All About IELTS EXAM
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About IELTS Exam
IELTS stands for: The International English Language Testing System.
IELTS determines your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and evaluates
your skill of communicating for work, life or study in an English-speaking nation.
IELTS is accessible at 1,100+ locations globally, including over 50 locations in the
United States of America, and 48 tests are held in a year.
IELTS is the most popular English language test of the world for global migration and
higher education. 2.7 million tests were taken the previous year in over 140 nations.
IELTS is the only English language test accepted by the key immigration authorities in
Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK, for migration purposes and visa
applications.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
FAQs
1. What is IELTS?
IELTS is the short form of International English Language Testing System.
This testing system tests English proficiency in the entire globe. IELTS is the
most popular English testing system of the world, conducting over one million
tests globally.
2. Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?
British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) jointly own IELTS. Global teams of expert
writers put in to prepare IELTS test materials. Constant research makes sure
that IELTS stays unbiased and fair. The test writers from various English-
speaking nations develop the content of IELTS and make it reflect real-life
conditions.
3. When can I take IELTS?
IELTS is conducted on 48 fixed dates of a year which takes up to four times of
a month. This depends on local demand.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
FAQs Contd..
4. How much does the test cost?
IELTS has set particular fees for the testing system. The General and Academic Training tests
are of same fees. The details of fees will be told when you will apply online.
5. Why are there two versions of the test?
IELTS consists of two versions – Academic and General Training. The ones who wish to
study at a tertiary stage in an English-speaking nation will sit for Academic Training. The
General Training test is for the ones who wish to have work experience or training programs,
secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking nation. All aspirants take the same
Listening and Speaking tests but they take different Reading and Writing tests.
6. Which version should I do?
First read the details of the Academic and General Training tests and then contact the
institution or organization you are applying to learn what it needs. Note, you have to know
which version to sit for when you finish the online application form.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
FAQs Contd..
7. What is the format of test and how long will it take?
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60
minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total time of the test is 2 hours and 45
minutes. Listening, Reading and Writing tests are held in one sitting. Speaking test
might be on the same day or taken 7 days after or before the other tests.
8. Is the IELTS test finished in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing test are completed right away, one after each
other with no break. The Speaking test might be held 7 days before or after the other
test date, depending on the test centre.
9. Which part do I take first?
You take the Listening test first, then the Reading and Writing test. You will take the
Speaking test 7 days before or after the other tests take, depending on test centre.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
FAQs Contd..
10. What is the Speaking test?
Speaking test is a simple conversation with an IELTS Examiner, a certified one. The
Speaking test has three sections. It is recorded in a digital recorder or an
audiocassette.
11. How are the tests calculated?
IELTS make use of a 9-band scoring system to calculate and report the test scores in
a steady manner. You get individual band marks for Listening, Reading, Writing and
Speaking and an Overall Band Score from one to nine on a band scale.
12. When will I get my test results?
Your Test Report Form will be sent to you 13 days following your test date. A few test
centres also offer SMS alerts and Online Results Service. Secure your Test Report
Form in a safe place as you only obtain one copy.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS for Immigration
Australia
IELTS is acknowledged for lots of visa categories, and for permanent residency in
Australia. Even it is a necessity for a few Australian professional organizations as
well as accrediting bodies.
Canada
If you apply for a professional recognition, permanent residency or work visa in
Canada, it is possible that you will be needed to present proof of English language
skill. IELTS General Training is the lone internationally available English skill test
recognized by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) for immigration to
Canada.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS for Immigration Contd..
New Zealand
New Zealand governing body asks for IELTS as proof of English language
skill for lots of visas, counting those within the Investor and Entrepreneur,
Skilled Migrant, Parent categories and Residence from Work.
UK
Verification of English language aptitude is a need for those applying to stay
permanently in the UK (also known as applying for 'leave to remain' or 'long
residence').
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS for Work
Professional Registration
In the majority of nations where English is the chief language of communication,
verification of satisfactory English language proficiency is a requirement for
applicants and global graduates looking for professional registration. Mandatory
proficiency levels fluctuate between organizations, professions, by nation and by
authority. It is up to individual professional registration bodies to decide the IELTS
band marks and version of the test (Academic or General Training) they need.
IELTS for vocational training
IELTS General Training determines English language skill in a realistic, daily context.
and the texts and tasks reflect both social situations and workplace. It is typically
necessary for vocational training such as, in the construction, tourism industries and
hospitality and leisure.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS for Study
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is fit for admission to study at undergraduate or
postgraduate levels, and for professional registration uses as well. It evaluates
whether you are prepared to start studying or training in a surroundings where
English is used, and reflects several features of language used in educational
study.
IELTS General Training
This IELTS test is appropriate for those applying to study or train at below
degree level, and those wishing to migrate to Canada, New Zealand, Australia
and the UK. The examination focuses on essential survival skills in social and
office contexts.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format
There are two versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS
General Training.
You will sit for the first three parts of the examination in one day and
follow the given order: Listening, Reading and Writing. There will be
no breaks amid the first three tests.
You will sit for the Speaking test either on the same test day, or 7
days before or after, depending on local preparations.
A variety of native-speaker accents (British, Australian, North
American and New Zealand) is used in the Listening test, and all
normal varieties of English are acknowledged in reactions to all parts
of the test.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format - Listening
Duration: 30 minutes
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers, then write
answers to questions series.
Recording 1 consists of a conversation between two person which is set in
a daily social context.
Recording 2 consists of a monologue set in a daily social context, for
example a speech about local facilities.
Recording 3 consists of a conversation amongst four people set in a
training or educational context, for example a university teacher and a
scholar discussing a task.
Recording 4 consists of a monologue about academic subject, for example
a university lecture.
Examiners will be looking for verification of your ability to identify with the
main notions and detailed accurate information, the views and outlooks of
speakers, the aim of an expression and proof of your skill to follow the
expansion of ideas.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Listening
Paper format
There are four parts with ten questions each. The questions are
planned so that the answers show in the order they are listened
to during the audio.
The first two parts deal with circumstances set in daily social
contexts. Part 1 have conversation between two speakers (e.g.,
a conversation about travel arrangements), and Part 2 have a
monologue (e.g., a speech about local facilities). The final two
parts deal with circumstances set in educational and training
contexts. Part 3 has a conversation between two main speakers
(e.g., two university students in conversation, maybe guided by
a teacher), and in Part 4, there is a monologue on an
educational subject.
The recordings are listened to only once. They contain a range
of accents, including Australian, British, American, Canadian and
New Zealand.
Timing Approximately 30 minutes (in addition 10 minutes transfer time).
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Listening Contd..
No. of
questions
40
Task types
A range of question styles are used, selected from the following:
matching, multiple choice, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary
completion, plan/map/diagram labeling, sentence end.
Answering
Aspirants write their replies on the question paper while listening
and during the end of the exam 10 minutes are given to them to
transfer their answers to an answer paper. As poor grammar and
spelling are penalized, care should be taken while writing
answers on the answer sheet.
Marks 1 mark for each question.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format - Reading
Duration: 60 minutes
The Reading section contain 40 questions, intended to test a broad
variety of reading abilities. These comprise reading for gist, reading
for detail, reading for main ideas, understanding logical argument,
skimming and recognizing writers' views, attitudes as well as
purpose.
IELTS Academic test - comprises three long texts ranging from the
factual and descriptive to the discursive and logical. These are taken
from journals, books, newspapers and magazines. They have been
chosen for a non-specialist viewers but are suitable for people
seeking professional registration or entering university courses.
IELTS General Training test - includes passages from books,
magazines, notices, newspapers, advertisements, guidelines &
company handbooks. These are stuffs you are likely to face on a
regular basis in an English-speaking surroundings.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Academic Reading
Paper format
Three reading extracts with a range of questions using a number
of assignment.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of
questions
40
Task types
A range of question are used, selected from the following;
identifying information, multiple choice, identifying the writer’s
views/claims, matching headings, matching information,
matching sentence endings, matching features, summary
completion, sentence completion, table completion, note
completion, flow-chart completion, short-answer questions and
diagram label completion .
Marks 1 mark for each question.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Academic Reading Contd..
Answering
Test takers are needed to move their answers to a sheet during
the time permitted for the exam. No additional time is allocated
for transfer. Poor spelling and grammar are penalized, hence
one should take care while writing answers on the answer sheet.
Marks 1 mark for each question.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format – Academic Writing
Duration: 60 minutes
IELTS Academic test
Topics are of common interest to, and appropriate for the aspirants looking for
professional registration or applying for undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
There are two tasks:-
Task 1 - you will be offered with a graph, chart, table or diagram and requested to
summarize, describe or explain it in your own words. You might be asked to
explain data, describe the stages of a procedure, how something works or explain
an event or object.
Task 2 - you will be asked to write down an essay in reply to a view, argument or
problem. Responses to both tasks should be in a formal approach.
IELTS General Training
Topics are of universal interest. There are two tasks:-
Task 1 - you will be presented with a situation and asked to write down a letter
requesting data, or describing the circumstances. The letter might be personal,
semi-formal or formal in approach.
Task 2 - you will be requested to write down an essay in reply to a view, argument
or problem. The essay can be moderately personal in style.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Academic Writing
Paper format There are two writing tasks and BOTH are to be finished.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of
questions
2
Task types
In Task 1, aspirants are asked to explain some visual data
(chart/diagram/graph/table) in their own words. They require to
write down 150 words in 20 minutes. In Task 2, they reply to a
view or problem or argument . They require to write down 250
words in 40 minutes.
Answering
Answers have to be given on answer sheet and should be
written in full. Bullet points or notes are not accepted as
answers. Aspirants may write down on question paper but this
cannot be taken from examination hall as well as will not be
checked by the assessor.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format General Training Writing
Paper format There are two Writing tasks to finish.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of
questions
2
Task types
In Task 1, aspirants are asked to react to a circumstance, e.g.,
by writing down a letter requesting data or explaining a
circumstance.
In Task 2, aspirants write down an essay in reply to a view,
argument or problem.
Answering
Answers have to be written in full in answer leaflet. Notes or
bullet points are not accepted as answers. Aspirants may write
on question paper but this cannot be taken away from the hall
and will not be checked by the assessor.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format – Speaking
Duration: 11–14 minutes
The speaking part evaluates your spoken English. Each test is
recorded.
Part 1 - the assessor will ask you common questions about your and
a variety of known topics, like home, family, studies, work and
interests. This section lasts from four to five minutes.
Part 2 - you will be prearranged a card which asks you to speak
regarding a particular topic. You will have one minute to plan before
talking for up to two minutes. The assessor will then inquire one or
two questions on the topic.
Part 3 - you will be asked additional questions on the topic in Part 2.
These will provide you the chance to converse more conceptual
ideas and matters. This section of the test also lasts from four to five
minutes.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format General Training Reading
Contd..
Paper format
There are three parts. Section 1 may have two or three small
texts or numerous shorter texts. Section 2 has two texts. Section
3 has one long text.
Timing 60 minutes
No. of
questions
40
Task types
A range of question types are used, selected from the following:
identifying information, multiple choice, identifying writer’s
views/claims, matching headings, matching information,
matching sentence endings, matching features, sentence
completion, note completion, summary completion, table
completion, diagram label completion, flow-chart completion,
short-answer questions.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format General Training Reading
Sources
The first part, ‘social survival’, has texts significant to essential linguistic
survival in English with tasks mostly concerning retrieving as well as
providing universal factual data, e.g., notices timetables and ,
advertisements.
The second part, ‘Workplace survival’, has workplace context, e.g., job
descriptions, training materials and contracts and staff development.
The third part, ‘general reading’, engages reading more extended prose
with more intricate structure. Here, the importance is on instructive and
descriptive rather than challenging texts, in a normal context applicable
to the wide variety of test takers involved, for example, magazines,
newspapers and fictional and non-fictional book extracts.
Answering
Aspirants are needed to transfer their answers to an answer sheet in the
time permitted for the test. No added time is allowed for transfer. Poor
spelling and grammar are penalized, hence one should take care while
writing answers on the answer sheet.
Marks 1 mark for each question.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Test Format Speaking
Paper format
The Speaking test has an oral interview for the aspirants of
IELTS. All Speaking tests are recorded.
Timing 11–14 minutes
Task types
There are three sections of the test and each one fulfills a
precise function in terms of communication pattern, task input as
well as test takers output.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS Scoring Meaning
Band score Skill level Description
9
Proficient
user
The aspirant has completely operational power over
English. Their use of the language is apt and fluent,
and shows full understanding.
8
Very good
user
The aspirant has completely operational command
over English with just occasional random
inaccuracies and unsuitable usage. They may
misinterpret some things in new situations. They
handle detailed and complex argumentation well.
7 Good user
The aspirant has operational command over English,
though with occasional mistakes, wrong usage and
misunderstandings in a few circumstances. They
normally handle complex language well and
appreciate detailed reasoning.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS Scoring Contd..
Band score Skill level Description
6
Competent
user
The aspirant has an effectual command over English
in spite of some inaccuracies, wrong usage and
mistakes. They can use and understand quite
complex language, mainly in recognizable situations.
5
Modest
user
The aspirant has a part command over English and
copes with in general meaning in most
circumstances, though they are expected to make
numerous mistakes. They should be able to handle
basic communication in their own field.
4
Limited
user
The aspirant's basic ability is limited to recognizable
situations. They often show troubles in understanding
and expression. They are not able to make use of
complex language.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
IELTS Scoring Contd..
Band score Skill level Description
3
Extremely
limited user
The aspirant communicates and understands just
general meaning in very common situations. There
are numerous breakdowns in communication.
2
Intermittent
user
The aspirant has great trouble in understanding
spoken as well as written English.
1 Non-user
The aspirant has no aptitude to use the language
apart from some isolated words.
0
Did not
attempt the
test
The aspirant did not answer the questions.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Exam Tips
Listening
Every recordings in the Listening test is listened one time only.
Before Listening, you will be given time for reading the questions.
While listening, write your answers on question paper. During the test end, you will have 10
minutes to copy your answers to a sheet given for writing down the answers. It is necessary
that you copy your answers in that sheet as not a thing you write on question paper will get
marked.
You have to write your answers in pencil.
‘Completion’ question types for example, note completion):
Pay heed to the word limit. E.g., if you are asked to finish a sentence with NO MORE
THAN TWO WORDS, the right answer is ‘leather coat’, ‘coat made of leather’ would be
wrong answer.
Copy just the missing word(s) in the answer page. E.g., if you have to finish the note ‘in
the … ’, the right answer is ‘morning’ and ‘in the morning’ would be wrong answer.
In the recording, you will listen the word(s) you require to utilize. You will not require to
alter the form of the word(s) you listen. – Pay concentration to grammar and spellings:
mistakes will result in losing your marks.
You might write down your answers in or capitals in lower case.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Exam Tips
Reading
You can write your answers straight on the answer sheet or you can
write them down on question paper, transfer them to the answer
sheet prior to the end of examination. You will not be allowed added
time to copy answers. Not a thing you write down on question paper
is marked.
You must use pencil to write answers.
An example of a finished Reading answer leaf is attached on the next
page.
‘Completion’ question types (e.g. note completion):
The similar rules is relevant to ‘completion’ question kinds as in Listening
(see above).
The word(s) you make use should be taken from the Reading text. You
will not require to alter the form of the word(s) in the text.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Exam Tips
Writing
You can write down your answers in pen or pencil.
Concentrate to the number of words needed for each assignment.
You will lose scores if you don’t write down at least 150 words for 1st
Task and 250 words minimum for 2nd Task.
You ought to spend roughly 20 minutes on Task 1 and roughly 40
minutes on Task 2.
You must write down your answers in full; marks will be deducted
from the answers written in note form or bullet points.
Concentrate to grammar, spelling and punctuation; mistakes will get
you less marks.
You can write your answers completely in capitals if you want.
You might make notes on question paper but no writing on the
question paper is marked by the examiners of IELTS.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips
Improve English
Availing English language lessons is one of the finest ways to develop
your English. The response you get from your tutor will aid you in
improving the particular skills involved in writing, speaking, listening and
reading English. Test training is different for an English course, as it will
not help develop your English. An IELTS preparation lesson can help you
get acquainted with the kinds of tasks included in an IELTS exam.
Request your local IELTS exam centre for more information about a
nearby preparation course.
Use English Everyday
Hear English radio station, watch television and film. You should try to
hear a variety of English accents including Australian, American, British,
New Zealand and Canadian. Read English publications like newspapers
and magazines daily. Write letters, emails or notes in English when
possible. Talk in English with your family and friends.
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips
Practice with sample questions
Practice the free IELTS test sample questions. Use the Official IELTS Practice Materials
(two books available) which comprise sample questions and sample answers with
comments of examiners. There is a wide variety of IELTS preparation material available
for purchase at bookshops and also online.
Read many IELTS-style texts, and listen to large numbers of IELTS-style
audio recordings. Some great websites are:
BBC News Magazine
The Economist
The New Scientist
National Geographic
BBC Focus Magazine
The Economist Magazine
Science Daily
TED Talks
BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 4: The Interview Archive
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips
Join IELTS study group on Facebook. Some of the Facebook Groups
are:
IELTS Writing Club
IELTS Tips and Tricks
IELTS MOOC Study group
The World Speaks IELTS
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips – Practice Tests
Take lot of FREE Practice Tests
http://www.ieltsbuddy.com/ielts-listening-test.html
http://www.ielts-exam.net/practice_tests
http://ieltsforfree.com/free-ielts-practice-tests/
http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/free-practice-tests
https://www.ieltsessentials.com/global/prepare/freepracticetests
https://www.ielts.org/usa/ielts-in-the-usa/ielts-for-test-takers-in-the-
usa/ielts-practice-test
https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/sample-test-questions
http://www.canadavisa.com/ielts/free-practice-tests.html
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
Preparation Tips – Take Coaching
Prepare for the IELTS Exam under the guidance of recommended
institute. See the list of good institutes by clicking on the links below:
List of Best IELTS Coaching Institutes in Chandigarh – Click Here
List of Best IELTS Coaching Institutes in Mohali – Click Here
List of Best IELTS Coaching Institutes in Panchkula – Click Here
Table of Content
1. About IELTS
2. FAQs
3. Exam Types
4. Test Format
5. Test Scoring
6. Exam Tips
7. Preparation Tips
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