Guide To The IELTS Exam
You must hear your college friends talking about TOEFL, IELTS, GMAT, GRE and many such exams. But how much do we all know about these exams, other than the full forms of these abbreviations?
Well not to worry. What are we here for!!
Lets’ start with the IELTS.
What is IELTS?
To start with, the International English language testing system (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test, given by students worldwide for admission to higher education institutions and global migration. With over 2 million tests taken in the last year, it is a decent level of competition too, which requires a lot of thought and preparation.
Why Should I Take The IELTS?
Indian Students need to give a standardized exam like the IELTS if they wish to study in a foreign nation, as Indians are not considered to be “native English speakers”. The purpose of the test is to assess your skills at the English language for you to be able to adapt to your new life abroad, be it at study, work or your daily life. IELTS has an excellent international reputation, and is globally accepted by over 8,000 organizations worldwide, at schools, universities, employers, immigration authorities and even governments.
IELTS is the most widely accepted English language proficiency test that uses a one-on-one speaking test to assess your English communication skills. What do we mean by “one-on-one”? It means that you are assessed by having a real-life conversation with another real person. This is the most effective way of testing your English conversation skills in a very natural and normal manner.
Which Countries Accept the IELTS Score?
IELTS scores are accepted in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, Ireland and now in over 3,000 American institutions as well. With over 130 countries presently accepting the scores as selection criteria, your chances of landing in a dream destination just got higher.
How Will I Be Scored?
IELTS will test your command over English in all aspects, viz-a-viz writing, reading, speaking, and listening. IELTS only judges your proficiency and command over the language and rates you. You cannot fail in an IELTS test. IELTS scores are based on each for the four skills we mentioned above, on a scale of 1 – 9, and then an overall band score. The scores vary from whole (e.g., 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) to half (e.g., 5.5., 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. The overall band score is crucial if you intend to immigrate to a foreign country, apply for university or take up a job in a Native English-speaking country.
Which Version of IELTS Is Right For You?
Most people are unaware of the fact that there are two different versions of IELTS, suiting different requirements.Basically there are two versions of the IELTS, namely, the IELTS General test and the IELTS Academic test. It is suggested you check with the organization you wish to apply to before you book your IELTS test and confirm the category you are required to apply to.
IELTS Academic – You must appear for this pattern of the exam if you wish to apply to an educational institution abroad to study at the undergraduate or graduate level
IELTS General Training – You take the IELTS general if you will be joining a professional organization or looking to migrate to an English speaking nation
As suggested before, it is advisable to check with the institution or organization you are applying to, in order to confirm the test pattern you are required to appear for.
IELTS Score and the Test
The IELTS tests your English at all four skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test is conducted in under three hours’ time with Listening, Reading and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between them. They are always taken in this order. The Speaking test however, is either conducted after a break on the same day as the other three tests, or up to seven days before or after these tests. This usually depends on the time slots available at the centre you appear at.
So, what are you waiting for, hit us now at [email protected] or just come down to our office and lets get your preparation started. Study smart offers you an opportunity to take free IELTS Mock test online, which will help you decide the amount of training and preparation you need before appearing for the exam. With the support of our experience and skilled IELTS Trainers, you will be ready to take the exam in no time!
