The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.
You can choose to take your IELTS test either on paper or computer, depending on your convenience. There is no difference in the content, format or level of difficulty between the two options. Remember, you will have to carefully choose which module you wish to take - IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the purpose of your taking the test. However, to study in the UK, you’ll have to take the IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).
IELTS is a test of all four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you. The total test time is under three hours.
IELTS Listening test (30 minutes) | You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes. |
IELTS Reading test | The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on an array of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers’ attitudes, opinions and intentions. |
IELTS Writing test (60 minutes) | The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking. |
IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes) | The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English skills. The test is recorded and conducted in three parts. |
It is the test for study − thousands of the world’s most reputable universities and colleges will accept your IELTS results as evidence of your English language proficiency.
It is the test for professionals − professional registration bodies in many fields will accept an IELTS result, including accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and teaching bodies in many countries. This means that after completing your studies, you may need to take the test in order to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country.
It is the test for migration – IELTS scores are required by governments in more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency. Unlike other providers, the IELTS General Training test is the only non-academic test available for migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The United Kingdom and The USA.
It’s the test that’s fairer to you – IELTS assesses you on your practical communication abilities and provides with an accurate assessment of the four skills being tested. It focusses on testing the language abilities rather than specialist knowledge of the candidate and offer two versions – Academic and General Training. Plus, it allows for a one-on-one Speaking test one with an examiner in a private room with no distractions.
The test content for IELTS is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, background, gender, lifestyle or location.
IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is a globally-recognised test of English language. Many people are aware that having the right IELTS score is one way of proving that you have the English language proficiency to enter a top university, but did you know that IELTS scores are also used by governments and professional bodies for immigration and professional registration purposes? So getting the right IELTS score is important for many people for many different reasons.
You may know that you have to get a certain IELTS score in order to fulfil your work or study ambitions, and you may be working toward that goal by studying for the test. But, have you considered what some of the additional benefits are for preparing even more for the IELTS Academic test to improve your results? Here are our Top Five!
- You will get an objective assessment of your English language abilities.Maybe your friends have told you that you speak English well, or perhaps you always do well in quizzes at school. But do you really know your level? When you take an IELTS test, you will be measured against rigorous global IELTS standards.
- You will get a certification that is widely recognised.By taking an IELTS test, you will receive a test report that is recognised and accepted by thousands of institutions around the world, including companies, universities, professional bodies, and government agencies.
- You will improve your English language skills. Some students tend to favour certain skills over others. When you take an IELTS test, you are tested in all four skills, that is, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, so you’ll need to practise them all if you want to do well.
- You will gain a better knowledge of the English that you need.If you take the IELTS Academic test, you will become more familiar with the kind of language required for undergraduate or postgraduate study in English.
- You will be motivated to study harder because you’ll have a clear goal. It’s very easy to put off studying for another day, if you don’t have clear aims and objectives. Taking an IELTS test gives you the motivation to study hard and improve your English.