The IELTS test is an International English Language Testing System test used to demonstrate the validity of your IELTS proficiency. It is among the most popular and widely used English tests in the world. There are around 1000 IELTS testing centres in the majority of countries.
The goal for IELTS is to IELTS examination is to offer evidence of English proficiency to prove their immigration status or for academic reasons in which English is the language of the home. Many postsecondary institutions, government institutions and private companies accept IELTS results as proof of English proficiency levels for countries such as New Zealand, the USA, Canada and Australia. This is the sole English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration for applications from outside and within the UK.
It is vital for you as a test-taker to be thorough in passing this test.
Practice tests are recommended, or get private lessons as the IELTS test is extremely demanding, and the test results will determine the course of the life of test takers.
The most important thing is that you can study for all the components and forms that make up the IELTS test by studying the lessons, blogs, tutorials and blog posts on our website as well as our courses.
Recent updates regarding the IELTS exam
Due to the current global pandemic, IELTS organizations have launched the IELTS Indicator test to aid students who cannot pass the IELTS test in an exam centre. The IELTS indicator is similar in design to the typical test and tests students ' Writing, Reading, Listening and speaking abilities. Check with the school to which you're applying if they will are willing to accept the IELTS Indicator test results. Learn more information about the IELTS Indicator here.
IDP Recently, IDP has allowed applicants for the exam to be taken on their own; however, it is only offered in certain countries. Click here to schedule the online IELTS test.
Types of IELTS Tests
What kinds of tests for IELTS are available? Which one should I choose?
There are two kinds of IELTS examinations:
- General Training IELTS is required to prove language proficiency to an employer, to be used for immigration purposes, or to apply for citizenship.
- Academic IELTS is required to be able to get into colleges or universities.
- IELTS Life Skills - required by those applying in the process of applying for UK citizenship.
How many sections does IELTS contain?
The two versions of IELTS General Training and Academic contain four sections, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking.
Every exam section is held in the same place and at the same testing centre.
Do the sections happen in a specific order?
Always in this order Listening, Reading, Writing, and speaking.
You'll always complete listening, reading and Writing portions on the same day without interruptions between them.
The IELTS Speaking test may be scheduled in the same time slot or after the remaining segments, or even prior to or following the other tests (up to seven days).
The test centre you have chosen will notify you about the specific dates.
What is the length of the IELTS test?
2 hours 45 mins.
The time is divided in the following manner:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Reading 1 hour
- Writing 1 hour
- Speaking Time: 11-15 minutes
The format of the IELTS test
IELTS tests can be completed in two different formats.
- IELTS test on paper: you go through the exam materials from an exam book on paper. You then draw on the paper using a pencil or pen.
- Computer-based IELTS: all exam items are read out of computer screens and the writing portion is written.
But, IELTS Speaking is always conducted by an actual person regardless of the method you select.
IELTS General or Academic IELTS General Training?
- What exactly is IELTS Academic for?
- If you are looking to receive admission into higher education in a country that is English-speaking as well as many other colleges and universities across the globe you must be a part of the Academic IELTS exam.
- Who can accept IELTS Academic scores?
- More than 10,000 private and public institutions of higher learning, including all top universities across the globe, will accept IELTS Scores for academics as proof of your ability to speak English for studying.
Keep in mind that IELTS Academic isn't only required in countries that have English as their official language. For instance, if you are applying for a course which is taught in English in Switzerland, You may be required to present an IELTS certification. The test is required by those who wish to be considered for professional or higher education registration in another country.
Be sure to verify on your postsecondary school's (college or university) website to see if they are able to be able to accept the IELTS Academic certificate prior to you scheduling your exam or enrolling in preparation classes.
What exactly is IELTS General Training?
- If you are planning to work or move to an English-speaking nation like Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK, Ireland, USA, you must pass the IELTS General Training test.
- GT IELTS is one of the tests accepted as proof of proficiency required for citizenship tests in some countries, like Canada.
Who can accept IELTS General Training results?
There are a lot of private companies of all sizes, from the smallest one to the biggest. Most definitely, all medical facilities accept the GT IELTS certificate.
They must have the GT IELTS band score because it provides an international, credible document for professionals working abroad of the required language proficiency to work.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) accepts the GT IELTS test as proof of proficiency when applying for work visas when applying for a specific occupation, obtaining permanent residency or completing the citizenship application.
Similar to that, Australian Citizenship and Immigration require GT IELTS for the exact objectives of Canada.
If you plan to apply for UK citizenship If you are planning to apply for UK citizenship, the IELTS Life Skills test is among the exams that are recognized.
However, the requirements for band scores vary for different countries and different purposes.
Which test is more difficult: General IELTS or Academic IELTS?
There is no distinction between Academic and General Training IELTS in the Listening and Speaking sections.
The only distinction in GT, as well as Academic IELTS, is both the Reading and Writing components.
IELTS Academic is thought to be a bit more difficult, particularly writing. However, in Reading, it is expected that you need more correct answers to earn higher scores on the band. For instance: 32 marks equals Band 7.0.
However, IELTS general is believed to be somewhat simpler, but some sections require more marks to get the best score. For example, 32 marks are Band 6.5.
- Check out this detailed article on the distinctions among IELTS general and academic tests. IELTS general.
How do you schedule your IELTS exam?
- There should be an IELTS test centre close to you. The centre locator from the official IELTS website is here.
- Exam calendar for your centre and pick a day from the available dates. Make sure you enrol to take only one test at one time.
- You can then register online or visit the test centre in person to complete an application. There is more information regarding exam fees at the test centre located in the area you live in.
- Valid identity documents (for instance, passport identification card, national ID card, driving license and so on. It all will depend on the nation) are required during IELTS registration. The same ID is required to be shown on the day of the test.
- Once your registration request has been completed, you will receive an email containing information regarding the upcoming IELTS exam, including dates, times and locations in each test section.
- Take note of the emails you get from the test centre carefully. They also detail the most important rules for the IELTS test process.
- Do not forget that the Speaking portion of the test could take place on an alternate date than the other components (Listening, Writing, Reading) for up to 7 days prior to or following them.
- There is no distinction between the IELTS GT and Academic with regards to the way they are used,
- For more details, you can refer to the official IELTS Information For Candidates brochure.
Training for the IELTS test
How do you prepare best for the IELTS test?
There's no definitive answer to this. Students may choose to read books and take papers by themselves, while others take one-on-one lessons with an instructor. And the last option is to take online classes that include lectures, extensive Writing and speaking exercises, and essays from experts in the field.
These strategies are successful only if you're determined to achieve your goal and willing to work hard. It is somewhat easier to concentrate with guidance, structure and constructive feedback. And it is harder to keep yourself motivated when you're all on your own, with any help from the outside or anyone else to ask questions.
However, if you enrol in an appropriately structured course, and with an experienced instructor to guide you and you are prepared, you could be ready to take the IELTS test in as little as a couple of weeks.
It's your decision what path you choose to take, so long as you understand the importance of your goal that lies before you: your score on the IELTS can play a significant impact on your educational as well as your immigration and work plans.
- Learn more about the time it is for you to study IELTS.
IELTS PREPARATION TIPS
Be sure to study in preparation for your IELTS Exam in addition to taking test questions using authentic IELTS training materials that are available for purchase online either from the official IELTS websites or at the test centre. The books used for preparation are published by Cambridge University Press, British Council or IDP.
It is essential to use authentic IELTS materials as a top priority since they're the closest representation of the actual IELTS test format since they have been carefully created by real IELTS test makers.
What is the secret to getting the score in the band?
- Maximize the time you've got to test day: organize your IELTS test preparation.
- Learn about specific exam techniques.
- Discover something new every day.
- Build your English language vocabulary.
- Learn how to write and speak with other terms.
- Make a test with timed tests.
- Train your attention skills.
- Test yourself on all the test components, including Reading, listening, writing, and speaking.
- Learn more about how to score high for IELTS.
Our website offers a variety of no-cost IELTS preparatory materials to assist you in preparing for the test:
- IELTS Writing
- IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Reading
- IELTS Listening
Common FAQs regarding the IELTS test
The IELTS test can be delayed or cancelled?
- Yes. This must be done by the applicant in person or by email or email, not via phone. If you make a cancellation more than five weeks before the exam, there will be a 24% administration fee will be charged. If you make a cancellation less than five weeks prior to the exam, or if you don't appear for the test there will be no chance of receiving a refund.
What happens if I fail what if I fail the IELTS exam due to being sick?
- If you fail the test because of a serious illness and need to provide an official medical certificate within five days of the IELTS test date, if you don't, you will not be able to postpone the exam or be reimbursed.
What test dates are available for the IELTS exam?
- In general, the IELTS test can be taken at least four times per month. IELTS candidates are able to choose one of 48 days for the test to take their exam. It isn't a limit on how many times a test can be attempted.
What does the cost of the IELTS test cost?
- It is expensive to take the IELTS test varies based on the area in which you'll be taking the test.
- The cost of IELTS test costs from $ 140 to $300. It is important to check the price of the test prior to you signing up.
Who conducts the IELTS test?
The test for IELTS is jointly owned by:
- British Council
- Cambridge ESOL
- IDP IELTS Australia (International Development Program)
Many students are unsure of which is the best option for taking their IELTS test and where to be taking exam. There is no distinction between the tests of IDP or the British Council. Read more about it here.
IELTS in India
On July 20, 2021, IELTS IDP acquired the license to conduct tests for the IELTS examination in India. They acquired these rights directly from British Council. British Council. Read the full story here.
When can I take a second chance to take the exam again?
- There's no limit to the number of times you are allowed to take the test so long as the test centre has enough dates for the exam.
Do I need to take the IELTS test?
- If your previous IELTS certificate exceeds 2 years old and you have to submit scores to be accepted into a university, or for work or a visa and so on, then yes, you must retake the IELTS test.
What happens if I do not like my IELTS score? Can they be altered?
- You can submit a request for a re-evaluation up to six weeks after the test date. You'll have to pay a fee. This is refundable only in the event that your results change.
- It could take anywhere from 2 to 21 days, dependent on the number of test segments you've requested to be reassessed. After the reassessment, it is likely that you won't be able to ask for another revision.
- Find more information about appealing your test results here via the official IDP IELTS website.
We at the IELTS podcast team wish you success in taking your International English Language Testing Exam and hope that our resources, as well as tips and advice, can help you get your desired scores in the band that takes the first step towards achieving your goal.
New New: Video Call Speaking (VCS)
Video-Call-Speaking (VCS) is being trialled in some test centres along with
the traditional format for speaking tests. Candidates will still need to travel to the test centre. However, they will not be required to go there.
Communicate with an examiner via an online video link that zooms. An examiner can be remote, and the test-taker isn't.
What is the reason it is being propagated?
Covid-19 is evidently an important element; however, VCS isn't just an answer to it. Over the course of time,
In the last 10 to fifteen years, there have been a variety of organizations that run IELTS (Cambridge Assessment
English The English British Council, IDP and IELTS Australia) have been researching the possibility of
increasing the accessibility of IELTS by providing the test to people who live in remote areas or within
conflict zones. The events that have occurred since the beginning of 2020 have accelerated the process. The
The cancellation of tests has resulted in a waitlist of test-takers by 2021 when centres open
again.
Examiners, who have experience in the traditional interview process, are assessing using their
own homes, as insofar as their equipment for this is in good working order. They can
Regionally organized to avoid issues related to time zones to avoid problems. Examiners could be
interviews applicants from the country in which they reside or those from neighbouring
countries.
