IELTS
Information & Preparation Guidelines
Introduction
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test is designed to assess the English Language proficiency of candidates seeking international education, professional training or work in English speaking environment. It is globally accepted and recognized test. IELTS is accepted by many academic institution across the world including Australian, British, Canadian, New Zealand, and South African academic institution, by various academic institutions of United States and also by many professional bodies. Different Institutions and organization require different scores on IELTS by candidates who need to study or work in that institution or organization. More than 6000 institution in about 135 countries accept IELTS test. About 1.4 million candidates appear in the test each year to seek international education and employment.
IELTS is owned and managed jointly by University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, British Council and IDP:ISLETS Australia. IELTS tests the ability of candidates to listen, read, write and speak English Language.
Description the Test
There are two versions of IELT test
1. Academic Test
2. General Training Test
1. Academic Test
2. General Training Test
• Academic Test is taken by those candidates who want to take admission in a university or institution of higher education abroad (in English speaking countries).
• General Training Test is taken by candidates seeking professional training, experience or work abroad (in English speaking countries).
• General Training Test is taken by candidates seeking professional training, experience or work abroad (in English speaking countries).
You should take advice from local IELTS office or student advisor if you have any doubt about whether to sit for Academic test or General Training test, because both the tests are different in weight and are not interchangeable. Both the versions of IELTS test have four parts i.eListening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Test Structure
IELT test have following four modules
1. Listening (4 sections, 30 minutes)
2. Reading (3 sections, 60 minutes)
3. Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes)
4. Speaking (11-14 minutes)
2. Reading (3 sections, 60 minutes)
3. Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes)
4. Speaking (11-14 minutes)
The total duration for test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are taken in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the test.
All the candidates have to take test for each of four modules i.e Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take same Listening and Speaking modules but may choose between the Academic or General Training versions of Reading and Writing modules.
IELTS - Information & Preparation Guidelines for each part
Listening Module
Essentials of Listening Module:
1. Time Allowed: 30 minutes + 10 minutes as transfer time
2. There are 4 sections, each carrying 10 questions making total 40 question
3. The first 2 sections are related to social needs. There is conversation between two speakers and then a monologue.
4. The last 2 sections are about situations related to educational or training context. There is a conversation between up to four people and then a monologue.
2. There are 4 sections, each carrying 10 questions making total 40 question
3. The first 2 sections are related to social needs. There is conversation between two speakers and then a monologue.
4. The last 2 sections are about situations related to educational or training context. There is a conversation between up to four people and then a monologue.
There are questions of various types i.e. multiple choice questions, short answer questions, sentence completion, notes/charts/table completion, labeling diagram, classification, matching.
Candidates hear recording only once and answer the question as they listen. Ten minutes are allowed at the end to transfer answers to answer-sheet
Candidates hear recording only once and answer the question as they listen. Ten minutes are allowed at the end to transfer answers to answer-sheet
How to improve Listening Skills - Guidelines
Adequate listening skills involve hearing ideas carefully, picking up ideas and interpreting the ideas as you listen. Listening module requires your full attention because you hear recording only once and have to grasp its complete thought to answer the questions.
The first and foremost thing that plays a vital role in improving listening skills is improving your familiarity with spoken English. It is easy to understand by reading a passage than listening to a passage, because in listening to a passage you have to deal (by listening to) with spoken English. Familiarity with spoken English is improved by learning correct pronunciation, learning accent of native speakers. Familiarity with spoken English depends on your exposure to spoken English. The more you practice by listening to correct pronunciation and accent of native speakers, the more you get familiarized with spoken English and so you improve you listening skills.
The first and foremost thing that plays a vital role in improving listening skills is improving your familiarity with spoken English. It is easy to understand by reading a passage than listening to a passage, because in listening to a passage you have to deal (by listening to) with spoken English. Familiarity with spoken English is improved by learning correct pronunciation, learning accent of native speakers. Familiarity with spoken English depends on your exposure to spoken English. The more you practice by listening to correct pronunciation and accent of native speakers, the more you get familiarized with spoken English and so you improve you listening skills.
Learning correct pronunciation carries prime importance. The recording which is played in the test has a Standard English and correct pronunciation of each word. If you don’t know the correct pronounce a particular word, you will not be able to recognize the same word when you listen to it. Use dictionary to improve pronunciation. It is better if you use “talking dictionary” for learning correct pronunciation because you learn by listening to correct pronunciation instead of reading its pronunciation by symbols in “text dictionary”.
Building a huge vocabulary (a great deal of words, their meanings and usage) is also helpful in improving your listening skills because you may come across some difficult words while listening to recording in the test. If you are ignorant of meaning of a word you can’t answer properly.
Building a huge vocabulary (a great deal of words, their meanings and usage) is also helpful in improving your listening skills because you may come across some difficult words while listening to recording in the test. If you are ignorant of meaning of a word you can’t answer properly.
Learning accent of native speaker and familiarizing yourself to it contribute a lot to improve your listening skills. The accent of learner of a language may be a bit different from that of native speaker. That is why it is a bit difficult for learners to communicate with native speakers in proper way. You may come across same situation while listening to recordings in test. So it is very important that you learn the accent of native speakers, the way they utter words. For improving this aspect you have a lot of options i.e listening to English songs, English News, Movies, Documentary programs, talking to natives or mutual discussion in friends.
English Songs
Listening to English songs can help in improving your listening skills. If you are a beginner, you may find it hard to understand the words of song while listening to it. But with the passage of time it will become easy for you which is the sign of improving of your listening skills. The best way for benefitting from listening to songs is that read its lyrics as you listen to the song. You can search for lyrics of a song on internet. Practicing by listening to songs with reading its lyrics improves your acquaintance with spoken English and ultimately improves your listening skills.
English News
Listening to English news on daily basis plays a vital role in improving your listening skills. News is read in an adequate way. Newscaster utters every word clearly and properly. Listening to news refines your listening skills. Try to listen to news on TV or radio daily. Initially you may find it difficult to understand words but don’t feel dishearten because with the passage of time you will gain command on it which is sign of improvement in your listening skills.
English Movies
Watching English movies is also an opportunity to be availed for improving one’s listening skills. Listening to dialogues of movie is an effective way to improve your listening skills because you watch (listen to) movie with full heed and interest; and learn in informal way.
Mutual Discussions in English Language
Participation in discussions helps in improving speaking as well as listening skills. It provides an opportunity to speak and listen to English language. You can discuss with your class fellows on different topics Try to engage in discussions in English language as more as possible if you want to groom your listening and speaking skills.
Reading Module
Essentials of Listening Module:
1. Time Allowed: 60 minutes
2. There are three passages. There are 40 questions on these three passages.
3. Academic Reading and General Training Reading modules are different. The passages given in “Academic reading” are taken from books, newspapers, magazines and journals. While the passages given in “General Training reading” are taken notices, leaflets, newspapers, manuals, books and magazine.
4. There are various type of questions i.e. multiple choice questions, short answer questions, sentence completion, notes/charts/table completion, labeling diagram, classification, matching, choose suitable topic for paragraph, identification of writer’s views.
5. Answers have to be written into the answer sheet in the allotted 60 minutes (no extra time for transferring answers to answer sheet)
2. There are three passages. There are 40 questions on these three passages.
3. Academic Reading and General Training Reading modules are different. The passages given in “Academic reading” are taken from books, newspapers, magazines and journals. While the passages given in “General Training reading” are taken notices, leaflets, newspapers, manuals, books and magazine.
4. There are various type of questions i.e. multiple choice questions, short answer questions, sentence completion, notes/charts/table completion, labeling diagram, classification, matching, choose suitable topic for paragraph, identification of writer’s views.
5. Answers have to be written into the answer sheet in the allotted 60 minutes (no extra time for transferring answers to answer sheet)
How to improve Reading Skills - Guidelines
The test is divided into three sections. You are given a passage for reading and asked questions on the passage. The questions can be both after and before the passage. The passages are about topics of general interests.
Improving reading skills and preparation for dealing with these passages mainly require
• Practicing similar passages
• Effective Reading
• A great deal of general reading
• Effective Reading
• A great deal of general reading
Practicing Similar Passages
There are many books in which such passages are given for practice. You can also search these practice passages on internet. You have read the passage and answer the questions given at the end of the passage. Correct answers are also given in the book for learning.
Practicing these passage really helps in preparation for test. It rectifies your approach to reading passage and attempting its questions. It makes you acquainted with over all dealing with passage questions. It enables you to solve passages quickly. Practice makes man perfect. The more you practice, the lesser will be chance of mistake in test. Attempt more and more passage by reading passage carefully and answering questions accordingly. It is the best way to ensure your success in reading module.
The best way for attempting practice passages is to read passage carefully and then answer its questions on a sheet before seeing the correct answer given in book. Don’t see the correct answers from book before you attempt them yourself. It will give you idea of your mistakes and help you ward off your mistakes.
Practicing these passage really helps in preparation for test. It rectifies your approach to reading passage and attempting its questions. It makes you acquainted with over all dealing with passage questions. It enables you to solve passages quickly. Practice makes man perfect. The more you practice, the lesser will be chance of mistake in test. Attempt more and more passage by reading passage carefully and answering questions accordingly. It is the best way to ensure your success in reading module.
The best way for attempting practice passages is to read passage carefully and then answer its questions on a sheet before seeing the correct answer given in book. Don’t see the correct answers from book before you attempt them yourself. It will give you idea of your mistakes and help you ward off your mistakes.
Effective Reading
Your performance in reading modules majorly depends on how you read a text. Reading is not only uttering words of a passage. There is a purpose behind reading. The purpose is to grasp the complete idea of each sentence which the writer wants to convey to the reader, which is called effective reading. By effective reading you get a true picture of passage. Effective reading is the only tool that enables you answers the question given on passage.
Most students have the habit of cursory reading. They just run on the sentences by only uttering their words and don’t extract the apparent and background idea in the sentence. That is why they are not able to answer the questions of passage properly.
You should adopt method of effective reading and avoid cursory reading. Effective reading requires your full attention, interest, and concentration.
Most students have the habit of cursory reading. They just run on the sentences by only uttering their words and don’t extract the apparent and background idea in the sentence. That is why they are not able to answer the questions of passage properly.
You should adopt method of effective reading and avoid cursory reading. Effective reading requires your full attention, interest, and concentration.
General Reading
Reading newspaper, magazine, journals, good essays or general books make a good contribution to improve your reading skills. It provides you informal opportunity to practice for reading and flourish your reading skills.
General reading may not require much of your attention but it is a fact that you are fully interest to do it. That’s why you learn easily and quickly. General reading helps you in a way that you do not feel at that moment but in the long run you realize its benefit.
General reading may not require much of your attention but it is a fact that you are fully interest to do it. That’s why you learn easily and quickly. General reading helps you in a way that you do not feel at that moment but in the long run you realize its benefit.
Reading newspaper on daily basis is a good habit to improve reading skills. Apart from that you can read good books of essay written by renowned writers. Even if you read a magazine or novel, you should read it properly so that you can enjoy it as well as get benefit from it.
Writing Module
Essentials of Listening Module:
1. Time Allowed: 60 minutes
2. There are three two tasks. Candidates are required to write at least 150 words on Task 1 and atlatl 250 on Task 2. It is suggested to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
3.Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1.
4.Academic writing and General Training writing are different.
2. There are three two tasks. Candidates are required to write at least 150 words on Task 1 and atlatl 250 on Task 2. It is suggested to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
3.Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1.
4.Academic writing and General Training writing are different.
Academic Writing
In Task 1 candidates are given a diagram, a figure or some data (graph, table or chart). Candidates are required to describe it in their own words. It assess the ability of candidates to present and compare information, describe stages of a process, how an even event takes place, explain an object or event etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
In Task 1 candidates are given a diagram, a figure or some data (graph, table or chart). Candidates are required to describe it in their own words. It assess the ability of candidates to present and compare information, describe stages of a process, how an even event takes place, explain an object or event etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
General Training Writing.
In Task 1 candidates has to respond to a given situation, scenario or problem by writing a letter. The letter should describe factual information, needs, wants, likes and dislikes, complaints, personal correspondence etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
In Task 1 candidates has to respond to a given situation, scenario or problem by writing a letter. The letter should describe factual information, needs, wants, likes and dislikes, complaints, personal correspondence etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
How to improve Writing Skills - Guidelines
Writing about a topic, an event, or a situation is an art which is developed by training and practice. It needs a huge discourse to learn how to improve writing skills but I will explain some of the major factors which will help you flourish your general writing skills.
Writing skills depends on your creativity or inventiveness, grammatical accuracy, style of expression, personal observation, collection and selection ideas, shaping ideas in proper order.
Creativity means generating and organizing new ideas on the base of ideas already know to you about the topic or situation. It is a sort of elaborating facts in a good way. You are given a topic or a situation which is known to you upto some extent. It depends on your creativity power to utilize the known facts and ideas to generate new ideas and shape them in proper style in written form. Creativity is linked with your observation power. Observing and collecting ideas about a situation provide source for creativity.
Style of expression and shaping ideas in proper order are the important factors for good writing skills. Style of expression is the way of presenting ideas to a reader. Ideas should be presented adequately in sentences so that reader can easily understand them. There should be a proper relationship and continuity in sentences. Proper order of sentences, what should be written first and what should be written second needs to be developed. Good style of expressing expression and shaping order in adequate order are very important for impressive and influential writing.
Grammatical accuracy is essential for good writing skills. Each word, phrase, and sentence should be grammatically correct. Usage of correct punctuation should not be neglected. Parts of speech should be used correctly. Use short sentences instead of long sentence which can increase the chance of mistake in the structure of sentence.
A paragraph has a particular structure. The first line of paragraph holds central them of whole paragraph or topic and the rest lines explain this central them further. The first line start with some space from left side of page unlike the other lines of paragraph start from very beginning from left side of page. A paragraph holds a combination of similar ideas or explanation of same idea. Always remember these points to write a paragraph.
Writing skills depends on your creativity or inventiveness, grammatical accuracy, style of expression, personal observation, collection and selection ideas, shaping ideas in proper order.
Creativity means generating and organizing new ideas on the base of ideas already know to you about the topic or situation. It is a sort of elaborating facts in a good way. You are given a topic or a situation which is known to you upto some extent. It depends on your creativity power to utilize the known facts and ideas to generate new ideas and shape them in proper style in written form. Creativity is linked with your observation power. Observing and collecting ideas about a situation provide source for creativity.
Style of expression and shaping ideas in proper order are the important factors for good writing skills. Style of expression is the way of presenting ideas to a reader. Ideas should be presented adequately in sentences so that reader can easily understand them. There should be a proper relationship and continuity in sentences. Proper order of sentences, what should be written first and what should be written second needs to be developed. Good style of expressing expression and shaping order in adequate order are very important for impressive and influential writing.
Grammatical accuracy is essential for good writing skills. Each word, phrase, and sentence should be grammatically correct. Usage of correct punctuation should not be neglected. Parts of speech should be used correctly. Use short sentences instead of long sentence which can increase the chance of mistake in the structure of sentence.
A paragraph has a particular structure. The first line of paragraph holds central them of whole paragraph or topic and the rest lines explain this central them further. The first line start with some space from left side of page unlike the other lines of paragraph start from very beginning from left side of page. A paragraph holds a combination of similar ideas or explanation of same idea. Always remember these points to write a paragraph.
Making outlines is a nice tool for comprehensive writing. When you are given a topic, try to write outlines or brief notes about it first, then elaborate these outlines adding more explanation to a comprehensive essay.
Good writing is not an inborn quality but anyone can develop this quality by training and practice. Try to write about various topics. Try to write outlines and then start writing about the topic. Initially you will find it difficult to write a simple essay but practice will enable you to gain command on writing about things.
“Learning to write well takes time and much effort, but it can be done” – Margaret Mead
The best way is to select a topic and write down about it on a sheet whatever you have in your mind about the topic. Read it after you complete writing. Think on it that what to add to it more so that you improve it. Rewrite about the topic including the previous ideas you have written about it. Revise this procedure upto four or five times for same topic. Each time you gain new perspective and new ideas about the topic. It will refine and flourish your writing skills.
“Writing is rewriting” – Donald Murray
Writing Module
Essentials of Listening Module:
1. Time Allowed: 60 minutes
2. There are three two tasks. Candidates are required to write at least 150 words on Task 1 and atlatl 250 on Task 2. It is suggested to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
3.Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1.
4.Academic writing and General Training writing are different.
2. There are three two tasks. Candidates are required to write at least 150 words on Task 1 and atlatl 250 on Task 2. It is suggested to spend 20 minutes on Task 1 and 40 minutes on Task 2.
3.Task 2 carries more marks than Task 1.
4.Academic writing and General Training writing are different.
Academic Writing
In Task 1 candidates are given a diagram, a figure or some data (graph, table or chart). Candidates are required to describe it in their own words. It assess the ability of candidates to present and compare information, describe stages of a process, how an even event takes place, explain an object or event etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
In Task 1 candidates are given a diagram, a figure or some data (graph, table or chart). Candidates are required to describe it in their own words. It assess the ability of candidates to present and compare information, describe stages of a process, how an even event takes place, explain an object or event etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
General Training Writing.
In Task 1 candidates has to respond to a given situation, scenario or problem by writing a letter. The letter should describe factual information, needs, wants, likes and dislikes, complaints, personal correspondence etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
In Task 1 candidates has to respond to a given situation, scenario or problem by writing a letter. The letter should describe factual information, needs, wants, likes and dislikes, complaints, personal correspondence etc
In Task 2 candidates are presented with some point of view, argument, scenario or a problem. Candidate has to devise a solution to the problem, present a justification to an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas, etc, in the for of essay of at least 250 words.
How to improve Writing Skills - Guidelines
Writing about a topic, an event, or a situation is an art which is developed by training and practice. It needs a huge discourse to learn how to improve writing skills but I will explain some of the major factors which will help you flourish your general writing skills.
Writing skills depends on your creativity or inventiveness, grammatical accuracy, style of expression, personal observation, collection and selection ideas, shaping ideas in proper order.
Creativity means generating and organizing new ideas on the base of ideas already know to you about the topic or situation. It is a sort of elaborating facts in a good way. You are given a topic or a situation which is known to you upto some extent. It depends on your creativity power to utilize the known facts and ideas to generate new ideas and shape them in proper style in written form. Creativity is linked with your observation power. Observing and collecting ideas about a situation provide source for creativity.
Style of expression and shaping ideas in proper order are the important factors for good writing skills. Style of expression is the way of presenting ideas to a reader. Ideas should be presented adequately in sentences so that reader can easily understand them. There should be a proper relationship and continuity in sentences. Proper order of sentences, what should be written first and what should be written second needs to be developed. Good style of expressing expression and shaping order in adequate order are very important for impressive and influential writing.
Grammatical accuracy is essential for good writing skills. Each word, phrase, and sentence should be grammatically correct. Usage of correct punctuation should not be neglected. Parts of speech should be used correctly. Use short sentences instead of long sentence which can increase the chance of mistake in the structure of sentence.
A paragraph has a particular structure. The first line of paragraph holds central them of whole paragraph or topic and the rest lines explain this central them further. The first line start with some space from left side of page unlike the other lines of paragraph start from very beginning from left side of page. A paragraph holds a combination of similar ideas or explanation of same idea. Always remember these points to write a paragraph.
Writing skills depends on your creativity or inventiveness, grammatical accuracy, style of expression, personal observation, collection and selection ideas, shaping ideas in proper order.
Creativity means generating and organizing new ideas on the base of ideas already know to you about the topic or situation. It is a sort of elaborating facts in a good way. You are given a topic or a situation which is known to you upto some extent. It depends on your creativity power to utilize the known facts and ideas to generate new ideas and shape them in proper style in written form. Creativity is linked with your observation power. Observing and collecting ideas about a situation provide source for creativity.
Style of expression and shaping ideas in proper order are the important factors for good writing skills. Style of expression is the way of presenting ideas to a reader. Ideas should be presented adequately in sentences so that reader can easily understand them. There should be a proper relationship and continuity in sentences. Proper order of sentences, what should be written first and what should be written second needs to be developed. Good style of expressing expression and shaping order in adequate order are very important for impressive and influential writing.
Grammatical accuracy is essential for good writing skills. Each word, phrase, and sentence should be grammatically correct. Usage of correct punctuation should not be neglected. Parts of speech should be used correctly. Use short sentences instead of long sentence which can increase the chance of mistake in the structure of sentence.
A paragraph has a particular structure. The first line of paragraph holds central them of whole paragraph or topic and the rest lines explain this central them further. The first line start with some space from left side of page unlike the other lines of paragraph start from very beginning from left side of page. A paragraph holds a combination of similar ideas or explanation of same idea. Always remember these points to write a paragraph.
Making outlines is a nice tool for comprehensive writing. When you are given a topic, try to write outlines or brief notes about it first, then elaborate these outlines adding more explanation to a comprehensive essay.
Good writing is not an inborn quality but anyone can develop this quality by training and practice. Try to write about various topics. Try to write outlines and then start writing about the topic. Initially you will find it difficult to write a simple essay but practice will enable you to gain command on writing about things.
“Learning to write well takes time and much effort, but it can be done” – Margaret Mead
The best way is to select a topic and write down about it on a sheet whatever you have in your mind about the topic. Read it after you complete writing. Think on it that what to add to it more so that you improve it. Rewrite about the topic including the previous ideas you have written about it. Revise this procedure upto four or five times for same topic. Each time you gain new perspective and new ideas about the topic. It will refine and flourish your writing skills.
“Writing is rewriting” – Donald Murray
General Information – FAQs
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the international English Language System which assesses candidates’ proficiency in English language across the world. IELTS tests the ability of candidates to listen, read, write and speak English Language.
Who owns IELTS and who write the test?
IELTS is owned and managed jointly by University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, British Council and IDP:ISLETS Australia.
Candidates seeking international education, professional training or work in English speaking environment writes IELTS Test.
Candidates seeking international education, professional training or work in English speaking environment writes IELTS Test.
What is the test structure of IELTS and how long it takes?
IELT test have following four modules
1.Listening (4 sections, 30 minutes)
2.Reading (3 sections, 60 minutes)
3.Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes)
4.Speaking (3 parts, 11-14 minutes)
2.Reading (3 sections, 60 minutes)
3.Writing (2 tasks, 60 minutes)
4.Speaking (3 parts, 11-14 minutes)
The total duration for test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are taken in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the test.
What are the two versions of IELTS?
There are two versions of IELT test
1.Academic Test
2.General Training Test
1.Academic Test
2.General Training Test
∙ Academic Test is taken by those candidates who want to take admission in a university or institution of higher education abroad (in English speaking countries).
∙ General Training Test is taken by candidates seeking professional training, experience or work abroad (in English speaking countries).
You should take advice from local IELTS office or student advisor if you have any doubt about whether to sit for Academic test or General Training test, because both the tests are different in weight and are not interchangeable. Both the versions of IELTS test have four parts i.e.Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
When and where can I take IELTS Test?
IELTS tests are held upto four times a month in 500 IELTS Centres across the world. Go to your nearest IELTS local centre to see test dates. IELTS Centres have helpful and cooperative staff that will help you with your registration process. You can search for nearest centre on the official website of IELTS.
How do I register for the test?
-Go to nearest IELTS Centre to see the dates for test and deadline for registering for each test date. Ask the center staff to know registration fee in your local currency.
-You will get an Application Form for IELTS from IELTS Center. You can also download the Application Form from website of IELTS. Read the Application Form and complete it carefully.
-Attach two recent passport size photographs with signature on the back of each with Application Form. You must not wear glasses in photograph for application. Have a copy of your passport (must be valid and not expired). Some Centres may accept a national identity card.
-Submit your Application Form with registration fee in to your nearest centre. If you want to send it by mail, ask the centre for payment method.
-Once you get registered, your test date and venue will be confirmed by test centre.
-On test day you must bring your passport or national identity card which you used on your Application Form.
-You will get an Application Form for IELTS from IELTS Center. You can also download the Application Form from website of IELTS. Read the Application Form and complete it carefully.
-Attach two recent passport size photographs with signature on the back of each with Application Form. You must not wear glasses in photograph for application. Have a copy of your passport (must be valid and not expired). Some Centres may accept a national identity card.
-Submit your Application Form with registration fee in to your nearest centre. If you want to send it by mail, ask the centre for payment method.
-Once you get registered, your test date and venue will be confirmed by test centre.
-On test day you must bring your passport or national identity card which you used on your Application Form.
What can I bring to examination room?
Bring only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring your passport or national identity card which you used on your Application Form.
Bringing anything else to examination room is not allowed. Cell phones must be switched off and placed in the area designated by the Supervisor. Bringing cell phones or pager to examination will result in your disqualification.
Bringing anything else to examination room is not allowed. Cell phones must be switched off and placed in the area designated by the Supervisor. Bringing cell phones or pager to examination will result in your disqualification.
What if I need to postpone my application?
If you need to postpone your application, you will receive a refund (registration fee minus administration charges) provide you inform the centre about it more than 5 weeks before the test day.
If you need to postpone your application within 5 weeks before test day, you will not receive refund unless you provide some medical reason. If you provide medical certificate with in 5 days of test, you will receive a refund (registration fee minus administration charges). The same procedure goes for your absence or illness on test day.
If you need to postpone your application within 5 weeks before test day, you will not receive refund unless you provide some medical reason. If you provide medical certificate with in 5 days of test, you will receive a refund (registration fee minus administration charges). The same procedure goes for your absence or illness on test day.
When will I receive my result?
Test Report Forms are posted to candidates 13 days after the test day. Some Centres also send SMS alerts and email to candidates.
How is IELTS Scored?
IELTS is scored on nine-band scale. Each band corresponds to specified competence in English language. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an overall band on nine-band scale. The overall band corresponds to a descriptive statement which reveals a summary of English language ability of candidates.
