Introduction to IELTS

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for Intentional English language Testing System. It is an international English language proficiency exam and the trademark is jointly owned by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Australia. The exam is offered up almost every month through British council authorized centres around the world.

Who can take this exam?

This exam can be taken by anyone who is willing to either study or work in an English speaking country. It is especially preferred by candidates who are willing to study, migrate or work in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand etc. It is also accepted by 140 countries around the world where the medium of communication is English. Click here for more information about the country and the organization you are interested in.

What are the two types of exams?

This exam has been devised into two versions-IELTS General Training Module and IELTS Academic module-both are much similar to each other in one way or the other-just like the either side of a coin. The former is for job seekers and the latter is for students. Depending on the educational institution or the company you choose, the type of exam you are going to take will differ. So it is always advisable to be aware of their requirements before preparing for the particular type of the exam. For more information about the other minor versions of IELTS for UK Visa requirements click here.

How many modules are there?

IELTS has four core modules based on the four skills; which means you will have to sit four tests: speaking, listening, reading and writing. Both the general and the academic candidates do the same speaking and listening tests whereas reading and writing are different. All except speaking, the other tests are conducted on the same registered date one after the other without any break. Speaking test could be taken either before or after 7 days of period, depending on the availability of dates at your test centre.

How are the grades given?

There is nothing called pass or fail. Your scores will be graded into a band score between 1 and 9 which is from the lowest to the highest. The final report form which you get after the exam, has band scores for each test as well as an overall band score, which is the average of all the test marks together. Band scores are generally scaled in full or half, for example: 6.0 / 6.5/7.0/7.5 etc. and the final report form that you will be getting after 13 working days of the exam is valid for two years. Click here for more details.

How to get registered?

Once you have gained enough confidence on different language skills, you are now ready for the registration. Call the nearby British Council or the authorized test centre and inquire about the exam dates and the fee. Do not forget to mention which version of the test you are going to do: General or Academic, Download the application and the candidate instructional manual here and get yourself registered with the copy of your identification and a photograph.

How can I make use of this blog?

This blog is a platform for the IELTS enthusiasts to communicate each other by discussing and sharing their ideas and experiences in order to resolve and assist the preparation process of the test takers.

You may also read the posts and comment on them. Any of your personal IELTS related queries can be discussed in the Discussion Room so that other readers may assist you whatever the possible way they can.

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