Blogs - All the Information you need about the IELTS Exam

All the Information you need about the IELTS Exam


International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language exam that is required to be taken by international candidates considering studying or working in a country, where English is the main language of communication. IELTS exam score is accepted for university admission eligibility in more than 140 countries including UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Germany, South Korea, Hungary etc. This exam mainly measures the ability of test-takers to communicate in the four basic English language skills – listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The IELTS exam is jointly owned and conducted by IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment. 

 The IELTS test can be taken on a computer or paper. Test-takers who opt for the IELTS computer-based test take the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections on a computer. With the Computer-based IELTS, one gets more test dates to choose from and gets results in 3-5 days. Test takers who opt to take IELTS on paper will take Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on paper with either HB pencils or pen. Whereas, the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a professional IELTS examiner.

Why is the IELTS Exam required?

The IELTS exam is required for academic purposes abroad in English-speaking countries. It is the only English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the UK. A lot of students get anxious about why the IELTS exam is required? The answer to this is that foreign universities and visa granting authorities need to be sure that you will not have communication issues while staying in the country abroad. You need to show a good understanding and strong command of the English language and that is why your IELTS exam are important. Another common doubt students have is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not? No, IELTS isn’t compulsory in all the countries for university admissions. Many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But remember that if you don’t give IELTS, your chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without IELTS scores. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.

TYPE OF IELTS: There are two types of IELTS exam. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training .Listening and speaking sections are the same for both these tests, however, the subject matter for the writing and reading sections are different depending on which test one takes. The Reading, Writing, and Listening sections of the IELTS tests are completed on the same day of the test with no breaks between them. However, the Speaking section can be completed either a week before or after the other tests date. This information test can be taken from your test centre

Here is the IELTS paper pattern – At a Glance

The IELTS Exam consists of four sections: 

IELTS Academic Test

IELTS Academic is taken by those who apply for higher education or professional registration abroad.

IELTS General Test

IELTS General Test is taken by those who wish to migrate to major English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK. This test is also taken by those who want to enroll in training programs or secondary education or want to gain work experience in a country where English is the main language used for communication.

IELTS Eligibility

IELTS can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion, however, the IELTS test is not recommended for those under 16 years of age. Those who are below 18 years of age need their parents to book the test for them.

How is IELTS Scored?

IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your IELTS score will be calculated.

BAND SCORE

SKILL LEVEL

MEANING

BAND 9

Expert user

The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

BAND8

Very Good User

The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

BAND7

Good user

The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

BAND6

Competent user

The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

BAND5

Modest user

The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

BAND4

Limited user

The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.

BAND3

Extremely Limited user

The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

BAND2

Intermittent user

The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

BAND1

Non-user

The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

BAND0

Did not attempt the test

The test taker did not answer the questions.

 

IELTS Score validity period

From the time you obtain your IELTS results, your IELTS score is valid for two years.

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  • We give opportunities to students to try the test again if not successful,

If you are preparing to study abroad, what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us and we will give you the best IELTS test guidance, and you will go one step further in fulfilling your dream.

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