IELTS – International English Language Testing System is an ideal test for testing the efficiency in English language. This test is valid for almost every English speaking country and is thus considered the apex of all the English language tests. It is jointly organized by British Council & IDP.
This test measures the 4 skills of English language i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading & Writing together known as LSRW of a language. The candidate is judged by a band score that ranges from band 1 to band 9.
Two types of IELTS:-
IELTS Academic – This test is conducted for individuals who are aspiring to study abroad in a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
IELTS General Training – This test is for candidates who want to settle down in an English speaking country for example – Canada, Australia, New Zealand etc.
Skill Tested
No. of Sections/Tasks
No. of Items/Words
Allotted Time
Listening
4 Sections
40
30 minutes
Reading
3 Sections
40
60 minutes
Writing
2 Sections
1st for 150 words and 2nd for 250 words
60 minutes
Speaking
–
11 to 14 minutes
Total Test Time
2 hours 45 minutes
The candidate has to sit in Listening, Reading & Writing modules on the same day and the speaking module is attempted at least 2 to 3 days before or after the listening, reading and writing modules.
Registration
To sit for the exam you will have to book the exam at least 12 to 15 days before exam. To apply for the exam you will need to pay the fee with 2 passport sized photographs and a copy of your passport. You can select the date and time of the test according to your suitability from the available dates.
*Always carry the identification proof that you have mentioned while filling the exam to the examination centre.
Tips and Strategies
IELTS is something that you need to prepare for even if you are a perfect user of English language. As every exam has a format, so does IELTS. Therefore, you need to prepare for it and get to know and understand all the formats and areas where you can lose or fetch bands. So, it is best if you have a guide to share all these details and knowledge with you. At least 2 weeks preparation is a must for cracking this exam according to your requirement.
IELTS:
- There is no negative marking in IELTS so, go for all the answers and do your best.
- Always visit the washroom before the exam if needed as, there will not be any breaks in between the modules on the exam date.
- Don’t forget to carry your passport, roll number and fee receipt to the exam venue.
- Take at least 3-4 sharpened pencils to the exam along with a sharpener and an eraser.
- Try to underline the key words in listening as well as reading exam to locate the answers more swiftly.
- Write down the questions on the question paper side by side in a rough handwriting and copy it on the answer sheet neatly at the end.