It was June 2001. While sitting in my office, I received a letter from my brother who is permanently settled in Australia and is working as a Telecommunication Engineer. In that, I found different kinds of jobs in Australia.
Actually I had been working in Saudi Arabia for the Ministry Of Defense at King Abdul Aziz Military Academy, Riyadh as a Supervisor HVAC/R for the last 12 years. Last year I decided to return to Pakistan, so I resigned and came back.
When I was in Saudi Arabia. I took my first IELTS exam on Dec.06, 2001 from the British Council in Riyadh. Before this I had already applied for an immigrant visa. for Australia and it was the requirement of the immigration authorities.
Anyhow I had to take the IELTS exam. During the period from Dec.2001 to Oct.2005. Since then I have been taking the exams. I didn't lose my hopes. Because there is a proverb that try, try again.
My brother advised me to attend the classes. But it was very hard for me to go to the Riyadh city. Because our Military Academy was very far from the city. It was almost 100km. Then my brother advised me to get the 3 months vacation leave from my office. The leave wasn't granted. So I kept trying in order to get 5.0 bands in four components, but all in vain. I couldn't get through. I got dejected. But I didn't lose my hopes. Because I decided to get through with this exam by any means. I attempted 1 time to take the IELTS exam from AEO. Islamabad in
Sep.2003. But as ill luck would have it, I again flunked in reading. I was given 4.5 bands only.Actually I needed 5.0 in each component. That was the immigration requirement.
I came back from Saudi Arabia for good on jan.24, 2005. My brother got me admitted in NICON College, F-8/4. Islamabad where I spent 6 months but did not feel satisfied.I attempted this time and got 4.5 in reading again.
My brother was cocksure that this time I would be getting the required band.
But upon receiving the result, I was so much dejected and sad. Because I spent 6 months in NICON College and I didn't get through. My brother called me. He advised me to leave this college and to look for another college.
My neighbor Dr. Sadia asked me to go to the HR in connection with the IELTS exam preparation. Then finally I decided to go to the HR. Then I joined HR on August 01, 2005. The name of my teacher was
Sir Aamir Mughal. I found him an excellent man. In addition to the way he started the IELTS classes, I started thinking that Inshallah I would get through with my IELTS exam this time. I really enjoyed a lot while attending the IELTS classes with Sir Aamir Mughal. He told me a lot of tips that how to attempt the questions?
At last Sir Amir Mughal gave me a green signal. It was Oct.15, 2005. I took my exam. I did well in my exam. I was very happy. I didn't feel any problem while attempting the questions. In other words, I was fully satisfied with my exam. Then one day the result came. My joy knew no bounds when I saw my IELTS result. I got through this time. The result was:
Listening: 6.5 Reading: 5.5 Writing: 7.0 Speaking: 6.0
Overall Band: 6.5
Now I have sent my papers to the Immigration Dept along with IELTS result. The maximum processing time will take 4 months. It was due to Sir Aamir Mughal that I got through with my IELTS exam. May God give him a good health and long life. Amen.
Arshad Bhatti.
(He is in Australia at the moment. After passing IELTS exam, he went to Australia on Immigration Visa. Currently he is getting a handsome salray in an Australian company.)
