IELTS

THE STORY OF IELTS

IELTS

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most popular English language skills that is trusted by universities, governments, and employers around the world. Since its launch in 1989, IELTS  has been a benchmark for English tests and has helped millions of people achieve their education, professional, and immigration goals.

EARLY BEGINNINGS

The idea for IELTS emerged from the need for a reliable and comprehensive system to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. Prior to the IELTS, no universally recognized test catered to the different needs of academic and professional English proficiency. The examination was developed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge’s English-language evaluation.

GROWTH AND GLOBAL RECOGNITION

Due to the strict standards and the widespread applicability, IELTS was quickly recognized. The purpose of the test is to measure four basic skills of language: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Over time, IELTS has become the preferred international study, work, and immigration test that has expanded its coverage in more than 140 countries and more than 10,000 organizations worldwide.

IELTS TODAY

Today, IELTS continues to evolve in line with changing English language testing around the world. There are two types of exams: The Academic exam is suitable for those seeking higher education opportunities and The General exam is ideal for immigrants. IELTS is still a reliable English-language measurement standard for more than 3 million tests are being taken each year.

Using a detailed understanding of academic research, a combination of modern technologies, and justice, IELTS can ensure that each examiner can accurately and with integrity. As English remains the dominant global language, exams like IELTS will continue to grow in importance and support the goals of communication and success for individuals and institutions around the world.

IELTS FORMAT

IELTS Test Format IELTS (International English Language Test) is designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test measures your ability to understand and use English in real-world situations, including academic, professional, and migration purposes. IELTS has two formats, Academic and General Training, but both formats have the same basic structure.

 

The IELTS test is divided into four main sections:
Listening (30 minutes)

The listening section consists of four recorded audio tracks that you will listen to. These tracks have different emphases and cover various topics such as social situations, academic settings, and professional environments.

Question Types: Multiple Choice, Short Answer, Form Filling, Diagram Labeling, etc. Scoring: There are 40 questions total; your score will depend on how many you answer correctly.

The reading section consists of three reading passages and a total of 40 questions. Academic test passages are taken from books, magazines, and newspapers while general knowledge test passages are taken from advertisements, brochures, and work-related texts. Types of questions: True/False/Not Indicated, Multiple Choice, Match to Title, Short Answer Questions, etc. Scoring: Your score is based on the number of correct answers, there is no penalty for incorrect answers.

The writing section consists of two tasks.

Task 1: In the academic test, you will describe or summarise a graph, table, or diagram. A typical preparation test involves writing a letter based on a given situation. Task 2: Write an essay in response to a question or topic. This task evaluates your ability to present an argument, provide evidence, and express your opinion clearly.

Scoring: Your responses will be evaluated for task achievement, coherence, grammatical accuracy, and vocabulary usage.

The speaking section is held in an interview with the examiner. It is divided into three parts.

Part 1: Introducing your own home, work, research, hobbies, and general questions.

Part 2: You will be given a topic card and after 1 minute of preparation time you will speak for up to 2 minutes.

Part 3: The examiner will ask more detailed questions related to the topic from Part 2. This is a discussion in which you will need to demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively. Marking: The test will be marked on fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. Test duration: Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are administered on the same day without interruption. The Oral Expression test can be taken on the same day as the main test or a week before or after the main test.

  • Listening: 30 minutes
  • Reading: 60 minutes
  • Writing: 60 minutes
  • Speaking: 11-14 minutes (scheduled separately)

Scoring System

IELTS uses a band score system to assess your English proficiency, with scores ranging from Band 0 (Did not attempt) to Band 9 (Expert User). You will receive a score for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking), and your overall score is the average of these. 

  • Band 9: Expert
  • Band 8: Very good
  • Band 7: Good
  • Band 6: Competent
  • Band 5: Modest
  • Band 4: Limited
  • Band 3: Very limited
  • Band 2: Intermittent
  • Band 1: Non-user
  • Band 0: Not intending to test
Test availability

IELTS is available at over 1,600 locations worldwide, with tests occurring several times a month. You can choose a test date that suits your schedule and location.

Things to know before booking your exam

Before booking an IELTS test, choosing the right test according to your goals is important. There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Here are some things to consider before booking:

Decide what type of IELTS you need.

IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking country. If you want to go to university or work in a professional field that requires a high level of English, this test is the right choice for you. IELTS general training: This is generally accepted by people who migrate to the country of English for work or educational purposes, or who wish to study at the level of a non-diploma.

Know the requirements for your goal:

IELTS has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You must know the test format for academic and general educational versions because the reading and letter sections are slightly different.

Display the test structure and decide if you need additional preparation for which is a special section. 

Set a realistic test date:

Plan and choose a test date that gives you adequate time to prepare. Be aware of application deadlines if you are applying to universities or visas. 

Consider your testing location:

Check which testing centers are near you and whether they are available on the date you want. Some locations may have limited space, so we recommend booking in advance. Budget and test costs:

There is a fee for the IELTS test, which may vary by country and test center. Find out the cost and make a payment plan. Choosing the right test and preparing carefully will ensure your success. If you need any additional information or preparation tips about the exam, please do not hesitate to contact us.

FAQ’s

What can I bring into the IELTS Test room?

Pencils, erasers, a transparent bottle of water, and identification (a passport or national ID) are permitted in the IELTS testing area. Notes, phones, and other personal belongings are not permitted. Make sure everything is kept safely out of the testing area.

Applying for the IELTS should ideally be done two to three months prior to the date of the test. This gives you time to get ready, pick a convenient testing location, and get your results—especially if you’re applying for deadline-driven visas or universities.

The Listening component is usually taken first in both the Computer-Based Test (CBT) and the Paper-Based Test (PBT). You will next move on to reading, writing, and speaking. But occasionally, the Speaking exam could be arranged independently of the other components.

Which IELTS module is “easiest” for you will depend on your strengths. Since the Listening component focuses on comprehending spoken English in natural settings, many people generally find it to be a little simpler. However, depending on their level of familiarity with reading comprehension or conversation, others could find the Speaking or Reading modules simpler. In the end, it is down to your personal abilities and readiness.

Your IELTS results for the Computer-Based Test (CBT) will normally be sent to you in 3–5 days. Results for the Paper-Based Test (PBT) are typically accessible within 13 days. Depending on your preference, you can either check your results online or have them mailed to you.

IELTS test cancellation is possible, but you must do so at least five weeks prior to the exam date. You might be eligible for a partial refund (often about 25% of the test fee) if you cancel within this window of time. You will not receive a refund if you decide to cancel later or after the test. Verify the particular cancellation policy of the testing facility where you registered.

It is not possible to receive a refund if you decide to cancel your IELTS test at the last minute, particularly if you do so after the deadline, which is often five weeks before to the test date. Usually, you may only get a refund if you cancel more than five weeks in advance, and even then, it’s just a 25% partial return. You will not be refunded if you fail to show up for the test or miss the cancellation deadline.

Rearranging your IELTS test is possible, but you must do so at least five weeks before to the original test date. The new test date must fall within three months of the previous one, and there will be a rescheduling fee. You won’t be eligible for a refund or reschedule if you miss the event or reschedule after this deadline. Make sure to inquire about the precise rescheduling procedures and costs at your testing facility.

The IELTS Online test, which was made available during the epidemic, and the IELTS Indicator both allow you to take the test from home. IELTS Online is a more permanent option for taking the test from home than the IELTS Indicator, which was only a temporary fix.

But keep in mind that IELTS Online differs from the traditional in-person exam and is only accessible for specific test versions. The Speaking examination is administered through a video conference with an examiner, while the Listening, Reading, and Writing portions are completed on a computer at home.

Verify whether this option is accessible where you are and whether there are any special prerequisites or limitations by contacting your local test facility.

After the exam date, your IELTS certificate is good for two years. Since your level of English proficiency may fluctuate over time, the test results are deemed to have expired after that point. You would have to repeat the IELTS exam if you needed to submit your results for applications after two years.

Since it depends on the requirements of the school or organization you’re applying to, there isn’t a set “pass” score for IELTS. On the other hand, the IELTS scoring system has a range of 0 to 9, with 9 representing the maximum possible result.

 

Usually:

For most institutions or organizations, a score between 6.0 and 7.0 is seen as a good outcome.

A band score of 6.5 or above might be necessary for admission to some schools.

The average of the four sections—speaking, writing, listening, and reading—makes up the total band score.

Additionally, each section receives a unique score, and certain universities could set minimum standards for each section. Always confirm the particular criteria for the organization or goal you have in mind.

For a number of reasons, your IELTS Speaking test is recorded.

  1. Quality Assurance: If there is any disagreement or issue regarding the grading, examiners can revisit the session using the recordings to guarantee uniformity and fairness.
  2. Evaluation and Training: Examiners are trained and evaluated with the use of recordings, which guarantees that they uphold high standards and uniformity among all applicants.
  3. Verification: Senior examiners may occasionally review recordings or utilize them to confirm that the test was administered correctly.

You may be guaranteed that the recordings are protected and utilized exclusively for these official functions.

For a number of reasons, your IELTS Speaking test is recorded.

 

The IELTS exam is yours to take as many times as you like. You are free to try as many times as you like. It’s crucial to keep in mind, though, that the test price is charged each time you take the exam. If they believe they can raise their results, most people decide to repeat the test, particularly if they want to get a better band score for college or a visa. Before you schedule another test, make sure you give yourself enough time to get ready. 

Instead of retaking the complete IELTS exam, a “one module retake” allows you to retake just a particular component (or module). For instance, you might be permitted to retake just the Writing module if you did well in the Speaking, Reading, and Listening sections but your Writing score was below what you needed.

However, not all test locations or situations can use this option. If you want to raise your score in one or more modules, you usually have to retake the full test. Verifying the precise regulations with your testing facility is always the best course of action.

No, not all international universities allow IELTS retakes in a single module. If you wish to raise your score in a particular area, the majority of colleges ask you to retake the full exam. This is because retaking specific modules is often not permitted under official IELTS policy; if your score falls short of the required threshold, you would have to retake the full test.

Although it is uncommon, it is usually a good idea to confirm the precise requirements of the colleges you are applying to. Some may allow individual module retakes under specific circumstances. The majority of schools consider your whole band score, and if you want to get better in a certain area, they could want to give you a new test.

No, various examiners often analyze the IELTS modules.

  • Reading and Listening: For computer-based exams, a computer system scores these portions; for paper-based exams, a trained personnel scores them.
  • Writing: A human examiner will review your answers in the Writing part based on predetermined standards, including task completion, coherence, and grammar.
  • Speaking: Fluency, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary are evaluated in the Speaking test, which is administered in person or over a video chat by a qualified examiner.

Because each module is evaluated independently by subject-matter experts, your scores will be as accurate and fair as possible.

With the exception of the Speaking test, all modules for the Computer-Based IELTS (CBT) and Paper-Based IELTS (PBT) are normally taken on the same day at the same location. Depending on the test center’s schedule, the Speaking test could be on the same day as the other modules or even up to a week before or after.

The Speaking test may be scheduled individually, however the Listening, Reading, and Writing portions of the Computer-Based IELTS will all be finished on the same day. As arrangements can differ slightly depending on the location, make sure to confirm the specifics with your test center at the time of registration.

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