IELTS

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely recognized and trusted English language proficiency tests. It is used by universities, employers, and governments around the world to assess the English language skills of non-native speakers. The test is available in two formats: Academic and General Training.

IELTS Test Formats

IELTS Academic: Designed for individuals who are applying for higher education or professional registration in English-speaking countries.
IELTS General Training: Suitable for individuals who are planning to migrate to an English-speaking country (e.g., for work or immigration purposes) or who want to train or study at a secondary school level.

IELTS Test Components

Listening: A 30-minute test where candidates listen to audio recordings and answer questions based on them.
Reading: A 60-minute test that evaluates reading comprehension skills. The content differs for Academic and General Training versions.
Writing: A 60-minute test where candidates must complete two tasks: one related to a graph/chart (Academic) or letter writing (General), and the other requiring an essay.
Speaking: A 11-14 minute interview with an examiner, which evaluates speaking ability through a face-to-face conversation.

Benefits of Taking the IELTS

Widely recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in English-speaking countries.
Valid for up to two years after the test date.
Helps assess your proficiency in all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Provides an accurate and reliable assessment of your English proficiency level.
Offers a fair, unbiased, and consistent testing system.

IELTS Scoring System

IELTS scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 9. Each section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored individually, and the overall score is the average of these four. The scores are categorized as follows:

Band 9: Expert User
Band 8: Very Good User
Band 7: Good User
Band 6: Competent User
Band 5: Modest User
Band 4: Limited User
Band 3: Extremely Limited User
Band 2: Intermittent User
Band 1: Non-User
Band 0: Did not attempt the test

Preparation for IELTS

Preparation for the IELTS test is crucial for achieving the best possible score. Some tips for preparation include:

Familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions.
Take practice tests to improve time management and identify areas that need improvement.
Improve your English skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking through daily practice and learning resources.
Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course if needed.

How to Register for IELTS

You can register for IELTS online or at a test center. Check the official IELTS website or contact a local authorized test center for specific registration details, test dates, and locations.

Test Administration

IELTS tests are administered at centres throughout the world there are currently over 300 centres operating in more than 100 countries. Centres supervise the local administration of the test and ensure the provision of qualified and trained examiners. A full list of centres is available on the IELTS website. Test centres run regular test administrations, according to local need and results are available within two weeks. Candidates receive only one copy of their results but additional copies may be sent by the test centre directly to receiving organisations at the request of the candidate.

There are no restrictions on candidates re-taking the test.
Academic and General Training
IELTS is available in two formats-Academic and General Training.

The Academic Reading and Writing tests assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of these tests.
The General Training Reading and Writing tests are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. General Training is suitable for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. Centres are not responsible for providing this information. The General Training Module is not offered at all test administrations.

ACADEMIC - IELTS Academic is divided into four sections

Listening : The test is of 30 minutes and 10 minutes are given extra for transferring answers to the answer sheet. The candidates are tested on monologues and conversations.

Reading : The test is of 60 minutes in which students are tested on reading passages with tasks, text from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical, diagrams, graph, text from books , journals, and newspapers.

Writing : The test is of 60 minutes, which comprises of writing task of 150 words, describing tables, graphs, charts, diagrams and a short essay of 250 words.

Speaking : Speaking test is of 11 to 14 minutes. In this test, candidates are put through face to face interview, short questions, speaking on a familiar topic and a discussion.

Writing : Writing section will be of 60 minutes in which candidates will be asked to write a letter of 150 words and short essay of 250 words.

Speaking : Speaking test is of 11 to 14 minutes. In this test, candidates are put through face to face interview, short questions, speaking on a familiar topic and a discussion.

Preparing for the Test

It is not necessary to attend an IELTS preparation course though it is, of course, a good idea to prepare thoroughly for the test. An order form is given at the end of this Handbook for an Official IELTS Practice Materials pack. This includes a full practice test with an answer key and a CD of the Listening test and sample Speaking tests, so that candidates can get some idea of their level and familiarise themselves with the format of the test. There is also a wide range of published preparation materials.