Everything you must know about IELTS Exam

What is IELTS?

IELTS – International English Language Testing System.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted English language assessment test for international education and worldwide mobility. It assesses the English language skills of non-native English speakers who want to study or relocate to countries where English is an official language.

IELTS, which was founded in 1989, is the world’s most popular English language test. Some of the world’s best language experts created this language evaluation test. It is intended to assess your English skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking, as well as your ability to use the language to study, work, and live in an English-speaking nation.

What is the importance of IELTS Exam?

IELTS is one of the most trusted English language tests in the world, with over 10,000 organisations worldwide recognising it. The IELTS certification is accepted in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Singapore, Europe, and 140 other countries worldwide. Academic institutions, businesses, professional organisations, and government agencies all accept the credential. The test is widely regarded as the gold standard for English language testing, and its certification is accepted for both academic and immigration purposes. This test evaluates a candidate’s English language skills by testing their reading, writing, listening, and speaking abilities. Tests are available all year at over 1600 locations in over 140 countries.

Types of IELTS exam

There are three types of IELTS Exam:

• IELTS Academic Test
• IELTS General Test
• IELTS for UKVI

Academic IELTS Test
The IELTS Academic Test is used to determine whether your English language abilities are of international academic competency. This test is most suited for overseas students seeking to study bachelor or postgraduate degrees in an English-speaking setting, as well as those moving for professional registration.

IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Test is used to determine whether or not you have acceptable language abilities for the professional and social contexts. People relocating to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as those seeking secondary education and job experience in any English-speaking area, can take the IELTS General exam format.

IELTS for the UKVI
IELTS is the same as IELTS for UKVI. The IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SLET) that has been approved by the government. Students who need to demonstrate their English language skills for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) applications can take the IELTS UKVI test format.

TEST TYPES FOR IELTS / TEST FORMAT FOR IELTS

The IELTS exam is available both online (computer-delivered IELTS) and offline (paper-based IELTS). The exam format is the same for both modes. The listening and speaking sections for both academic and general are the same, while the writing and reading sections differ slightly.

Cancellation Fees for IELTS Exams:

• If a candidate cancels their IELTS application more than 14 days before the test date, they will receive a 75% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
• If a candidate cancels their IELTS application within 14 days, they will be eligible for a 50% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
• If a candidate cancels their IELTS application within two days of the test date, they will receive a 25% refund of the total IELTS exam fee.
• There will be no reimbursement if the candidate cancels the test on the day of the test or after the test.

Fees for IELTS rescheduling

In order to reschedule the test date, a candidate must make the request no later than five weeks prior to the initially planned examination. The rescheduled test date must fall within a three-month timeframe from the original date. The candidate is required to remit an administrative charge that encompasses all applicable taxes for the procedure of rescheduling.

ELIGIBILITY FOR IELTS

1. What is the minimum age requirement to take the IELTS test?
The purpose of the IELTS language test is to evaluate a person’s proficiency in the English language. As a result, you can register for the exam at any age. However, 16 years of age is required to sit for the exam. The eligibility age for Canadian citizenship has been decreased to 14 as of June 2015.

2. How many times am I allowed to take the IELTS test?
There are no limitations on how many times a candidate may sit for the IELTS test.

3. Who is qualified to take the IELTS test?
The IELTS administering organizations have not established any minimal requirements to sit for the exam, and it is open to people of all genders, races, nationalities, and religions. Any applicant may sit for the exam if they intend to immigrate to or seek further education in an English-speaking nation. Candidates are, nevertheless, recommended to review the eligibility requirements established by their academic institution or organization.

4. Which nations recognize IELTS certification?
The IELTS certification is accepted for academic and professional purposes in 140 additional countries, including the UK, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, Canada, and the UK.

5.IELTS Eligibility Score: 
There are different eligibility requirements for each university and organization. However, most prestigious universities often accept a minimum score of 7.0 band with a 6.5 band score for each section.

Listed below are the minimum IELTS score requirement in each country: 

IELTS Study Advice

Among the finest methods for IELTS preparation are:

• To evaluate your language skills, take a practice test.
• To grasp the test format, do some research.
• Take numerous practice exams
• To receive better advice, enroll in an IELTS Test Coaching Centre.
• You can choose between the IELTS Academic Preparation and the IELTS General Preparation, depending on your needs.

IELTS preparation typically takes 6 to 8 weeks. Either start your preparations on your own at home or enroll in a coaching facility.

How can I practice speaking for the IELTS at home?

• Make an IELTS study strategy and stick to it by keeping up with the schedule.
• Recognize your language-learning strengths and shortcomings and strive to get better every day.
• Utilize all of the free internet tools for IELTS preparation, and keep practicing until you feel ready to take the test.

Materials to Prepare for the IELTS Exam

There are several IELTS preparation books and online tools accessible if you decide to study independently for the test. Listed below are a few resources you might find useful:

• IELTS writing practice resources on the road to IELTS: More than 100 hours’ worth of interactive exercises, videos from British Council experts, insider advice and even downloadable practice exams are included in this.
• The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS is a useful and simple manual that will assist you in getting the score you want.

Importance of the IELTS Practise Test / IELTS online preparation:

To achieve a high score on your IELTS exams and IELTS general practice test, you must have a comprehensive understanding of the test format. Numerous practice exams can help you better comprehend the pattern. Your time management skills are crucial when taking a test. Therefore, taking the IELTS practice test improves your time management skills. The more you study, the greater your likelihood of passing the exam with a high score.

• IELTS Listening Preparation: For the IELTS Listening Section, the audio will only be played once. Therefore, when taking the practise exams, you should listen to the audio only once. You can train your ear by listening to lectures, conversations, and monologues, as the IELTS listening section focuses on these situations.
• IELTS Reading Preparation: The IELTS Reading section consists of a variety of questions, each of which requires specific reading abilities. By adhering to a specific IELTS test preparation strategy, you can easily pass this section. During the IELTS general and IELTS academic reading practise tests, you must develop the ability to skim and scan the text in order to comprehend the main idea in a reduced amount of time.
• IELTS Preparation for IELTS Writing: Plan your essay before beginning to write. Notate your ideas roughly and then begin to organise them into essay form. Additionally, it is essential to schedule your time. Remember that you will require additional time to complete the second task. Therefore, allocate no more than 20 minutes to the first task and 40 minutes to the second.
• IELTS Speaking Test Preparation: It consists of a three-part face-to-face interview. The IELTS Speaking Section includes topics such as work, education, and acquaintances. Work on enhancing your vocabulary and grammar, as both play a crucial role in this section. Prepare in advance for specific topics in order to feel more confident during the IELTS speaking examination.

Types of IELTS

There are two categories of IELTS tests:

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic Training is designed for those who wish to register for higher education or professional registration in nations where English is the primary language of communication. The examination’s primary purpose is to determine whether a candidate is prepared to commence studying or training in the English language. The United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand all recognize IELTS for study purposes.

IELTS General

IELTS General Training is intended for candidates who wish to migrate to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom, or who are enrolling for secondary education, training programmes, or work experience in an English-speaking environment. Here, the examination emphasises on a candidate’s fundamental social and occupational survival abilities.

IELTS Curriculum 

In this section, we will examine the IELTS exam curriculum in detail. As previously stated, the IELTS curriculum consists of four sections: reading, speaking, writing, and listening. While the IELTS exam syllabi for the Speaking and Listening sections are identical for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training formats, the Reading and Writing exam syllabi are distinct.

The IELTS examination curriculum is divided into four sections:

• Writing syllabus
• Reading syllabus
• Listening syllabus
• Speaking syllabus

IELTS Writing Module

The IELTS writing section comprises of two sections namely, Task 1 and Task 2. Responses to the academic writing module are brief essays or general reports aimed at a non-specialist educated audience. There are two required duties. For Task 1, candidates are required to examine a diagram, table, or data set and present the information in their own words keeping in mind the word limit. However, for Task 2, all candidates are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, substantiate an opinion, evaluate ideas and evidence, etc.

Total no. of questions: 2

Total time: 60 minutes

Academic Writing for IELTS

It consists of two tasks on topics of general interest usually applicable to candidates enrolling to undergraduate or graduate programmes.

For your first assignment, you will be given a piece of paper containing a diagram, table, or graph. You will be expected to summarize and define the provided information in your own words. You may be asked to clarify a particular data entry, process the provided information, or draw a flowchart to arrive at a logical conclusion.

General Writing for IELTS

It also consists of two duties, but it is much simpler than the academic format.

You will be required to write a letter based on the circumstances provided. Depending on the circumstances, the letter can be formal, semi-formal, or informal. You will be required to explain, request, or defend your position to a particular authority.

In the second assignment of both academic as well as general writing, you will be asked to compose an essay on the subject. Arguments and opinions presented here should be supported by pertinent examples, and the tone of writing should be academic.

IELTS Reading Module

The reading module consists of three sections of general interest that address topics suitable for candidates entering graduate or undergraduate programmes, containing forty questions. Types of queries include multiple-choice, sentence or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, and identifying the views/attitudes of the authors.

Total no. of question: 40

Total time: 60 minutes

 IELTS Academic Reading

This consists of three lengthy paragraphs that may be descriptive, factual, or analytical. These passages are essentially excerpts from newspapers, research papers, academic journals, novels, and even periodicals. The texts, which are intended for a non-specialist audience, are ideal for testing college hopefuls and professionals seeking employment abroad.

IELTS General Reading

Comparable to the academic format, this consists of 3 short length passages and 2 lengthy passages which have excerpts taken from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, etc. The selected text is typically something encountered on a daily basis, making this format relatively simpler than the academic format.

 IELTS Listening Module

The Listening module is divided into four distinct elements. The first two conversations focus on social requirements, while the last two discuss education-related situations. There could be monologues, dialogues and conversations in the recording. This recording can only be heard once. There are numerous question categories, including multiple-choice, short-answer, note completion, sentence completion, diagram labelling, etc. Candidates are given 40 minutes to listen to the recording and additional 10 minutes to transfer the answers on the answer sheet.

Total no. of question: 40

Total time: 40 minutes

IELTS Speaking Module

Speaking is similar to a structured interview with a focus on general speaking abilities. It evaluates whether candidates possess the necessary knowledge and abilities to communicate effectively with native English speakers.

Total number of sections: three: personal interview, short speech, and discussion.

Total time: 12 to 15 minutes

Introduction and interview (four to five minutes)

During the first five minutes, you will be asked mundane inquiries about your family, residence, education, hobbies, and interests, etc.

Cue Card (2–3 minutes).

The examiner will then deliver you a flashcard containing information on a specific topic. You will have a minute or two to familiarize yourself with the topic, as you will be speaking for approximately two minutes on it. Following your speech, the examiner may pose a few queries based on your knowledge of the subject.

Part 3 discussions (5–6 minutes)

Based on the given topic and your speech, more in-depth inquiries and abstract discussions would ensue. You will have the opportunity to investigate your assigned topic in depth. This section will likely last five to six minute.

IELTS RESULTS: 

Candidates who take the paper-based IELTS exam must for at least 13 days following the scheduled test date to glimpse their IELTS exam results. The Test Report Form (TRF) will be mailed thirteen days after the test date.

Candidates who take the computer-delivered examination can view a preview of their test results within three to five days after the scheduled test date. The Test Report Form will be mailed between three and five days after the test dates.

Checklist for IELTS RESULTS:

How do I verify my IELTS score online?
To access your online results, you must opt in to the Test Taker Portal. The test results will be accessible for 28 days online. However, it cannot be used as official verification.

What is the validity of the IELTS results?
The IELTS test certificate is valid for two years following the announcement of the results.

How do I submit my IELTS test results to universities?
Candidates will receive their Test Report Form (TRF) via mail 13 days after taking the IELTS examination. The candidate will receive one copy of the TRP, and if they need additional copies, they may request up to five additional TRFs for university application and scholarship purposes. The candidate must submit a request for additional copies within one month of the exam date.

If an applicant needs extra TRFs after one month, they must fill out the ‘Application for the Issue of Additional TRFs’ form. The candidate will be charged an additional fee for each additional TRF requested.

Candidates can send physical copies of the TRF using one of the following methods:

• Electronic Transfer
• Mail
• Courier

Section Band Scores for IELTS:

IELTS Listening Score: There are 40 questions in this area of the IELTS, and each correct answer is worth one mark. The total of 40 points is transformed to a nine-band scale.

IELTS Listening Score Comparison

IELTS Reading Score:

The IELTS Reading section consists of 40 questions. Each right answer carries one mark. The total score out of 40 is converted to the nine-band scale.

IELTS Reading Score – IELTS Academic Score Comparison

IELTS Reading Score – IELTS General Score Comparison

IELTS Writing Score:

The examiners look for the following parameters in the while marking the IELTS Writing Score:

• Task Achievement in Task 1 and Task Response in Task 2
• Coherence and Cohesion in language
• Vocabulary
•  Grammatical range and accuracy

These four criteria are considered equally, and the average is regarded as the final score for this section.

IELTS Speaking Score:

The examiners look for the following while marking the IELTS Speaking Score:

• Fluency and Coherence in Speech
• Vocabulary
• Range and Accuracy in the use of Grammar
• Pronunciation

Calculate Your IELTS Score

How is the IELTS exam score calculated?
•The IELTS band score is the average of the four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

•The total band score is calculated by dividing the sum of these four components by four.

•When the average of the four sections reaches a decimal point, the score will be rounded to the nearest half or whole band.

•For example, if a test taker receives a 7.25, the grade will be adjusted to 7.5. If the test taker receives a 7.75, the score will be rounded up to 8.