What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test which is jointly owned and managed by the British Council (BC), Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education Australia.
IELTS Introduction
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test which is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study abroad,work or migrate where English is used as the primary language of communication.
There are two popular versions of the IELTS test:
Academic, General Training
IELTS (General) For Migration
IELTS General Training is a good choice for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country and work there.
IELTS (Academic) For Study Abroad
IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to study higher education in foreign countries where english is used as the primary language.
About The IELTS Test
Paper Based Test (PBT)
IELTS on Paper…
If you select this option, Listening, Reading and Writing sections will be paper-based and the Speaking test will be conducted face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner on a specific date. In PBT you will get your result after 13 days.
Computer Based Test (CBT)
IELTS on Computer….
This is exactly the same test as PBT (IELTS), but instead of writing your answers on paper, you will type them on a computer.
If you choose this option, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on a computer, but the Speaking test will still be face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner, In CBT you will get your result in within 5-7 days.
NOTE: Computer Based Training (CBT) is only available with IDP
Test Format
The IELTS test assesses your listening skills, reading skills, writing skills and speaking skills – in less than three hours.
Academic and General Training are two versions (types) of this IELTS Test.
Speaking and Listening are the same for both tests, but Writing and Reading sections differs depending on which type of test you take.
The Listening, Reading and Writing are completed on the same day but Speaking can be completed up to a week after or before the LRW test.
Estimated IELTS Test Time = 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Listening
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.
- Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
- Recording 2 – a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
- Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
- Recording 4 – a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.
Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of an utterance and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.
IELTS Reading
The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.
- IELTS Academic test – this includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration.
- IELTS General Training test – this includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
IELTS Writing
Academic Writing
Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for, test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. There are two tasks:
- Task 1 – you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
- Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.
General Writing
Topics are of general interest. There are two tasks:
- Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
- Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be fairly personal in style.
IELTS Speaking
The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
- Part 1 – the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
- Part 2 – you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
- Part 3 – you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.
How IELTS is Scored?
Who Accepts IELTS Test?
IELTS is accepted by over 10,000 organisations in more than 140 countries. These include:
- universities, schools, colleges and training organisations
- government departments and immigration authorities
- professional and industry associations
- multinational companies and employers.
IELTS Examiners
IDP Education is a proud co-owner of IELTS. IDP Education's global network of test centres offers you more than 200 test locations in 50 countries.
British Council is a proud co-owner of IELTS.
FAQS
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a test to assess the English language skills of candidates who want to study, work or migrate to a country where English is the official language of communication.
What is the purpose of IELTS Test?
The purpose of IELTS test is to assess the reading, writing, listening and speaking ability of English language of a person who wants to study, work or migrate to an English speaking country.
What skills are tested in the IELTS test?
Four skills are tested – reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Who owns or manages IELTS test?
IELTS test is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English language assessment.
Where IELTS score is accepted?
IELTS score is accepted by over 9,000 organizations worldwide, including schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and professional bodies.
What are the major countries accepting IELTS score?
IELTS score is widely accepted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, USA and many other places around the world where English is a language in the workplace or classroom.
How many times can I appear in IELTS test?
There is no limit on re-appearing for the IELTS exam.
How long is an IELTS score valid?
An IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two (2) years.
What happens if I am unable to appear for the test?
In the event a registered candidate fails to appear for their IELTS test, the candidate is deemed an absentee and a refund will not be applicable.
My question is not in the list above. What should I do?
Get in touch with the nearest IDP service provider center at the numbers given below:
- Ahmedabad: +91 79 44118888
- Amritsar: +91 183 5093888
- Bangalore: +91 80 44118888
- Chandigarh: +91 172 4411888
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- Mumbai: +91 22 44118888
- Mumbai2: +91 22 44118888
- Pune: +91 20 44118888
- Vadodara: +91 265 2324606
- Vijayawada: +91 866 2454888,+91 866 2488990
or Email ielts.india@idp.com