IELTS Preparation
An English language competence test called the International English Language Testing System is jointly administered by UCLES (Cambridge University), The British Council, and IDP Australia. IELTS evaluates a test taker’s abilities in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking; each module is scored on a scale of 1 to 9. For students who travel overseas to study, IELTS offers both an Academic Module and a General Training Module (for people who wish to work or migrate to an English Speaking Country).
IELTS is widely accepted by more than 10,000 educational institutions, employers, and other relevant organizations worldwide. In case one does not wish to administer a computer-based examination, the exam is generally accepted by more than 3,300 schools in the USA. It may also be used in place of the TOEFL.
Most US schools and universities require applicants to have passed an English language proficiency exam with a minimum score in order to be considered. Most American institutions demand an IELTS score of at least 5.5 out of 9 for admission.
IELTS Exam Pattern
Total Test Duration 2 hours 45 minutes
Listening
40 min
Reading
60 min
Writing
60 min
speaking
15 min
IELTS Test Format In Brief
Test Duration: 30 minutes
- Candidates listen to four recordings and answer 10 objective questions from each recording in 30 minutes.
- 1st Recording – Dialog in an everyday issue.
- 2nd Recording - Monologue in a social issue.
- 3rd Recording – Academic Discussion.
- 4th Recording – Monologue in an academic issue.
Test Duration: 60 minutes
academic test
- Reading Comprehension format.
- Candidates will read three passages.
- Length of each passage is of around 1000 words.
- From each passage 12/14 objective questions.
- Likewise, 40 questions to answer from 3 passages.
- All answers need to be transferred in an answer sheet.
general test
- Reading Comprehension format.
- Candidates read 5 passages.
- Total 40 objective questions.
- All answers need to be transferred in an answer sheet.
- Extracts from Notices, Advertisements, Short texts.
Test Duration: 60 minutes
academic test
task 1
- Report Writing based on graphical figures.
- More than 150 words of descriptive writing.
- Suggested time: 20 minutes.
task 2
- Essay Writing based on a given topic.
- More than 250 words of Persuasive essay.
- Suggested time: 40 minutes.
general test
task 1
- Letter Writing.
- More than 150 words of formal/semi-formal/informal letter.
- Suggested time: 20 minutes.
task 2
- Essay Writing based on a given topic.
- More than 250 words of Persuasive essay.
- Suggested time: 40 minutes.
Test Duration: 11 - 15 minutes
- Conducted on a different day.
- A one to one conversation in an interview format.
- Face to face interaction with an oral examiner.
- Part 1: General Introduction (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: The long turn. 2 minutes of uninterrupted speaking on a given topic
- Part 3: Discussion. More abstract ideas (4 – 5 minutes)
How Do They Score?
| Band score | Skill level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert user | You have a full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and you show complete understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very good user | You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. You handle complex detailed argumentation well. |
| Band 7 | Good user | You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally you handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Generally you have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| Band 5 | Modest user | You have a partial command of the language, and cope with overall meaning in most situations, although you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in your own field. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Your basic competence is limited to familiar situations. You frequently show problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user | You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | You have no ability to use the language except a few isolated words. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | You did not answer the questions. |