If you’ve considered studying or immigrating abroad, you’ve probably wondered what IELTS is and why it’s so important.
Coaching Square has compiled a detailed resource just for you to help you make sense of all the material regarding IELTS.
Introduction to IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely used English language test for jobs, study, and migration across the world. IELTS is trusted by over 10,000 organisations as a trustworthy predictor of real-life English communication competence. Listening, reading, writing, and speaking are the four abilities used by IELTS to evaluate a test taker’s English language ability.
IELTS is the only high-stakes language exam recognised for migration throughout Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and it may be taken on a computer or on paper. IELTS was a pioneer of four-skills English language assessment more than 30 years ago, with a focus on human dialogues. IELTS is still the gold standard for English language examination.
The IELTS Exam Comes in 2 Modes, Namely:
IELTS General: for immigration and most professional purposes.
IELTS Academic: for admission into university programs at various levels.
Both modes consist of 4 papers covering the four major language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
What is the Difference Between General and Academic IELTS?
Depending on their academic or professional goals, or visa restrictions, they can take one of two IELTS tests: Academic or General Training. The Listening and Speaking components are the same for all applicants, however the Reading and Writing components alter depending on whether they choose general or academic IELTS.
How does IELTS work?
Each skill is given equal weightage in the test.
Four Modules of IELTS Exam
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are all tested in the IELTS Exam. The Listening, Reading, and Writing examinations will all be taken on the same day, one after the other, with no pauses. You may schedule the Speaking test on your favourite day and time by going online and booking a slot. If you do not select a slot within the time limit, one will be assigned to you automatically. The entire test takes less than three hours.
Candidates must acquire good marks in each of the areas in order to achieve a good overall band score on the IELTS. Each component has its own set of evaluation standards, necessitating its own preparation and strategy. Candidates should follow the section-by-section guidelines listed below to ace all of the parts.
Listening Test (30 minutes):
You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes.
Reading Test (60 minutes):
The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on an array of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers’ attitudes, opinions and intentions.
Writing Test (60 minutes):
The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking.
Speaking Test (11-14 minutes):
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English skills. The test is recorded and conducted in three parts.
How to interpret band-score?
Each section of the test will be graded on a scale of 1 to 9. Your total IELTS band score is determined by your average score, and you might be evaluated on full or half points.
| Score | Skill | Skill Overview |
| Band 9 | Expert user | Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very good user | Fully operational command of the language with only occasional inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. |
| Band 7 | Good user | Operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| Band 5 | Modest user | Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
| Band 2 | Intermittent user | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | No assessable information provided. Did not take the test |
IELTS Test Dates:
IELTS exam dates in India are accessible four times per month or 48 times per year (for paper-based) and are often held on Saturdays and Thursdays to give test takers with flexibility and convenience. If you pick computer-delivered IELTS, you may select from a variety of dates and time windows, and you will have your results in 3-5 days. However, depending on the exam type and module you choose – Academic or General Training – the availability of IELTS dates may vary.
Enroll in a Training Program:
When you have an expert trainer guiding you, all of these things become much simpler! Hurray can assist you in focusing on trouble areas and get the most practice. We can also assist you in scheduling your exam. The intricacies are taken care of by us, so all you have to do is study!
We hope we’ve answered all of your questions regarding IELTS and why it’s so crucial. Why not take it a step further and sign up for our IELTS preparation course? We can assist you in obtaining the band score required to study abroad.
Coaching Square offers Study Abroad Consultation, IELTS Coaching/PTE Coaching/CELPIP Coaching, and Spoken English programs. For further information, please visit https://coachingsquare.in/ or contact us at hello@coachingsquare.in or +91 97 12 88 07 07.
