IELTS

IELTS stands for

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an English language test to judge your proficiency in the English language in four different categories, say reading, writing, speaking, and listening if you are planning to study abroad. 

IELTS is one of the world’s foremost English fluency tests, and the other is TOEFL. IELTS was established in 1989 and is jointly owned by IDP and the British Council. The IELTS exam uses a band system to determine a student’s proficiency from a total of 9 bands.

What is the IELTS exam?
 The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was designed to help students in moving to a country where English is the dominant language in order to work, study, or move. This includes the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and others. The exam primarily evaluates the test-takers’ proficiency in the four fundamental English language skills of speaking, reading, and writing. IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment are co-owners and joint operators of the IELTS exam.

IELTS is offered as a computer-based test as well as a paper-based test. Candidates who decide to take the IELTS computer-based exam are expected to complete the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections on a computer. In contrast, the Speaking part is done in-person with a certified examiner. This type of IELTS provides more test dates to pick from and the results are available in as quick as 3 to 5 days. On the other hand, those who pick the paper-based IELTS will do the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections with either a HB pencil or pen and the Speaking section is once again done face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner.

Does every country accept IELTS?

Over 10,000 organizations accept IELTS tests in around 140 countries, including corporations, universities, migration agencies, government organizations and more.

Why do you need to take the IELTS exam?

If you plan to move abroad, you must take the IELTS exam. The reason behind it is to strengthen communication. English is the third most spoken language in the world, and the IELTS test ensures you can understand the other person’s query and communicate with them accordingly.

Therefore, if you plan to go to other countries for studies, PR, etc., you must master English to settle abroad.

What are the various types of IELTS exams?

There are 3 different types of IELTS modules:

IELTS General Training : IELTS general training is for candidates who want to apply for PR, work experience or employment training. The test question is on workplace and social situations.

IELTS Academic : IELTS academic is for students who want to study abroad. The exam tests your academic language and whether you are ready to begin your studies.

IELTS UKVI : This test is the same as IELTS. It is a government-approved Secure English Language Test and is best to opt for if you are planning to study in the UK as this test proves a candidate’s proficiency in the English language for the UK visa and immigration formalities.

How many IELTS exams do I need to take?

You need to take only one IELTS exam, which consists of 4 modules. The writing, listening, and reading module is conducted on the same day without any break and speaking is conducted a week before or after IELTS exam day.

Let’s discuss these modules for Academic and General Training in detail:

IELTS Reading:

IELTS Academic: IELTS academic reading section has three passages, and you need to give answers to 40 questions that too in 60 minutes. Don’t worry. The test is easy as there are different types of questions like multiple types, true/false, fill in the blanks, headings, etc., by skimming, recognizing the author’s perspective, understanding the logic and more.

IELTS General Training: IELTS general reading section has a total of three sections divided into categories. The 1st section consists of two or three short texts, the 2nd comprises two tests, and the last is quite long with different questions based on the office and society. You will get 60 minutes to complete the reading module. 

IELTS Writing:

Academic: The academic writing section has two questions, and you have to complete both questions in 60 minutes. In Task 1, you get a visual (graph/chart/diagram) and need to describe it briefly in 150 words. Thus, it is best if you spend 20 minutes on question 1. Question 2 consists of writing an essay in response to a view, argument, etc., in 250-280 words.

General Training: The general writing section also has two questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The first section is a letter you must complete in 150 words. The letter can be formal, informal or semi-formal based on requesting information, explaining the situation or problem, etc. Thus, the 2nd part consists of an essay of 250-280 words in response to a view or a problem.

IELTS Speaking:

In the IELTS Speaking test, you visit a center allocated to you per your timings. An invigilator will ask you questions like name, hometown, etc., followed by a topic on which you need to speak for 2 minutes. After that topic, you need to answer the question that will be based on the topic only. Your test will be recorded for this section, and the oral interview between you and the examiner can go upto 11 – 14 minutes.
 IELTS Listening: Listening is similar for both academic and general test takers. The only thing that differs is band allotment as per correct answers. You will get a question paper having 4 sections consisting of 40 questions. You will hear 4 recordings one by one of native English speakers and answer questions.

Best way to prepare for the IELTS exam

Preparing for your test can be intimidating and cause you to worry about how to begin, so we have created a sequence of helpful steps to kick off the process.

Take a practice test

To begin your preparation, it is important to take a practice exam to determine which areas you excel in and which ones require more attention. Enhancing both your strengths and weaknesses is essential in forming strong groundwork for the test.

Become familiar with the test format

It is very important that you are aware of the test format before you start to prepare. Review the test’s subject matter and the question and task formats for each section to become familiar with it. Remember that familiarity with the test format and pattern is essential for success in any exam, not just the IELTS.

Keep in mind the time constraints of the exam

It is essential to remember that the IELTS exam has a specific time constraint, and you will only have a certain period to finish each section. If you are unable to finish the sections in the time available or if the timing pressure prevents you from focusing properly, it may have a negative effect on your performance. To ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam, classes of a preparation course are conducted in the same time-limited environment as the actual exam.