This article has all you need to know about IELTS
The International English language Testing Systems (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high stakes English language proficiency test. It is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for nonnative English language speakers. The test was started in 1980. The test is for study, work, and migration and has more than 3 million tests that have been taken in the past years. More than 10,000 organizations recognize the results given by IELTS including educational institutions, employers, professional employers,, professional associations, and government in over 140 countries across the world.
The IELTS test can be taken either on paper or on the computer, depending on the convenience of the candidate. The two formats are completely identical in content, format, or level of difficulty. The module that the candidate chooses should be selected very carefully. The options are between IELTS Academics or IELTS General Training and the choice should depend on the purpose of taking the test. However, the IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI), should be taken if the candidate wishes to study in the UK.
IELTS is formed by providing fair and accurate assessment of English Language Proficiency.
IELTS Test Format
IELTS includes all four language skills:
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are to be given on the same day, one after the other without any breaks in between. The Speaking test can be given by booking an online slot on the preferred date and time of the candidate. However, a delay in choosing a slot within the stated time period will lead to an allocation of slots automatically. The total time of the test is under 3 hours.
The questions in the test are prepared by language experts from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, UK and the USA. There are four sections in the paper that are described below in tabulated form.
| IELTS Listening Test (30 Minutes) | The candidate will be made to hear four recordings and will then have to answer the questions asked. The audios will be in the English Language and the duration of the test is under 30 minutes. |
| IELTS Reading Test (60 Minutes) | The IELTS Reading Test is designed in a way to test the candidate on an array of reading skills and will require the candidate to answer 40 questions. The candidate will have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and will have to figure out the writer’s attitudes, opinions, and intentions. |
| IELTS Writing Test (60 Minutes) | IELTS test will cover topics of general interest based on the modules the candidate has taken and will require the candidate to complete two tasks. |
| IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 Minutes) | The IELTS Speaking test examines the candidate’s Spoken English skills and will be recorded and taken in three parts. |
Special Tips
There are few things that need to be kept in mind while preparing for the IELTS tests. These tips will surely help the student in excelling in all tests.
- The answers to the questions should be given clearly and concisely during the speaking test.
- If the student has any doubt regarding the question asked in the speaking test, they must ask for clarity before answering.
- During the reading test, the student must give more time to long passages and less time to shorter questions.
- The students must always spend the last few minutes of the writing test in proofreading the answers. The last few minutes of the tests are crucial for detecting mistakes and rectifying them.
IELTS Test Dates
The IELTS test dates are available four times a month or 48 times a year, and the paper is usually held on Saturdays and Thursdays so that the dates are flexible and convenient to the candidates. Candidates have the option of choosing from multiple dates and time slots in a day and can get the results within 3 to 5 working days. However, the availability of the IELTS dates may differ according to the test type and module i.e Academic or General Training.
Why Choose IELTS?
- It is the test for professionals: Ranging from accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy to teaching bodies in many countries accept IELTS results. Therefore, the test can be taken in order to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country, after completing your studies.
- It is the test for study: The IELTS results can be accepted as evidence of the candidate’s English Language proficiency and thousands of the world’s most reputed universities accept these results.
- It is the test for migration: IELTS is a requirement for permanent residency in countries abroad and its course is required by the governments in more countries than any other English language test. The IELTS General Training test is the only non-academic test available for migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The United Kingdom, and the USA, unlike other providers.
- It’s the test that’s fairer to you: IELTS examines the candidate on their practical communication abilities and helps in an accurate assessment of the four skills they will be tested in. It offers two versions – Academic and General Training and lays stress on focusing on testing the language abilities rather than specialist knowledge of the candidate. It also facilitates a one-on-one Speaking test with an examiner in a private room with no disturbances.
An International team of experts decides the content for the IELTS test and it undergoes extensive research to ensure that the test is fair and unbiased for any candidate irrespective of their nationality, background, gender, lifestyle, or location.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What IELTS score is needed to study in Australia?
A.A minimum score of 6.5 and nothing less than 6 is equal to study in Australia.
Are Spouses allowed to travel with the students as a dependent?
A.Students can be accompanied by their spouses of both bachelor and master courses in respect to the program duration.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?
A.Students who wish to enroll at a college or university to pursue studies, give the IELTS academic.
Whereas, IELTS General Training is given by those who wish to migrate to a foreign country for work.
How to register for IELTS?
A.the following steps can be followed to register for IELTS:
- Visit the official IELTS website
- Register for the test
- Select the test type and date
- Give all your details in the application form correctly
- Upload all your documents, although this is not a necessary step
- Pay the fee and cross-check all the details and then proceed.
Q.If the candidate is absent from the exam because of a genuine medical condition, what will be the consequence?
If a candidate does not appear for the exam, they will lose the whole amount of the fee i.e the fee will not be refundable.
However, if the reason for absence is a genuine medical condition then the candidate needs to submit the medical certificate within 5 days of the exam in order to facilitate the service of the refund but only after deducting the administrative cost.
