IELTS - in a nutshell!

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System; it tests the complete range of English language skills. IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian and New Zealand academic institutions. American academic institutions are increasingly accepting IELTS for admissions purposes. It is also recognized by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. IELTS is jointly managed by The University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES), The British Council and IDP Education Australia. IELTS tests are administered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world.

There are two different Modules:
1 Academic
2 General

The Academic test is used for University entrance. Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake education at undergraduate and graduate levels study. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

IELTS is not a test in which a student can pass or fail. The assessment is reported according to a scale from bands one to nine. Band one indicates that candidate has virtually no English skill at all. Band nine is native speaker proficiency. Universities typically require a band score of between 6 and 7 and more depending on the course and the ranking of the University. The scores are valid for two years.

The IELTS test has four components –
a) Reading
b) Writing

c) Listening
d) Speaking.

The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and in this same order on the same day. The Speaking tests is generally conducted a day prior or later to the exam date. IELTS exam is conducted generally three to four times a month. Students need to register for the IELTS exam at least ten to fifteen days prior to the test date. Duration of the IELTS exam is approximately two and half hour test. Reading – 60 mins, writing- 60 mins, speaking – 11 – 14 mins, listening – 30 mins.

Things to take care during the test:

a) Know the date, time and place of your test and arrive before the scheduled starting time.
b) If you arrive late for any of the papers, report to the supervisor or invigilator. You may not be allowed to take the test.
c) Take into the test room only the pencils and erasers which you need for the examination.
d) You may not lend anything to, or borrow anything from, another candidate during the test.
e) Listen to the supervisor and do what you are asked to do.
f) Tell the supervisor or invigilator at once if you think you have not been given the right question paper, or if the question paper is incomplete or illegible.
g) Read carefully and follow the instructions printed on the question paper and on the answer sheet.
h) Fill in the details required on the front of your question paper and on your answer sheet before the start of the test.
i) You may not ask for, and will not be given, any explanation of the questions.
j) You may not leave the test room without the permission of the supervisor or invigilator.
h) You can not leave your seat until all papers have been collected and you have been told you can leave.
k) When you leave the examination room you must leave behind the question paper, your answer paper, any paper used for rough work clearly crossed through and any other materials provided for the test.
l) Do not make any noise near the examination room.

Under usual test circumstances, the candidates will receive their Test Report Forms approximately two weeks after they complete their test.

Scoring pattern:
IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s ability to use English. Candidates receive scores on a Band Scale from 1 to 9. A score is reported for each module of the test. The individual module scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an Overall Band Score according to the band score conversion table.

The IELTS score plays vital role in getting admission in Universities abroad. Getting a good score in IELTS will always help international students in receiving Financial Aid, or Assistantships. Some European and Australian universities may accept a lower IELTS score with the condition that the student takes English courses before they start working on their actual degree.