IELTS – International English Language Testing System, is a qualifying test designed for education, training and employment in English speaking countries. IELTS is conducted and governed by three recognized and renowned institutions that validate its authenticity. These are the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge ESO Examination.
The IELTS exam score is accepted by more than 6000 institutes in about 120 countries worldwide. These institutions include secondary educational institutions, universities, schools, training colleges, tertiary institutes for further education. By government departments and agencies, professional and industry bodies for training and employment. Its is also considered by multi-national companies and several employers. IELTS has over 500 test centers, making it easy for applicants who want to appear for the test.
To apply for the test, you need to have at least completed your 10 plus 2. There is no restriction on applying, and moreover you can give the test as many times as you want, as there is no limit on the number of attempts.
The IELTS has two test formats- the Academic Format (for studies, training in English speaking colleges and universities) and the General Training Format (for those seeking employment in an English speaking nation, or migration to such country). The General Training Format comprises of factors that will test your basic survival skills in the workplace and a different social set-up.
IELTS has special provisions for the differently abled candidates. You have to inform your test center about your disability in advance for them to take undertake suitable measures. Visually challenged applicants can take the test in Braille. There are provisions for the hearing impaired as well as those with learning difficulty.
The Academic and the General Training Format will examine your listening, reading, writing and speaking skills in English. The former three are written tests, while the English speaking section is a face to face interview with a specified examiner. It is interactive and will question you on your everyday skills of survival. For both the formats, the listening and speaking skill test is the same, but the reading and writing modules are different. The Reading, Writing and Listening Skill test takes place on the same day. The Speaking test date depends on your choice of test center, it may happen on the same day or within the next seven days.
The Listening Segment consists of four sections, where you have to answer 40 items in 30 minutes. The Speaking Section is a 11 to 14 minute interview.
The General Training Reading Test has three sections with 40 questions to be completed in an hour. The General Training Writing is a 60 minute section with two tasks of 150-250 words each.
The Academic Reading Exam is divided into three sections, with 40 items. Time given for this is 1 hour. The Academic Writing comprises of two tasks of 150-250 words each, to be done in sixty minutes.
The IELTS marks you on a 9- band score system. There is no qualifying or fail marks in this. You will have to check with the institution where you want to apply, the band that they will accept. The result is declared within thirteen days. The different band scores are deciding factors on your knowledge of English. Band 9 means you are an expert user; Band 8, you are very good user; Band 7 – good user; Band 6, you are competent user; Band 5 would mean you are a modest user; Band 4, you are limited user; Band 3, you are extremely limited user; Band 2 means you are an intermittent user; Band 1 – you are a non user; and Band 0 means you have not attempted the test.
There are strict rules for appearing under IELTS. You will not be allowed the use of dictionary, pager, mobile phones, any spelling checker, or an electronic reader. You cannot leave the test center till you have finished the test. Also you are not to discuss or converse while the test is on. Any doubts should be mentioned to the invigilator alone.
IELTS provides sample papers and tests they enable you to prepare for the exam. Applicants should read the ‘Information for Candidates’ very carefully which explains the test, format and the questions. It is extremely important to understand the format to avoid confusion during exam. You have to practice tediously- both written and spoken English, to score a good band. You should follow the instructions carefully to avoid any mistake that will lower your score. Time management is essential as the time allotted for each section is fixed. And lastly, you should be calm and not nervous during the test.
To register for IELTS, firstly find out the nearest test center from the official website. And then check the exam dates from there. The next step is to know from the institution you are applying to as to which format will be accepted by them- Academic or General Training Format. Fill the application form and submit it. Once you have applied, you will be informed about the test date, time and venue. On the day of the test, you should not forget to get your passport or any other nationality proof document along. The test fee varies; you will have to check this with your test center.
IELTS aims at improving the English speaking, reading and writing skill of its candidates so that they are eligible to study or train or work in an English speaking nation. It has great quality control and security procedures. It is a valid and accepted test format, that is recognized by the most prestigious institutions in the world.
