What Is The IELTS? (International English Language Testing System)

English is considered a universal language, the common language that brings people together and allows for ease of communication in the global village.

If your sight is set on living, working, or studying abroad, then you should apply for the International English Language Testing System, commonly known as the IELTS.

What is IELTS?

The IELTS is the most popular English language test that assesses and proves your English Language ability.

Universities, private and public companies, governments such as Canada, New Zealand, and Australia who are famous for processing immigration visas, recognize this test before employment, immigration, or admission to universities.

What is the IELTS exam?

IELTS exam is considered the world’s most popular English proficiency exam. The IELTS test has been developed by English language experts to test all elements of the English language.

Who owns the IELTS Testing System?

The IELTS Testing System is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The IELTS was founded over 25 years ago, with thousands of people taking the test worldwide.

How does IELTS work?

You can be ahead of the game with added advantage if you understand the format of the IELTS test. There are several examples of the IELTS test available online for practice.

With IELTS, there are two tests, one is the IELTS Academic, and the other is the IELTS General Training.

Make sure that you choose the correct test for you.

Which is the correct IELTS Module for you?

The IELTS General Training Test will determine your English language abilities in practical daily situations in the workplace and social conditions. This test is best suited for those who are going abroad to either work or live.

The IELTS Academic Test will determine your English language abilities for an academic environment. This test is best suited for students who are going abroad to study at a university.

However, both these tests are marked using the same grading formulas.

What are the four elements of the IELTS test?

Here are the IELTS exam details and its four elements:

1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing 
4. Speaking

IELTS listening section

This section of the test assesses your ability to listen to a conversation, understand the ideas and the information that is presented during the dialogue. This segment also expects you to recognize any opinions or the attitudes of the speakers.

The IELTS test expects you to understand the developments of a debate or argument. This section has 40 questions and takes 30 minutes with an allowance of 10 extra minutes to work on your answer sheet.

IELTS reading section

This section of the test assesses your ability to read fast, understand fast, and manage your time accordingly.

This section of the test will determine your ability to read and understand the text in general, find important ideas in the passages, your ability to understand the opinions and disagreements in the passage of text.

The academic IELTS test and the General test reading section differ. The academic text is lengthy and factual, and the general texts are extracts from books, journals, and magazines. This section has 40 questions, and you are allowed 60 minutes to complete this portion.

IELTS writing section

This section of the test assesses your ability to write in different ways. You will test how to write in an organized manner, how to use grammar and vocabulary correctly, and how to write responses in different situations.

The writing section of the academic IELTS test is more advanced than the general IELTS test. You are also allowed 60 minutes in this section to answer 2 questions.

IELTS speaking section

This section of the test is the most fun section of the whole process. Both the IELTS Academic and the IELTS general training listening tests are the same. Here you will get to speak to a certified IELTS examiner.

It is an interactive test. Be prepared to listen and converse with a wide variety of different speaking accents. This test will be recorded. The examiner will assess your ability to speak by sharing your opinion on general topics.

They would expect you to speak at length and be able to communicate your thoughts and ideas fluently. The test will last for a maximum of 14 minutes. Be sure to remain calm, use your words correctly, and be articulate in every sentence.

How can I prepare for my IELTS test day?

Ralph Marston once said that “what you do today can improve all your tomorrows.”

So how you prepare now will have a direct impact on your life tomorrow. Don’t let negativity or stress ruin your chances of success.

Test day can be very daunting, but we assure you that if you prepare well, there will be no need for any tension on the big day! Here are a few tips to stay calm:

1. Prepare in advance by taking as many practical online IELTS test samples.
2. Ensure that you have all the correct identification documents set aside in a folder to take with you. 
3. Ensure that you have the correct date, time, and venue of the test. 
4. Arrive early. 
5. There will be no breaks in between, so make sure you eat well before the IELTS test.
6. Bring water in a clear bottle. 
7. Like all other exams, you are not allowed to carry anything into the IELTS exam room. 
8. Carry a pen, a pencil, an eraser, and your identification document with you into the room.
9. If you cannot hear your listening test, raise your hand, and get the attention of the person on duty.
10. Stay focussed throughout your test. 

What is the validity of the IELTS test?

The test score is valid for two years.

Understanding the IELTS Test Score Band

There are nine score bands for the IELTS score with one meaning that you did not answer any of the questions and nine meaning that you are an expert user of the English Language. 

We hope that you have a pleasant experience as you prepare for your IELTS exam. We hope that giving the test is an equally pleasant experience.

If you have further queries related to IELTS or would like assistance with your university applications, please schedule a free 1-on-1 Consultation Call.