Everything You Need to Know About IELTS

IELTS is the most common sort of English proficiency exam for non-native speakers. Over 10,000 institutions worldwide, including colleges, companies, and immigration officials, have acknowledged it. The test measures four aspects of language proficiency: hearing, reading, writing, and speaking. Each section is graded on a scale of 0-9, with the overall score calculated as the average of the four sections.

IELTS preparation necessitates a significant amount of practice and devotion. Furthermore, you must improve your general English language skills by reading widely and conversing with native speakers. Because a good IELTS score can lead to a variety of chances for studying or working abroad, it is beneficial to invest time and effort to exam preparation.

In this post, you will learn more about IELTS and the materials available to help you prepare, such as books, online courses, and practice exams.

What is IELTS?

IELTS (The International English Language Testing System) is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.

Why is IELTS important for students?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is significant for various reasons:

IELTS results are recognized as evidence of English language proficiency by more countries than any other test of English, improving chances of admission.
It provides students with a globally recognized qualification, increasing their chances of success.
IELTS scores are used in visa and immigration applications to demonstrate English language ability.
language skills by taking the IELTS test, which is essential for academic and professional purposes.
English language proficiency is highly valued by employers, increasing their employability and career advancement opportunities.
Studying for the IELTS test helps students improve their language skills and broaden their knowledge.

What is the IELTS test format?

IELTS test are categorized into two formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The test format one chooses depends on individual specific goals and requirements.

What is the Difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General training?

Without a solid understanding of the two, it is possible to take the incorrect exam. The Academic module is often required for entry to higher education, but the General Training module is frequently used for immigration or professional registration. So as an aspiring student the academic IELTS is the best fit for you. The IELTS General Training module is primarily intended for Immigration Applicants, Job Seekers, Trainees and Interns, Secondary Education and others.

IELTS Academic can now be taken online from home or any private location with a stable internet connection, as well as in a test center on paper or on computer. IELTS General Training can only be taken on paper or on a computer in a test center.

Reading section

Your cognitive abilities and capacity to comprehend and analyze information will be assessed by the reading activities.

Writing section

You are required to complete two writing tasks. Task 1 involves describing and interpreting graphical data, such as charts, graphs, or diagrams. Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a given prompt, presenting arguments and providing evidence to support your ideas.

Listening and Speaking Sections

The Listening portion evaluates your ability to comprehend discussions, monologues, academic or ordinary talks. Through a face-to-face interview with an examiner, the Speaking portion assesses your oral communication skills.

Examiners assign a band score to each of the four categories using assessment criteria:

Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2)
Coherence and Cohesion
Lexical Resource
Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The criteria are weighted equally, and the task score is the average.

How is IELTS results graded?

IELTS results are graded using a nine-band scale to assess the English language proficiency of test takers. Each band score represents a different level of language proficiency, ranging from band 1 (non-user) to band 9 (expert user). The band descriptors for each score are listed below:

Band 1 – Non-User: Apart from a few isolated words, the participant has absolutely no capacity to use the language.
Band 2 – Intermittent User: The participant struggles to understand spoken and written English.
Band 3 – Extremely Limited User: In relatively familiar scenarios, the test participant merely expresses and understands the generic meaning. Communication breakdowns occur frequently.
Band 4 – Limited User: The basic competence of the exam participant is restricted to familiar settings. They usually exhibit difficulties with comprehension and expression. They are unable to communicate in complicated language.
Band 5 – Modest User: The participant has a limited grasp of the language and can manage with overall meaning in most instances, but they are likely to make numerous errors. They should be capable of basic communication in their field.
Band 6 – Competent User: Despite occasional mistakes, incorrect usage, and misconceptions, the test participant has an effective command of the language. In familiar contexts, they can use and understand pretty complex language.
Band 7 – Good User: The test participant has operational mastery of the language, but with certain mistakes, incorrect usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. They can generally handle complicated language and comprehend detailed logic
Band 8 – Very Good User: The test taker has complete operational command of the language, with only minor mistakes and incorrect usage. In unfamiliar environments, they may make mistakes. They can deal with intricate and thorough arguments as well.
Band 9 – Expert User: The test taker has complete knowledge of the language. Their usage of English is appropriate, correct, and fluent, demonstrating total comprehension.

It is important to note that Individual section scores are averaged to determine the overall band score, which ranges from 0 to 9.

How to prepare for IELTS

Understand the Scoring Criteria: Understand the scoring criteria for each test part. This will help you understand what the examiners are searching for and modify your responses accordingly.
Note the Test Format: Make yourself familiar with the test format, parts, and scheduling. This will allow you to arrange your time properly during the exam and know what to expect on test day.
Enhance your grammar and sentence structure: Concentrate on strengthening your grammatical abilities, as accurate and acceptable language use is required for the IELTS exam. Practice making grammatically accurate sentences while paying attention to sentence structure, verb tenses, and word order.
Practice Regularly: Practice is essential for enhancing your talents. Set aside time each day to study and practice different areas of the exam. To familiarize yourself with the types of questions and tasks you will face, use official IELTS practice resources and sample tests.
Improve Your Time Management Skills: In the IELTS exam, time management is critical. Practice completing assignments within time constraints and learning to efficiently organize your time for each part.
Improve Your Listening Skills: Regularly listen to English audio materials such as podcasts, news broadcasts, or TED Talks to improve your listening abilities. As you listen, practice understanding different accents, taking notes, and predicting facts.
Increase Your Vocabulary: Make it a habit to learn new words and comprehend their meanings, synonyms, and applications in various circumstances. This will assist you in effectively expressing yourself in the Writing and Speaking parts.
Improve Your Reading Comprehension: Reading a range of English literature will help you improve your reading skills. Skimming and scanning strategies should be practiced to swiftly understand the major ideas and identify specific information within a given time span.
Practice Writing Essays and Reports: Develop your writing skills by practicing writing essays and reports on various topics. Pay attention to structuring your writing, organizing your ideas, and providing supporting examples or evidence.
Take practice tests: By taking practice tests in a timed setting, you may simulate the testing experience. You’ll gain more self-assurance, sharpen your test-taking techniques, and discover which areas still need work.

How long is IELTS valid?

The validity period of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam results vary according to the organization or institution requiring the scores. IELTS scores are generally regarded valid for two years after the test date.

Some useful IELTS resources

Here are some reliable IELTS resources to help you prepare for the exam.

Download IELTS brochure: Download brochure (PDF, 2.3MB)
Online Practice Tests: Several websites offer free online practice exams that imitate IELTS exam settings. Websites like IELTS Practice Online (https://www.ieltspractice.com/) and IELTS Liz (https://ieltsliz.com/) offer a wide range of practice materials and sample questions.
Official IELTS Website: The official website of IELTS (https://www.ielts.org/) provides detailed information regarding the test, such as test structure, registration, test centers, and preparation recommendations. It also includes practice questions and examinations.
IELTS Forums and Communities: Joining IELTS-focused online forums and communities can provide helpful insights and tips from other test takers. Websites such as IELTS-Blog (https://www.ielts-blog.com/) and IELTS Mentor (https://www.ielts-mentor.com/) provide forums where you may communicate with other exam takers and professionals.
IELTS Mobile Apps: There are various IELTS preparation mobile apps available. Apps such as the British Council’s IELTS Prep App and Zayan Infotech’s IELTS Practice & IELTS Test (Band 9) include practice tests, vocabulary activities, and suggestions for all sections of the test.

Institutions and organizations may have specific band score standards for various objectives, such as university admission or immigration. As a result, it is important you verify and adhere to the particular requirements of your intended institution or organization. Please Contact Us if you require any additional information or recommendations.