subscribers that Your Company is a professional, reliable company. The design will integrate the current logo and color palette so it will maintain a familiar look to current Subscribers, but will at the same time show them that Your Company is improving its web presence in order to serve them better.

if you find the post useful then click the ads for my motivation

Read More

beautification of case studies

1 

     SCOPE OF BEAUTIFICATION OF CASE STUDIES

Documented study of a specific real-life situation or imagined scenario, used as a training tool in business schools and firms. Students or trainees are required to analyze the prescribed cases and present their interpretations or solutions, supported by the line of reasoning employed and assumptions made in well organized manner is beautification of case study following is the scope of beautification of case study,

·         Good source of ideas about behavior

·         Good opportunity for innovation

·         Good method to study rare phenomena

·         Good method to challenge theoretical assumptions

·         Good alternative or complement to the group focus of psychology 

               If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

scope of brochure

1.     SCOPE OF BROCHURE

A brochure is a popular form of advertising and marketing a company, product or service. It plays a major role to establish brand identity of a business and expand its customer base. Although brochures are brief and concise, they instantly capture attention of the potential customers. While an appealing brochure design is an effective advertising element, it has its own set of limitations. We will develop a specific brochure for your organization with following specialization.

• Flexible

We offer range of ideas in terms of designs and decorations. You can place pictures on different folds on a brochure, each representing the information mentioned. Furthermore, you can choose from variety of templates from our brochure designs.

• Portable

We are brief and compact. This makes them more adaptable and flexible in terms of advertising and portability. People can carry your brochure or put them in the pocket due to their size.

• Time-Effective

 Our design brochure is a more time-effective tool than any other advertising methods. You have no need to craft brochures for a specific target audience or group of people and you can easily send them to a wider audience through mail.  


If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

SCOPE OF COMPANY PROFILE BOOK LET

A small, thin book with paper covers, typically giving information on a particular subject of company is good company profile book let .we will designed specific book let for your organization with further specification.

·         Will contain whole of company information.

·             Company mission

         Company vision

         Company operations

         Company product line

Other feature may be added on your requirement 


If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

IELTS Band Improvement

The candidate can apply for test again whenever he or she wishes if they didn’t get required bands.

From 1st May 2006 the strategy for candidates re-taking IELTS has been revised. The limitations on re-taking IELTS within 90 days have been removed and the aspirants will be able to repeat the test at any time they wish.

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

IELTS Result

The result will be announced after the 13 days of written examination. Examiners give bands to the candidates and there are total 7 bands and up to 5.5 bands are usually required for the admission in foreign universities but there are some universities especially in UK and Australia ask for 6 or 6.5 bands. - 

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

How to register for IELLTS

The candidate can apply in British Council as well as AEO in Pakistan for the IELTS Test.
The offices of AEO are located in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The candidate has to visit the offices to get the form or can also download it from the official website of AEO.
The offices of British Council are located in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Hyderabad providing the full testing services on regular basis. It is not an obligation to attend a preparation course as it is a good creativity to practice methodically before the time.
The aspirants can get the Registration Form of IELTS from Standard Chartered Bank or can download from the official website of British Council.
The candidates are required to attach a clear photocopy of their valid Computerize National Identity Card (CNIC) or Passport, 2 passport size photos without wearing eye glasses (the photo must not be older than 6 months) along with the payment deposit slip of Standard Chartered Bank (Demand Draft in favor of corresponding British Council office). All the bank details where the candidate can deposit are also given.

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

IELTS Practice Materials

There is authorized IELTS Practice Materials of British Council which comprises of the booklet as well as an audio CD. This comprises the whole sample tests for the both Academic and for the General Training Modules along with the answers. The aspirants also have a complete book “How to Prepare for IELTS” offering the advice as well as practice in all sections. “Road to IELTS” is CD- ROM comprehending 120 hours of learning materials for the IELTS which assists the aspirants in preparation as well as also practice in all facets of IELTS test.
Regardless of these materials you can get information in any educational institute that is close to your city. There are many institutions which provides the services to teach and particularly for the practice of aspirants. AEO also offers the practice material for test as well as aspirant can get this material from the center at the time of submission.
- See more at: http://www.ilmkidunya.com/ielts/where-to-prepare-for-ielts-test.aspx#sthash.HRLYKIu0.dpufBefore registering in these classes, the aspirants will be given a placement test and on the bases of this test they will be placed in the applicable class. Like if the English level of the candidate is very low, the student will have to study all of three classes and if he is in the middle then the candidate is required to attend the level 2 as well as Preparation classes. If the candidate’s English is good then he will be seated in preparation of IELTS.
Mock test will provide consideration of the candidate about his skills as well as his know-how with English.

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

IELTS Preparation Tips

IELTS Listening Tips

•  The candidate must keep his or her all concentrations on listening carefully for almost half hour or so that the test takes. The slip of concentration can make you lose the order of answers as well as dread sets in fast.
•    The test consists of four sections. Section no 1 and section no 3 are dialogues and section no 2 and section no 4 are monologues. There are 40 questions that you have to answer while the test lasts for almost half hour. At the end of the test, ten minutes will be given to write down your answers on your answer sheet.
•    Pay your specific attention to the dialogues sections (that are Sections 1 and 3).
•    At the starting of every section of the recording, time is provided to read the questions. Use this time to read the questions that are about the specific section (the voice on the tape recorder tells the candidate that how many questions to read). However, at the end of the paper time is also given to check the answers. Use this time to read the questions of the next section.
•    Read the questions carefully. If the question says that blot the answer as A, B, C or D on the answer sheet, make sure you don't write the phrase that A, B, C or D relate to. Only write A, B, C or D. If the question states that you must not use more than 3 words in your answer, then writing 4 words in the answer will get you no marks for that question.
•    The answers usually seem in the conversation in the similar order like that of questions.
•    Mainly the speakers most of the times correct themselves. They will say something in the beginning and after that they change the statement. For instance, "we will go to Lahore" is said firstly and after that they say "No, let's make it Karachi". The perfect answer is the final statement that is Karachi but not Lahore. So you must have to be careful about these tricks.
•    If you miss an answer, the just don't get panic. Keep listening for the next answer.
•    Write your answer immediately on the question sheet without any delay. Don't ever try to remember the answers to write them on the answer sheet given in exams. The ten minutes provided at the end of the test are pretty enough to handover your answers to the answer sheet that is given.

IELTS Reading Tips

o   The reading test is deliberated as one of the most difficult parts of IELTS. You have to read 3 long sections, every section with multiple paragraphs, as well as answer 40 questions (13 or 14 questions from every section). Contrasting to the attending test, no additional time is provided at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. Time can be the main limitation as you will be given only hour to finish the test.

o   The main thing that you can do for this section is practice. Read newspapers, magazines and the comic books as well.

o   Try to improve your reading abilities as well as your speed.

o   The main thing that you have to understand is the test does NOT assess your understanding of the paragraphs. It does not test how greatly you have understood the passage. It tests the particular abilities which are known as Scanning as well as Skimming.

o   Skimming mentions to appraise a paragraph quickly to get an idea about it without trying to understand its details.

o   The time factor plays a very great role in this section so be careful about the time.

o   First of all read all the questions rapidly to get an idea of what sort of information is important.

o   Highlight the important information for example dates, places as well as names during reading.

o   When you go through the whole question, browse over the text as well as highlight the significant parts. If you see any information concerning to the questions answer the question while reading.

o   Answer the given questions one by one with the help of the emphasized parts of the passage.

o   The answers usually seem in the same content in the same order like the queries might appear; the answer to query 4 will be prior in the content as compared to the answer to question 5. But it is not necessary.

o   Read the instructions carefully for each and every question very attentively. If the question clearly states that you must not use over three words in your answer then you are restricted to use only three words in your answer.

o   You must be careful about the True or False or Not given as well as Yes or No or Not given questions these are the hardest ones.

o   If you don’t know the answer of a question then move on to the next question don’t waste your time on that question.

IELTS Writing Tips

•   You have to do Lots of writing practice to pass this section.
•    The task 2 that is included in exam hence spends you more time on it. 20 minutes on task 1 as well as 40 minutes on task 2 would be an exceptional stability.
•    For both the writing tasks, it is an exceptional idea to put down your thoughts on the question sheet that is given to you during exam. It will provide you with the highlight for your writing. However it might takes two to three minutes.
•    Don’t go outside your related points as well as avoid writing any unconnected data in your answer sheet. Describe the related as well as your most important data.
•    Write ultimate sentence which sums up all the information.
•    In task 2 the aspirants have to present an argument and hence they should have something on the topic to write. Keep reading the newspapers, perspectives, essays and magazine articles on present issues daily. It will definitely assist you in extending your ideas.
•    Introduce the topic as well as form your stance whether you agree or disagree.
•    Provide opinions of scholars in support of your viewpoint as well as write the related examples.
•    State the conflicting viewpoint and also provide explanation why you fluctuate with it.
•    Set-up your paper along with a short verdict paragraph.
•    If there is any time left at the end of the paper, then you can your answers by checking spelling or through the correction of grammatical mistakes.

IELTS Speaking Tips

•   This test will consist of three parts. In the first section the examiner will ask you to introduce yourself in front of him. He can also ask some related questions.
•    Though, in the second part you will be given a sheet of paper along with a topic that is written on it. You have to speak for no less than two minutes on this topic. You will be given 1 minute to write down your ideas and your answers.
•    You must sure that you read all the questions related to the given topic that is written on the paper. It usually contains two or three parts which you will have to talk about. Don't miss out any question.
•    Write down your ideas about the topic that topic in only one minute. Two minutes can be deliberated as a long time to talk alone and the notes that will assist in you in keep talking for almost two minutes.
•    Whatsoever examiner asks you in the exam answer the question and don’t worry regarding its evidences as the assessment will be on your language articulacy as well as your grammatical precision but not your knowledge.
•    The most important and significant thing that will assist you in the speaking test is to use English in your daily conversations. Just avoid communication in your mother language for a few weeks before the test and communicate with others only in English. This will make you self-assured as well as you will talk positively and easily in the test. Watch English movies and the English programs as well on television to enhance your accent and to develop your vocabulary. 

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More

IELTS Guide for professionals and students

Professional forum has created a special IELTS guide for students who want to continue their education in International Colleges and Univresities all over the world. This online resource is to the pointand created only for students. - 

IELTS Introduction

IELTS is generally recognized as a reliable means of assessing whether candidates are ready to study or training in the medium of English. IELTS is a test of English language proficiency. -International English Language testing system which is commonly known as IELTS is usually recognized like a trustworthy means of considering whether the aspirants are ready to study or for getting training in English Medium. IELTS is basically a test of English language proficiency. This test is utilized like a testimony of the candidate’s aptitude for immigration as well as for study purposes. Almost 1.4 million candidates take the test every year to begin their journeys internationally for education and for job as well.
IELTS is mainly held by the three partners who are the British Council, IDP Education Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examination, and it was founded in year 1989 as well as acknowledged by more than 6000 educational institutes; comprising of the two thousand US universities recognized IELTS in round about 135 states of the world. Generally, the IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for only two years.
IELTS test consist of two versions, one is known as academic version and the other is known as General Training version.

Academic Version:

The Academic Version is planned mainly for those aspirants wants to get register in universities and other educational institutes of higher education as well as for professionals like medical doctors and nurses who have a desire to study or practice in European Nation.

General Training Version

While the General training version is planned for those aspirants who are planning for chasing non-academic training or for getting the working experience and for immigration issues. This test is deliberated as satisfying English language requirements for entrance in academic courses by the majority of educational institutes of Higher Education in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa and in UK and USA as well. This test is also utilized by a number of professional bodies internationally that involves the Ministry of Defense, as well as the General Medical Council in United Kingdom, the Australian Medical Council and Department of Immigration plus Multicultural Affairs, the Medical Council of Ireland, the New Zealand Immigration Service as well as the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools in United States.

IELTS Format

To succeed in the IELTS exam, a candidate has to know the test pattern and the particular techniques for answering questions. Make sure you are fully prepared with this knowledge. - to get success in IELTS exam, the candidate must well aware with the test pattern and the specific techniques for answering the questions as ked in exams. The aspirant must be sure that he or she has prepared completely with this knowledge. Moreover, don't believe those people who tell you that no good preparation is required in IELTS if your English is good. Even if your English is good, you still require learning the accurate capabilities for the test. Usually the experts recommend a time period of almost two weeks for preparation, however this time would depend on your level of awareness with English. The test fees are so high and if you don't get the good band score that you require, and then you have to take the IELTS test again. Similarly in all other examinations, good preparation is the strategy to doing well in the IELTS. You must be sure that you have done it before you appear for the test. You must be well aware with the format of test also.
All aspirants are required to complete the four Modules that include:
1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing
4. Speaking

Listening

This module comprises of total four sections and each section carries ten questions. The aspirants will be given question paper which consists of multiple questions including: multiple choice questions (MCQs), short questions, as well as sentence completion, summary, labeling a map or diagram or plan, matching etc. the aspirants will hear the recording just once and answer the questions like they listen. Ten minutes will be given to candidates at the end of recordings.

Reading

There are two sorts of reading modules one for Academic Version while the other for General Training Version, every module contains three sections having forty questions in them. The aspirants will be given three readings which might be taken from advertisements, brochures, newspapers, books and from the magazines as well. Though, the first section consists of texts related to the basic linguistic survival in English whereas the other sections are bit difficult. The aspirants will be provided with twenty minutes for completing each section.

Writing

There are two sorts of writing modules one for Academic Version and the other for General Training Version. In every module aspirants have 20 minutes for the task 1 as well as for writing approximately one hundred and fifty words and 40 minutes for completing task 2 which require round about 250 words.
The aspirants will be specified a diagram or some other data (like graphs, table or chart) in assignment number 1 and they have to present that data in their own words.
While in task 2 there is a point of view, argument or the problem and aspirants have to give their opinion through arguments and diagrams.

Speaking

The speaking module of IELTS test comprises of an oral interview between the applicant and the examiner. This module might take almost 11 to 15 minutes. It consist of three parts, in the first part candidate will familiarize himself to the superintendent and will answer the general questions asked by the examiner. It takes almost 4 to 5 minutes.
Whereas in the second part candidates have to talk on a specific topic for round about 2 to 3 minutes and he has one minute to prepare him or make notes about the particular topic given by the examiner. Examiner can ask questions about the discussion. Though, in third part examiner as well as applicants engages in a dialogue on an abstract issue which is linked to the topic of second part for approximately 5 minutes.
This module will consider whether the applicants can communicate effectively in English. The assessment takes on confidence, stability as well as well-formed precision.
The first three modules which are the Listening, Reading and Writing (always in the same order) are completed on the same day, and obvious these modules are taken without any in between. The Speaking Module might be taken, at the choice of the test center, after or before the seven days of other modules.

IELTS Instructions

Resource for the Latest Material of Instructions for IELTS Test. It contains a large free material of Instructions for IELTS Test along with free preparation material of IELTS Tests. - 

IELTS Test fee

Test Fee is PKR 20,000.

IELTS Test Result

The IELTS test band result is valid for almost two (2) years.

IELTS examination Bodies

There are two examination bodies for IELTS:

1.British Council

2.AEO

IELTS test centers for British Council

Test Centers of British council in Pakistan are:

1.Lahore

2.Karachi

3.Islamabad

4.Multan

5.Faisalabad

6.Hyderabad

Test centers of AEO are

1.Islamabad

2.Karachi

3.Lahore

The things you must know

•    The candidate must try to register himself for IELTS test no less than 2 months before he or she select test date because after that he / she might find some difficulty in searching for a seat.
•    The candidate can check for IELTS results after 13 days of test.
•    The candidates can again re-appear in the test as often as he like to improve his score.
•    Try to answer all the questions as there are no negative marks for incorrect answers.
•    The total time duration for IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
•    The candidate must be sure that he has visited the spot of the test some days before the test date. The candidate must reach at least half an hour earlier than the given time. Reaching late could send your tension levels rising and the exam needs the candidate to be completely relaxed and ready to give of your best.
•    The British Council provides the preparatory courses for IELTS. A four day exhaustive course is held before the date of the IELTS test. The course might be a good idea as the course provides the candidate’s an insight into IELTS accompanied by lots of practice.
•    There is no break among the modules of the test which means that for almost 3 to 3.5 hours, candidates cannot eat, drink as well as go to the washroom. That’s why the candidate must be ready for this situation.
•    Take your original and valid passport with you as it is compulsory. Similarly takes the letter which gave you the spot of the test as well as your roll number. The acceptance for the IELTS fee is another important document that might be at times asked for. Take it also with you.
•    Take a few sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser as well as pens with you. Do all the constituents of the test with pencil. For listening as well as for reading, the use of pencil is a compulsion.
•    Time is a critical factor and hence takes a watch along with you and provides appropriate time to every section of the test.

For  preparation must see my next post

If you find this post useful then kindly click the ads shown in side bar for my motivation

Read More