The IELTS test measures your proficiency in English. Everything you need to know about preparing for IELTS exam on your own is covered in this Guide to IELTS.
IELTS Full Form
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an English language test to judge your proficiency in the English language in four different categories, say reading, writing, speaking, and listening if you are planning to study abroad.
IELTS Full Form
IELTS is one of the world’s foremost English fluency tests, and the other is TOEFL. IELTS was established in 1989 and is jointly owned by IDP and the British Council. The IELTS exam uses a band system to determine a student’s proficiency from a total of 9 bands.
Does every country accept IELTS?
Over 10,000 organizations accept IELTS tests in around 140 countries, including corporations, universities, migration agencies, government organizations and more.
Why do you need to take the IELTS exam?
If you plan to move abroad, you must take the IELTS exam. The reason behind it is to strengthen communication. English is the third most spoken language in the world, and the IELTS test ensures you can understand the other person’s query and communicate with them accordingly.
Therefore, if you plan to go to other countries for studies, PR, etc., you must master English to settle abroad.
What are the various types of IELTS exams?
There are 3 different types of IELTS modules:
IELTS General Training: IELTS general training is for candidates who want to apply for PR, work experience or employment training. The test question is on workplace and social situations.
IELTS Academic: IELTS academic is for students who want to study abroad. The exam tests your academic language and whether you are ready to begin your studies.
IELTS UKVI: This test is the same as IELTS. Iit is a government-approved Secure English Language Test and is best to opt for if you are planning to study in the UK as this test proves a candidate’s proficiency in the English language for the UK visa and immigration formalities.
How many IELTS exams do I need to take?
You need to take only one IELTS exam, which consists of 4 modules. The writing, listening, and reading module is conducted on the same day without any break and speaking is conducted a week before or after IELTS exam day.
Let’s discuss these modules for Academic and General Training in detail:
IELTS Reading:
IELTS Academic: IELTS academic reading section has three passages, and you need to give answers to 40 questions that too in 60 minutes. Don’t worry. The test is easy as there are different types of questions like multiple types, true/false, fill in the blanks, headings, etc., by skimming, recognizing the author’s perspective, understanding the logic and more.
IELTS General Training: IELTS general reading section has a total of three sections divided into categories. The 1st section consists of two or three short texts, the 2nd comprises two tests, and the last is quite long with different questions based on the office and society. You will get 60 minutes to complete the reading module.
IELTS Writing:
Academic: The academic writing section has two questions, and you have to complete both questions in 60 minutes. In Task 1, you get a visual (graph/chart/diagram) and need to describe it briefly in 150 words. Thus, it is best if you spend 20 minutes on question 1. Question 2 consists of writing an essay in response to a view, argument, etc., in 250-280 words.
General Training: The general writing section also has two questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The first section is a letter you must complete in 150 words. The letter can be formal, informal or semi-formal based on requesting information, explaining the situation or problem, etc. Thus, the 2nd part consists of an essay of 250-280 words in response to a view or a problem.
IELTS Speaking:
In the IELTS Speaking test, you visit a center allocated to you per your timings. An invigilator will ask you questions like name, hometown, etc., followed by a topic on which you need to speak for 2 minutes. After that topic, you need to answer the question that will be based on the topic only. Your test will be recorded for this section, and the oral interview between you and the examiner can go upto 11 – 14 minutes.
IELTS Listening: Listening is similar for both academic and general test takers. The only thing that differs is band allotment as per correct answers. You will get a question paper having 4 sections consisting of 40 questions. You will hear 4 recordings one by one of native English speakers and answer questions.
Are there any eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS test?
Yes, in order to take the IELTS test, you need to be at least 16 years of age. You need a valid passport and a minimum IELTS score per university requirements. Rather than this, there are no criteria for taking IELTS.
How much does it cost to take the IELTS exam?
The registration fee for Indian students to take IELTS is Rs. 15,500. This is the same across all test centers in India. It can vary if the dollar price decreases or increases.
What if you cancel or reschedule your IELTS exam?
If somehow you have to cancel your IELTS application five weeks before, you can easily receive a full refund barring a 25% administration fee. But if you need to cancel the test less than five weeks before the test, you will not get any refund. Also, if you cannot appear on the exam day, there is no refund.
Moreover, candidates can request a transfer/reschedule an exam five weeks before the examination date. You must select a new date within three months from the original test day with an administrative fee deduction of 25%, i.e., around Rs 33,00.
Conclusion:
IELTS exams are easy and differ as per the test takers like academic and general. If you are looking for guidance related to studying abroad, you can turn to admin@technionacademy.com. We will offer you the necessary guidance regarding studying abroad. To know more reach us at admin@technionacademy.com.
