What is IELTS?
International Language Testing System [IELTS] is an English proficiency test that evaluates a candidate’s listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The exam is formulated by Cambridge University and is conducted through British Council and IDP at various test centers in the world. Taking this test and gaining a required score is mandatory if you wish to study, work or immigrate to any of the English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.
There are two streams of the exam namely
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic test is taken by anyone who wishes to go to any English-speaking country for higher studies or university education. This test should also be taken for professional registration purposes. IELTS Academic ensures that you have the linguistic capability to survive in an academic environment. It features vocabulary that is familiar within an academic setting.
You can choose whether to take IELTS Academic on paper, on computer or online at home or any other suitable place.
General Test
IELTS General test is mandatory for anyone who wishes to go to any of the English-speaking countries to study below degree level. It can also be taken for work experience or other employment training. If you need to migrate to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK, you need to clear this test with a required score. The test features everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.
Test Format
IELTS test generally evaluates a candidate’s skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking.
For Academic and General Training, you take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
Reading Module
Academic Reading
Consists of three reading passages with a variety of questions using a number of task types. The passages are aimed at a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration.
General IELTS Reading
It also has three sections with 40 questions which must be answered in 60 minutes. These are materials you are likely to encounter daily in an English-speaking environment.
Writing Module
IELTS writing has two tasks-task1 and task 2. Writing test is a little different for Academic and General. Total writing time is 1 hr.
Academic Task 1
You are asked to write a report on a given chart, process, a map, or a pictorial representation of any object. .
General Writing Task 1
Given a situation, you will be asked to write a personal, formal or semi-formal letter requesting an information or explaining a situation.
IELTS writing has two tasks – Task 1 & Task 2. Writing test is a little different for Academic and General. Total writing time is 1 hour.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing modules of all IELTS tests are conducted on the same day, with no breaks in between them. Speaking module may however be scheduled on a different day, either after or before the written test. You are graded on a band score ranging from 0 to 9 on the IELTS test.
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes
Score Skill-Overview
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very good user | The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. |
| 7 | Good user | The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent user | The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| 5 | Modest user | The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. |
| 4 | Limited user | The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language. |
| 3 | Extremely limited user | The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication. |
| 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-user | The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
IELTS in Green World Group?
We have designed a course which is worth every penny you pay. It is a comprehensive course which includes all the modules of IELTS test. As every module is equally important and we cannot waiver one over the other, we teach each module with the required precision and diligence. This familiarizes each student with the type of questions asked in the test and thus gain linguistic power and confidence over time. Writing and speaking modules require extra tutor support and guidance which is well-embedded in our course. Our course also includes fun games, grammar quiz and debate sessions that help you shed your inhibitions and speak confidently to everyone. This content is well aligned with IELTS skills and strategies which is fun and beneficial to all students.
