International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses your proficiency skills in four aspects of English; Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
The IELTS uses a nine-band scale to measure the skill levels of a test-taker. For higher education purposes, the test takers have to take the IELTS Academic. The higher education institutions across the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US (some) consider the test score for the purpose of the admissions.
The IELTS exam is jointly conducted by the British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
Here is a brief overview of the IELTS test.
IELTS Overview:
|
Particulars |
Details |
| Fee | INR 14,000 |
| Testing Areas |
|
| Test Mode | Computer-Based and Paper |
| Number of Attempts | Any number |
| Score Validity | Two years |
IELTS Eligibility
Anyone can take the IELTS exam, except those who are under 16 years of age. Even there’s no restriction on the number of test attempts. Other than that there are no eligibility conditions whatsoever.
Even there’s no eligibility restriction for any nationals.
IELTS Exam Pattern
| Test of Area | Sections | No. of Questions & Time |
| Academic Reading | Task 1: MCQs
Task 2: Identifying Information Task 3: Identifying Writer’s views/claims Task 4: Matching information Task 5: Matching headings Task 6: Matching features Task 7: Matching sentence endings Task 8: Sentence completion Task 9: Form, note, table, flow-chart, summary completion Task 10: Diagram label completion |
40 Qs
60 min |
| Listening | Task 1: Multiple choice
Task 2: Matching Task 3: Plan, map, diagram labelling Task 4: Form, note, table, flow-chart , summary completion Task 5: Sentence completion |
40 Qs
30 min |
| Speaking | Part 1: Introduction and interview
Part 2: Long turn Part 3: Discussion |
Oral Interview
11 – 14 min |
| Academic Writing | Task 1: Describe visual information (150 words, 20 min)
Task 2: Respond to problem/argument (250 words, 40 min) |
2 Qs
60 min |
The above table is given for IELTS Academic. Only two sections vary for IELTS General Test. For that information, please check the IELTS official site.
IELTS Results
The test results will be available in a week for online test-takers. They can access the scores by logging in with their details like ID, password, passport number, etc. But those who have taken the paper-based test, they can get the scores within 13 calendar days of your exam.
You will be notified through email when the scores are available.
IELTS Score
The IELTS score is valid for 2 years. The score is given for all levels in terms of band score, and the overall score is also given. Then the overall band is given between 0 and 9. Zero score means not the IELTS exam is ‘Not Attempted’. The band score 9 indicates ‘Expert User.’ Scores are either whole numbers (i.e. 5.0, 6.0, etc.) or half score such as 6.5, 7.5, etc.
Here are the bands and their meaning:
| Band Score | Level | Meaning |
| 9 | Expert | Full command of the English language |
| 8 | Very good | Operational command of English with occasional inaccuracies |
| 7 | Good | Operational command of English with occasional misunderstandings and inaccuracies |
| 6 | Competent | Fairly command on the English language |
IELTS FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the IELTS exam. Have clarity if you have these questions.
1. How many years is the IELTS exam score valid?
A: The IELTS exam score is valid for two years only.
2.How many times can I take the IELTS exam?
A: As many times as you want to as long as you can pay the exam fees. There is no limit on the number of attempts by a test taker.
3.How many times do they conduct the IELTS exam in a year?
A: There’s no fixed number of times when the IELTS exam was conducted. The test is conducted as many times as possible depending on the test-takers.
4.Which countries do accept the IELTS test score?
A: The universities in these countries such as the UK, New Zealand, and Australia primarily accept this test score. In total, about 140 countries accept the score for university admission/immigration depending on their score requirements.
5.Is IELTS tougher than other exams such as TOEFL and GRE?
A: Each exam has its own pros and cons. The IELTS is no exception. So we cannot compare this test with other tests. Coming to this test toughness, this test tries to access your knowledge of the exam in four modules – speaking, writing, listening, and reading. Each module’s score adds up to your final score. That is, your skill level! That all!
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