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Time Business News
4 days ago
- General
- Time Business News
Know the 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid in IELTS Speaking Test
Many students who study for IELTS nowadays face many challenges as beginners. It is very common for them to make mistakes in their IELTS speaking test. It is merely an aspect of their learning journey. However, to prevent such blunders, they should prevent a few common mistakes learners make during the test. Blunders can occur during the exam when students are worried and nervous. However, these errors can be easily prevented if they are aware of what not to do in the test. At the experts offer useful advice on online IELTS speaking test and more. Students learn to avoid mistakes in the future if they have the habit of identifying and correcting them. Hence, being aware of such mistakes can be helpful for them. That is why they should avoid these common mistakes during the speaking test IELTS listed below: It's normal for you to feel anxious throughout your test. Speaking like a newsreader is not what your IELTS interviewer is looking for. However, you wouldn't benefit from groaning and averting your gaze. Interacting with your examiner in the same way as you would with a friend or coworker is helpful. You should also make eye contact and smile at times. For the IELTS speaking exam, retention of answers is not as helpful as it would be for written exams. If you were trying to repeat an answer from memory, it would be obvious because your response wouldn't flow naturally in a debate. It would be easier to respond honestly with what is currently on your mind rather than memorising answers. However, it is not a good idea to talk in excess. But, not talking enough can also be a problem for IELTS aspirants. If you only answer with 'yes' or 'no,' the examiner will not understand the whole context without a proper explanation. Hence, you will not be able to prove your fluency and ability. You will be given proper info on the duration of the speaking test, based on which you can determine how long it will take you to respond. You will typically need to answer with two to six sentences, depending on the question. Take the online IELTS speaking test to help you get over your anxiety. Using transition words can be helpful for learners, but not always. You can use words like 'for example', 'on the other hand', or 'first', but not excessively. Overusing such words can lower your overall IELTS scores and will make you sound unnatural. Additionally, using words like 'in addition' and 'furthermore' may sound awkward in conversation, so it's best to avoid using them. Using the same words or sentences over and over again will not help you score higher on the IELTS speaking since it gives the impression that your speaking variety is limited. Learning synonyms or expanding your vocabulary are two benefits of explaining the same event or thing in different ways. As a result, pupils interact more creatively. It might be simple to veer off subject at times, especially if you don't pay attention to the question or fail to fully understand your answer. Unfortunately, talking more does not always translate into more points. You can lose points for clarity if your response doesn't answer the question. Determine if you understand the question completely before answering it. Also, asking the examiner to repeat the question will not lower your score so go for it. Try taking an online IELTS speaking test to gain a better understanding. If the listener can't comprehend what you are saying, even the best ideas are useless. Since speech is essential to speaking, it seems sensible that it accounts for 25% of the score. You should look for opportunities to practice with native or near-native speakers and receive a candid review of your speaking skills before taking the IELTS. The IELTS speaking examiner may experience difficulty with hearing if they do. To conclude, in addition to students' hard effort and attention to studying for English proficiency exams such as IELTS and PTE, the efforts they put in are extremely essential. Remember to steer clear of the above mistakes on your IELTS test because it's half the fight won when you know what not to do! However, it's also crucial to take the necessary steps to prepare for every aspect of your test properly. However, it is vital to remain attentive at all times to prevent mistakes in the exam. Try solving several listening, speaking, writing, and IELTS reading mock test. This will help you present yourself confidently in the test and perform well. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Business Standard
10-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
US resumes Harvard visa: 'Your dreams matter,' say consultants to Indians
In a much-needed relief for foreign students, the US State Department has directed all consular sections to resume issuing student and exchange visitor visas for Harvard University. The instruction follows a federal court order in Boston that temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's directive banning international students from studying at the university. The court's decision came as a major reassurance for Indian students, who form one of the largest international cohorts in the US. Indian education consultants welcomed the move, calling it a vital course correction. 'The recent hearing in the US federal court resulted in a decision allowing international students to move on from a regulation that would have prevented them from continuing their studies at globally renowned institutions such as Harvard,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of told Business Standard. She added, 'This is a moment of great relief for the student community. Especially talking about the Indian students, they have access to global opportunities again, which was taken away from them by the US government.' Court pushback and diplomatic orders A diplomatic cable dated June 6, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, directed embassies worldwide to comply with the order. The cable said the directive was 'in accordance with' a temporary restraining order issued by US District Judge Allison Burroughs. The judge's ruling temporarily blocks Trump's proclamation from taking effect, at least until further legal proceedings are completed. The administration had cited national security concerns as justification for the entry ban. Tensions between Harvard and the Trump administration have escalated in recent months. The US government has frozen over $2.2 billion in grants to the university and has floated the idea of revoking its tax-exempt status. Harvard has responded with a series of legal challenges. Although the State Department has not released a public statement, the June 6 cable clarified that all other student visa guidelines—including social media checks and scrutiny of applicants' online presence—remain in place. Indian students impacted by changing rules With over 330,000 Indian students studying in the US last year, India has become the largest source of international students for American institutions. Saurabh Arora, founder and CEO of University Living, said such changes carry real weight. 'Every policy shift, therefore, carries real weight,' he told Business Standard. 'While the court's decision is welcome, it also highlights the need for caution. The visa process is becoming more rigorous. Students must be more mindful of their digital presence, prepare their documents thoroughly, and stay authentic during interviews,' Arora said. Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education, drew parallels with the 2020 standoff between the Trump administration and Harvard and MIT during the Covid-19 pandemic. 'Over the past few days, several students faced delays due to new visa directives that introduced additional checks and uncertainty. But, as we've seen before, these moments often pass, just as they did in 2020,' Anand said. 'This ruling provides clarity and stability, ensuring that students can continue to pursue their dreams of studying at prestigious institutions like Harvard, without the uncertainty that had previously surrounded their plans,' said Abhijit Zaveri, founder and director at Career Mosaic. Zaveri said it reinforces the importance of academic exchange and the contribution of international students, especially from India, to the US education system. Anand added, 'Beyond the economic impact, they represent something even more valuable: the exchange of ideas, cultures, and aspirations that define world-class education.' Harvard is behaving now: Trump Speaking at the Oval Office last Friday during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump remarked, 'We want to have foreign students come. We're very honoured by it, but we want to see their list.' Referring to Harvard, he said, 'Harvard didn't want to give us the list. They're going to be giving us the list now. I think they're starting to behave, actually, if you want to know the truth.' For Indian consultants, a moment of reassurance Shekhawat said the ruling was not just a legal win but also a morale boost for aspiring students. 'I have witnessed closely the efforts and dedication study abroad aspirants put into their educational journeys. This ruling ensures academic stability and sends a strong message that barriers to global opportunities cannot be sustained,' she said. 'The right of students to seek academic excellence in the best institutes across the world must be safeguarded at all costs. This ruling helps provide much-needed clarity and assures them that their dreams still do matter,' Shekhawat added.
News18
04-06-2025
- Politics
- News18
Trump's New Visa Vetting Process Sends Indian Students In Frenzy To Delete Social Media Posts
Last Updated: The Trump administration announced a new process that includes social media profile screening of visa applicants, causing Indian students to delete posts and social media accounts. Indian students are rushing frantically to delete social media posts in a desperate bid to escape the Trump administration's crackdown on international students, after it announced a new process that includes social media profile screening. An internal cable from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the social media posts of visa applicants will be scrutinised before allowing them entry. The move came amid a broader crackdown on international students after pro-Palestinian protests engulfed US university campuses last year. This move has sparked alarm among Indian students applying for US colleges and sent them into a frenzy to delete their social media posts that the Trump administration may see and deem sufficient enough to deny them entry into the country. How Social Media Vetting Has Affected Students? Amid Trump's strict social media checks for visa applicants, a growing number of Indian students are not only deleting their posts but removing their accounts altogether to avoid circumstances that derail their plans to study in the US. A student named Manya (name changed), who was selected for a master's programme at an Ivy League university, has deleted her Instagram and LinkedIn profiles after her visa counsellor warned her that her political posts may pose a threat to her application, according to a report by India Today. Another student, Diljeet (name changed), turned his social media handles to private settings. They are among the students who are concerned that their political views, humour or activism may be misinterpreted by US authorities, which would eventually result in the rejection of their visas. Even the smallest hint of political activism may lead to the rejection of a US visa, says Mamta Shekhawat, founder of 'Immigration authorities require student visa applicants to provide their social media handles for the previous five years, allowing them to make character evaluations and determine whether and how the applicant's professional and academic background matches the visa objectives," she said. Will This Protect Students? However, visa counsellors have warned that such a drastic step, such as the sudden deletion of content or social media handles, could raise suspicion that can lead to suspicion among US vetting authorities. They have also warned that even liking or sharing content could be considered illegal. Shekhawat asserted the importance of responsible online behaviour, saying students need to be careful about what they delete, as this pattern might become evident during the vetting process. Pro-Palestinian views or perceived anti-American sentiments could invite extra scrutiny on the applicants. A PhD student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) began erasing his social media presence, after a US university paused his post-doctoral appointment, as per reports. However, he remains unsure about whether it would be enough to get the visa. What Is Social Media Vetting? The US State Department's directive indicates a plan to issue updated guidance on social media vetting for all student and exchange visitor (F, M, J) visa applicants to scrutinize applicants' online activity and thereby assess their eligibility for entry. 'Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued … in the coming days," a Tuesday diplomatic cable reportedly said, as reported by Politico. Officials will review social media profiles for content that could deem them inadmissible, and posts – like the ones on terrorism and antisemitism – could trigger intensified scrutiny. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Indian students United states us visa rules Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 04, 2025, 23:03 IST News world Trump's New Visa Vetting Process Sends Indian Students In Frenzy To Delete Social Media Posts
Time Business News
27-05-2025
- General
- Time Business News
What Are the Benefits of Taking the IELTS Mock Test in 2025?
As 2025 unfolds, aspiring students and professionals throughout the world look for opportunities outside their countries. Here, the IELTS test acts as a crucial gateway towards study abroad dreams. It assesses your ability to comprehend ideas in the English language. Diligent study of grammar, vocab, and exam strategies is paramount to prep for the exam. This is possible, when you take IELTS mock test and practice for each module effectively. In this article, you can learn about the benefits of using mock tests before the actual exam so that you can reach to your desired band score easily. So, keep reading! The IELTS paper, whether Academic or General Training, follows a strict structure across its four sections: Listening Reading Writing Speaking Each consists of distinct question types and time limits. While the core format remains consistent with previous years, there are subtle changes to prepare for in 2025. These can be identified through the sample IELTS reading passage with answers or writing prompts found on the trustworthy platforms like It will also clarify the types of questions you will need to solve every day. Using it as an anchor, you can prep for the actual paper easily and reach your target band score. To crack the paper, you must become fluent in English. Only the IELTS mock test can help you simulate the real test environment and help you prep. It has the following benefits: With these tests, you can find out your current level of English skills and your weaknesses. This info can make the base of your study plan and help you zone in on the areas you need to focus on. The IELTS mock test result can analyze if you are ready to sit for the test and get your dream band or not. The mocks can show you the exact structure and question types you will find on your paper. Using them, you can practice the best potential answers and save time and stress on the actual day. Moreover, this familiarity can help you remain calm and keep anxiety at bay, which will directly affect your performance. The IELTS mock test furthermore helps develop an effective time management strategy to employ during the exam. Since IELTS is a time-restricted affair, you need to be quick when solving the paper. In addition, you also need to know some tricks to be efficient and correct while taking it. Hence, only prep tests can teach you how to allocate your time wisely between different sections and avoid stress. If you wish to reach a target band score, you must believe in your abilities. You should have no doubts or qualms about your English skills when taking the exam. And it is only possible if you take the IELTS mock test before the actual day. It will help deepen your knowledge of the XAM format and its questions. Moreover, as you see your scores improve and your weaknesses reduce, you will feel more prepared. These tests are a great way to find areas of strength and for improvement. As you find the sections where you need more work, you can start working on them. Whether it is grammar, vocab, or speaking fluency, you can find your setback through it. Using this info, you can also plan your study time effectively. Taking the mock tests seriously is crucial to cracking IELTS on the first attempt. Here are some tips for you to follow to crack the online prep papers easily: Choose H igh-quality M ocks: You need to opt for mocks from sources with a good rep, like the British Council or IDP site. They need to closely resemble the IELTS format to help you. Look for tests that cover a wide range of topics and difficulty levels. You need to opt for mocks from sources with a good rep, like the British Council or IDP site. They need to closely resemble the IELTS format to help you. Look for tests that cover a wide range of topics and difficulty levels. Analyze Your Answers: After you are done with your prep paper, carefully analyze your answers and circle the errors. You can also use digital IELTS checkers for it. Try to find the source of these errors, like gaps in knowledge of tenses, etc. Furthermore, try and find ways you can avoid them in the future. After you are done with your prep paper, carefully analyze your answers and circle the errors. You can also use digital IELTS checkers for it. Try to find the source of these errors, like gaps in knowledge of tenses, etc. Furthermore, try and find ways you can avoid them in the future. Seek Feedback: If you have tutors or friends with good English proficiency, show them your mocks. Ask them if they can check your test and give you insights on your errors and how to improve them. If you have tutors or friends with good English proficiency, show them your mocks. Ask them if they can check your test and give you insights on your errors and how to improve them. Practice Constantly: Remember, consistency is the key to success. Try and take at least 4-5 mocks before your exam day. These regular rehearsals will further help you recall all that you have learned. If you have a target band score to reach in your IELTS paper, then practice it can help you. You need to solve a sample IELTS reading passage with answers, mocks, and more. These will not only show you your weaknesses but also build your confidence. Moreover, they can also be easily found trustworthy sites of the IELTS owners, the British Council, and IDP. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Germany ends visa appeals: Costlier path for Indian students, workers
Come July 1, Indian visa applicants to Germany will no longer be able to appeal a rejection through a simple letter to the consulate. The German government has decided to end its visa remonstration process globally, meaning any challenge to a visa refusal will now require formal court proceedings. Germany has become an increasingly popular destination for Indian students and workers, particularly as visa hurdles grow in countries like Canada, the US, and the UK. But this change introduces a fresh layer of complexity for those hoping to travel, study or work there. 'In the past, on a rejected German Schengen visa application, a person could provide a remonstration letter to the consulate or embassy of Germany that rejected it,' said Mamta Shekhawat, founder of a study abroad platform. 'This was an informal appeal of the application where the applicant could provide additional information or clarify any misunderstanding without going through the formalities of legal procedures. It was an affordable and convenient means of reviewing potential mistakes or oversights in the original application.' Shekhawat said the change will affect Indian students in several ways: Greater pressure for perfection: Small mistakes in documentation or confusion on the application could now lead to a flat rejection, requiring a full restart of the process Increased costs and longer delays: Reapplying for a visa means paying fees again and waiting weeks or even months for another appointment No middle ground: Legal appeals are costly and slow, often requiring a German lawyer and possibly taking up to two years for a decision Emotional toll: Students who earlier had some hope of correction through informal channels may now find the process too stressful or uncertain to attempt 'Without the informal appeal, rejected applicants now face two main options,' said Sanjog Anand, co-founder of Rostrum Education. 'One, reapply and pay the fees again. Two, file a formal judicial appeal, which is a far more difficult, costly, and time-consuming path. A case must be filed with the Berlin Administrative Court. For many Indian students, this choice is too expensive,' he said. Shekhawat added, 'The move also highlights the absolute necessity of filing a perfect first-time application. This requires careful preparation, detailed documentation, and expert advice.' She said the German government's reasoning is that scrapping the remonstration process will free up consular staff, allowing them to focus more efficiently on new applications. 'It promotes transparency and creates higher documentation status,' she said. Despite the tougher visa pathway, Shekhawat said services for German university admissions remain unaffected. 'Our focus has always been on getting things right the first time.' Anand noted, 'While initial processing might be faster, the absence of an informal appeal means that any rejection will lead to a complete restart of the application process or a lengthy legal battle, potentially causing significant delays in study plans.' Skilled workers may hesitate to appeal For professionals seeking to work in Germany, the impact is similar. 'The removal of the remonstration process is part of Germany's efforts to improve administrative efficiency, potentially leading to faster processing times for visa applications,' said Varun Singh, managing director at XIPHIAS Immigration. 'But on the downside, skilled workers facing visa denials will now have limited recourse, potentially affecting job opportunities and employer timelines. The formal appeal process may deter some applicants due to its complexity and expense,' Singh added. Tourists and business travellers also affected Visa rejections for short-term visitors will now be harder to contest. 'Streamlined visa processing could benefit travellers by reducing wait times for visa appointments and decisions,' said Singh. 'However, tourists and business travellers who experience visa rejections will no longer have a straightforward method to contest decisions, possibly impacting travel plans and incurring additional costs for reapplication or legal appeals.' Consular Services Portal and rejection data Germany introduced the Consular Services Portal in January 2025, offering step-by-step digital instructions for student, skilled worker, and family reunification visa applications. Early feedback from applicants suggests that the portal has helped reduce documentation errors. 'Dispensing with the remonstration procedure has released considerable staff capacity in visa sections,' said the German Missions. In 2024, Germany rejected 206,733 Schengen visa applications, with a rejection rate of 13.7%. Indian applicants have faced some of the longest delays, with appointment wait times stretching to nearly nine months. The German Missions say they now expect this to drop to just a few days. This change could benefit students applying close to term start dates or workers needing to relocate quickly for jobs.
