IELTS Overview:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a world’s popular and most recognized English Language proficiency test assessing test-takers English proficiency. Achieving a good IELTS score helps you fulfill your dream of studying abroad come true. IELTS is conducted many times in a year across 140 countries and in 1200 centers throughout the world.
The IELTS is owned by the following organizations jointly:
● The British Council
● Cambridge ESOL
● IDP IELTS Australia
The aspirants can take the IELTS test both online/offline formats based on their interest and
convenience. The test is available in three versions:
● IELTS Academic
● IELTS General
● IELTS Life skills
The listening and speaking sections are identical in both the academic and general IELTS versions.
IELTS test works best in the following areas:
● To study abroad
● To work abroad
● To migrate to a native English speaking country
Qualifying IELTS with a good score helps you study in your dream university anywhere in the
world. The candidate with a good IELTS score is the one who acquires best offers to study
abroad.
Now, let’s have a look at IELTS Fundamentals.
Who are the Test-takers?
Qualifying in IELTS is essential for the aspirants wishing to study/work in an English speaking nation or to get a PR.
The IELTS academic training is for academic purposes to study abroad whereas the general training is for employment purposes.
IELTS is required for the aspirants who want:
● To study in an English Speaking Nation
● To apply for an English language learning program admissions
● To apply for certification and scholarship
● To apply for an immigration visa
What is the Eligibility to take IELTS?
The candidates applying for IELTS should be above 16 years of age and there is no maximum age mentioned to apply for IELTS. But before applying, do not forget to check the eligibility criteria of the specific university you are applying for. IELTS has no restrictions regarding age, gender, race, religion and nationality.
What is the Test Format of IELTS?
This is one of the fundamental requirements to consider while planning study/work abroad. Both IELTS versions, the general and the academic evaluates the four IELTS sections.
● Reading Section
● Listening Section
● Speaking Section
● Writing Section
All these four sections are considered in calculating the final IELTS score. The student who wants to study abroad should consider all these four sections for achieving a good band.
|
IELTS Test Section |
Format |
| Speaking(11-14 minutes) | Assess your Spoken English Skills. The test is recorded and examined in three parts. |
| Listening (30 minutes) | You have to listen to the recordings of native English speakers and then answer them effectively. |
| Reading(60 minutes) | You have to read and answer 40 questions in 60 minutes. It includes reading main ideas, gist, and logical arguments to identify the writer’s opinions, intentions and attitudes. |
| Writing (60 minutes) | You were asked to write two essays (task 1 and task 2) based on the topics of general interests based on the modules you choose. |
What are the available sources to take IELTS?
In India, the online IELTS test can be taken any number of times in multiple time slots in a
day. Coming to the case of offline i.e., paper-based test, it is conducted 48 times a year,
which means four times a month.
On which basis, the IELTS Scores are calculated?
The IELTS band is the average score of all the sections. The minimum score is 1 band and the maximum score is 9 band.
IELTS Score Scale
| Brand Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert | The candidate has full command on the English Language |
| 8 | Very good | Full command with some inaccuracies |
| 7 | Good | Operational command on English with some inaccuracies |
| 6 | Competent | Good command on English with some inaccuracies and misunderstandings |
| 5 | Modest | Good command on English but makes several mistakes |
| 4 | Limited | Good understanding of English but not effective in communication |
| 3 | Extremely Limited | Good understanding of English in familiar situations but not effective in communication |
| 2 | Intermittent | Difficult to speak, read and write in English |
| 1 | Not Interested | Not capable to use the English language expect few words |
| 0 | Did not attempt | You did not answer the test questions. |
A good IELTS score is the best route to get a chance to study in your dream university abroad rather than joining the university that you are interested in. Additionally, you can avail to get scholarships for your tuition or other expenses.
What are the major Universities accepting IELTS scores?
Most world-leading universities accept IELTS. The minimum band requirements range between 6.5 and 7.5 but vary from department and university that you choose.
| Country | University accepting IELTS |
| Dalhousie University | Canada |
| Swansea University | UK |
| Dakota State University | USA |
| Sydney Business School | Australia |
| HAN University of Applied Sciences | Netherlands |
| California Lutheran University | USA |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Australia |
| National University of Singapore | Singapore |
| University of Alberta | Canada |
| University of Greenwich | UK |
What is the validity of IELTS Scores?
Firstly, the IELTS test scores are valid for two years, but based on the university or college, the validity may vary.
Proper understanding of the syllabus and format of the IELTS test will help you plan appropriately and save time in the test.
A good IELTS band is highly essential to join in most world-leading universities. With proper training and schedule, achieving a good score is not a tough job.
There are several resources providing exceptional IELTS coaching like Texas Review according to your convenience.
If you are one planning to study/work abroad, consider taking IELTS coaching for a reputed university and practice well considering your test day. The Best IELTS Coaching Centre in Hyderabad
