IELTS Exam - International English Language Test : Application Form, Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus and Exam Pattern

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IELTS Exam - International English Language Test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is intended to assist you in working, studying, or migrating to a country where English is the primary language. This covers Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

During the test, your abilities to listen, read, write, and speak in English will be evaluated. The IELTS exam is evaluated on a scale of 1-9.

The British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English all own IELTS.

The IELTS governing organizations have specified no time limits for taking the exam. You may retake the IELTS test as many times as necessary until you get your desired score. You must, however, pay the IELTS exam price for each try.

 

Why should you take the IELTS?

You must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language competence if you want to work, reside, or study in an English-speaking nation.

With 379 million speakers globally, English is the third most spoken language in the world.

The ability to speak the local language of the nation in which you intend to work or study offers several advantages. It is also necessary for employment prospects and community inclusion.

IELTS is the most popular test for people who want to go to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. It is recognized by over 11,000 businesses, colleges, schools, and immigration organizations worldwide, including 3,400 institutions in the United States.

Over 3.5 million tests are taken each year.

 

IELTS Grading Scale

The Grading Scale for IELTS includes-

Band Score

Competency Level Description

9

Expert User

The exam taker has complete knowledge of the language. Their usage of English is acceptable, correct, and fluent, demonstrating total comprehension.

8

Very Good User

The test taker has complete operational mastery of the language, with only minor mistakes and incorrect use. In new environments, they may make mistakes. They are adept at handling intricate and comprehensive reasoning.

7

Good User

The test taker has operational mastery of the language, but with certain mistakes, incorrect use, and misunderstandings in some contexts. They can typically manage complicated language and comprehend elaborate logic.

6

Competent User

Despite occasional mistakes, incorrect usage, and misconceptions, the test taker has an effective grasp of the language. In familiar contexts, they can use and understand pretty complicated language.

5

Modest User

The test taker has a limited grasp of the language and can manage with overall meaning in most instances, but they are likely to make several errors. They should be capable of basic communication in their profession.

4

Limited User

The fundamental competency of the exam taker is restricted to known circumstances. They usually have difficulties with comprehension and expression. They are unable to communicate in complicated language.

3

Extremely Limited User

In relatively familiar scenarios, the test taker merely expresses and understands the generic meaning. Communication failures occur often.

2

Intermittent User

The exam taker struggles to grasp spoken and written English.

1

Non-User

Except for a few isolated words, the test taker has no capacity to utilize the language.

0

Did not attempt the Test

The exam taker did not respond to any of the questions.

 

Types of IELTS Examination

IELTS examinations are divided into two types: Academic and General Training. The listening and speaking portions are the same for both examinations; however, the writing and reading components alter depending on which test is taken. The IELTS Reading, Writing, and Listening portions are all performed on the same day, with no interruptions in between. The Speaking component, on the other hand, can be performed either a week before or after the other examinations. This information exam is available at your testing center.

IELTS Academic Test

Those applying for further education or professional registration in another country must take IELTS Academic.

IELTS General Test

Those who intend to relocate to major English-speaking nations such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom take the IELTS General Test. This exam is also taken by people who wish to participate in training programs or secondary school, as well as those who wish to get work experience in a nation where English is the primary language of communication.

 

Examination Format

IELTS is divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. IELTS Academic may now be taken online from home or any private place with a stable internet connection, as well as in a test center on paper or on a computer. IELTS General Training may only be taken on paper or on a computer in a test center.

You take the identical Listening and Speaking examinations for Academic and General Training, but distinct Reading and Writing assessments. Make certain that you are prepared for the appropriate sort of test.

All IELTS exams include the Listening, Reading, and Writing portions done on the same day, with no interruptions in between.

However, the Speaking exam can be scheduled up to a week before or after the other tests. If you registered for IELTS online, your Speaking exam will normally be scheduled before your other tests. The entire test lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes.

LISTENING

READING WRITING SPEAKING

Diagram Labeling

Multiple Choice

Sentence Completion

Summary Completion

Multiple Choice

Matching Features

Matching Headings

Sentence Completion

Summary Completion

Two Writing Tasks

Academic

Task 1

(Graph / Table / Process)

Task 2

(Essay)

General Training

Task 1

(Letter)

Task 2

(Essay)

Three Parts in this Section

30 Minutes

60 Minutes

60 Minutes

(20 Minutes for Task 1)

(40 Minutes for Task 2)

11-14 Minutes

40 Questions

40 Questions 2 Questions

Introductory Questions

Cue Card

Extended discussion of the subject addressed in Cue Card

 

IELTS Academic

What's in the IELTS Academic Reading Paper?

The texts are drawn from non-specialist books, journals, periodicals, newspapers, and internet media. All of the themes are of wide relevance to undergraduate and postgraduate students. The writings may be written in a variety of formats, such as narrative, descriptive, or discursive/argumentative. A full logical argument may be found in at least one text. Diagrams, graphs, and drawings may be included in texts. If technical terminology is used in the text, a concise dictionary description is supplied.

You must record your responses on an answer sheet. During the hour allotted for the Reading test, you must transmit your answers. Unlike the Listening exam, no additional transfer time is provided. You should be cautious while putting your responses on the answer sheet since inaccurate spelling and grammar will lose you points.

Time Allowed

60 minutes (including transfer time)

Number of Sections

3; the total text length is 2,150–2,750 words

Number of Questions

40

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark.

Your final score is given as a band score from 1-9 in whole or half bands, e.g., 4 or 6.5.

 

What's in the IELTS Academic Writing Paper?

There are two writing tasks that must be completed.

Task 1 requires you to explain some visual information in your own words (a graph, table, chart, or diagram). You must write at least 150 words in around 20 minutes.

In Task 2, you will be given a point of view, argument, or topic to debate. You must compose at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

Your responses must be written in entire sentences. Your responses must not be written as notes or bullet points. Your responses must be written on the answer sheet. You are permitted to make notes on the question paper, but the examiner will not see them.

Time Allowed

60 minutes

Number of Tasks

2

Marking

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

 

What's in the IELTS Academic Listening Paper?

The paper is divided into four sections, each with 10 questions. The questions are presented in the same sequence as the material in the recording, so the answer to the first question comes before the answer to the second, and so on.

Parts 1 and 2 are concerned with ordinary social interactions. Part 1 includes a dialogue between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements). In Part 2, only one person talks (for example, a speech about local facilities).

Parts 3 and 4 are concerned with education and training issues. Part 3 includes a dialogue between two prominent speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor). Only one individual talks about an academic subject in Part 4.

You will only hear the recordings once. Accents such as British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American are used.

You must record your responses on an answer sheet. You will have 10 minutes to complete this task at the conclusion of the test. You should be cautious while putting your responses on the answer sheet since improper spelling and grammar will lose you points.

Time Allowed

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet)

Number of Parts

4

Number of Questions

40

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark.

Your final score is given as a band score in whole or half bands, e.g., 5.5 or 7.0.

 

What's in the IELTS Academic Speaking Paper?

The Speaking exam consists of a one-on-one interview between the candidate and an examiner. The Speaking test is recorded.

The exam is divided into three sections, each with its own set of tasks designed to assess your speaking abilities in a variety of ways.

Time Allowed

11–14 minutes

Number of Parts

3

 

IELTS General Training

What's in the IELTS General Training Reading Paper?

There are three increasingly challenging portions. Section 1 may have two or three brief texts or a collection of shorter texts. Section 2 has two texts. Section 3 has one lengthy paragraph.

The texts in Section 1 are about everyday issues and are the type of texts that a person would need to comprehend if they lived in an English-speaking nation. You will need to extract vital information from notifications, advertising, and schedules, for example. Section 2 texts cover work-related issues such as job descriptions, contracts, staff development, and training materials. Section 3's text addresses a topic of public interest. Section 3's writing style is often descriptive (it contains extensive information) and educational (telling you how to do something). Section 3's language is lengthier and more complicated than Sections 1 and 2. The texts in Section 3 are drawn from newspapers, magazines, books, and internet sites.

You must record your responses on an answer sheet. During the hour allotted for the Reading test, you must transmit your answers. Unlike the Listening exam, no additional transfer time is provided. You should be cautious while putting your responses on the answer sheet since inaccurate spelling and grammar will penalize your points.

Time Allowed

60 minutes (including transfer time)

Number of Sections

3; the total text length is 2,150-2,750 words

Number of Questions

40

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark.

Your final score is given as a band score from 1-9 in whole or half bands, e.g., 3 or 8.5.

 

What's in the IELTS General Training Writing Paper?

There are two writing assignments that must be completed.

In Task 1, you must write a letter in response to a circumstance, such as requesting information or describing a scenario. You must write at least 150 words in around 20 minutes.

In Task 2, you will be given a point of view, argument, or topic to debate. You must write at least 250 words in 40 minutes.

Your responses must be written in entire sentences. Your responses must not be written as notes or bullet points. Your responses must be written on the answer sheet. You may make notes on the question paper, but the examiner will not see them.

Time Allowed

60 minutes

Number of Tasks

2

Marking

Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

 

What's in the IELTS General Training Listening Paper?

The paper is divided into four sections, each with 10 questions. The questions are presented in the same sequence as the material in the recording, so the answer to the first question comes before the answer to the second, and so on.

Parts 1 and 2 are concerned with ordinary social interactions. Part 1 includes a dialogue between two speakers (for example, a conversation about travel arrangements). In Part 2, only one person talks (for example, a speech about local facilities).

Parts 3 and 4 are concerned with education and training issues. Part 3 includes a dialogue between two prominent speakers (for example, two university students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor). Only one individual talks about an academic subject in Part 4.

You will only hear the recordings once. Accents such as British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American are used.

You must record your responses on an answer sheet. You will have 10 minutes to complete this task at the conclusion of the test. You should be cautious while putting your responses on the answer sheet since improper spelling and grammar will lose you points.

Time allowed

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet)

Number of Parts

4

Number of Questions

40

Marking

Each correct answer receives 1 mark.

Your final score is given as a band score in whole or half bands, e.g. 5.5 or 7.0.

 

What's in the IELTS General Training Speaking Paper?

The Speaking exam consists of a one-on-one interview between the candidate and an examiner. The Speaking test is videotaped.

The exam is divided into three sections, each with its own set of problems designed to assess your speaking abilities in a variety of ways.

Time Allowed

11-14 minutes

Number of Parts

3

 

How to enroll for IELTS Exam?

It is simple and quick to register for your IELTS exam.

Step 1: Locate your local IELTS test center or take IELTS online.

There are around 1,600 IELTS test centers in over 140 countries. Locate and select the nearest testing facility.

If you want to take your exam from the comfort of your own home or another private place, IELTS Online, our online IELTS Academic test, is now available. Verify that you have all you need to take the IELTS online.

Step 2: Schedule your IELTS exam.

You can register and pay online, or you can download an application form to print, fill out, and send to your preferred test center.

A copy of your valid identification document will be required. On the day of the exam, you must also show the same identification document.

Step 3: Schedule your IELTS exam.

If you booked IELTS on paper or by computer, your test center will send you an email after your application has been completed, confirming the day and time of your test. Your Speaking test may be moved to a different day, which your test center will confirm. If you registered for IELTS online, you will receive an email confirming your test booking, and your Speaking exam will normally be scheduled before your other tests.

 

How to get your IELTS Exam Result

After you have completed the IELTS, you must wait for the results. The advantage of these tests is that the results are generally available within a fortnight. If you took the computer-based test, your results will be available within 3-5 days or within a week.

Offline Mode: You will receive your results for offline or paper-based tests within 13 calendar days of the exam date.

Online Mode: The results of computer-delivered tests will be emailed to candidates within 3-5 days. On the day of your results, you will get a notification from your Test Center. To access your results, simply log in using your ID, password, passport number, and test date information. Your results will be available online for the following 28 days after they are declared.

 

What IELTS Score do I Require?

The higher your IELTS score, the better your knowledge and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration authority, university, job, or institution will have different IELTS requirements. The score you need will be determined by what you want to accomplish in the nation, such as a job or education.

 

IELTS Score Validity Period

Your IELTS score is valid for two years from the date you get it.

 

IELTS Examination Fees

IELTS exam fees are being revised to INR 15,500 for registration

 

How is IELTS created?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was created to give a fair and reliable evaluation of English language competency.

Language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States create test questions. The exam is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The IELTS exam content is based on real-life scenarios. It is objective and fair to all exam takers from all walks of life.

IELTS for Migration - IELTS is recognized for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

IELTS for Study - Thousands of educational and training institutions across the world utilize IELTS results to choose students.

IELTS for Work - IELTS is used as confirmation of English language skills by many professional registration agencies and businesses.

 

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