All I Need To Know About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a standardised test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is one of the most widely recognised English language tests worldwide. Over 10,000 organisations accept it in more than 140 countries, including educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities.

If you’re planning to take the IELTS test UK, it’s essential to understand the exam format, scoring system, and test-taking strategies. 

In this guide, we’ll demystify the IELTS test and provide you with the top things you need to know, including the IELTS exam scoring system, IELTS test practice resources, IELTS online test options, and more. Whether you’re taking the IELTS test for academic or professional purposes, this guide will help you prepare for and succeed in the IELTS English test.

What is the IELTS Scoring System?

The IELTS test scoring system ranges from 1 to 9. A band score of 5 is considered an average level of English proficiency. At the same time, 6 and above indicates that you have an advanced level of English.

The scoring system is based on four main areas: 

• Listening (30%)
• Reading (35%)
• Writing (30%) 
• Speaking (15%)

Each area has its marking scale, with each mark worth one point on the overall scale. For example, if your listening score were 7 out of 9, then this would give you a total band score of 7/9 = 77%.

Your results are valid for two years from when they were issued by IELTS International Testing Services Ltd., who administer the test worldwide.

IELTS Reading Section

The Reading Section is the first part of the test, and it’s also the longest. It consists of four passages with questions about them. The passages are about 800-1,200 words long and deal with topics like science, history, or social studies.

The questions ask you to analyse what you’ve read by answering multiple-choice questions or writing an essay response (but more on those later). Some examples include:

• What does this passage say about X?
• How does this compare to your experience/opinion/knowledge?
• What evidence from the text supports your answer above?

IELTS Writing Section

The writing section is the one that most students dread. Therefore it’s important that you be prepared.

The Writing Section consists of two tasks: a letter and an essay. In both cases, you will be given a topic and asked to write an appropriate response within the time limit given (30 minutes). The latter task involves writing about a situation or event that has happened recently in your life, whereas, for the essay question, you’ll be asked about something general such as “What does friendship mean?” or “What makes someone successful?”

In both cases, there are three types of questions: 

• Short answer questions (where you have to choose from several options)
• Multiple-choice questions (where only one answer is correct)
• Matching items together based on similarities between them

IELTS Listening Section

The Listening Section is part of the test to test your listening ability and understanding of spoken English. You will be presented with a conversation or monologue, which you must listen to carefully and answer questions based on your hearing. There are several different types of questions:

There are three main types of listening questions:

Multiple choice 

These are simple questions with four possible answers (A-D). You have to choose one answer from these four choices.

Fill in the blank 

In this type of question, there will be gaps in which you need to write down words or phrases based on what was said in the recording. For example: “I’m going _________.” The correct answer would probably be “to London.” Still, it could also be “on vacation” or something else entirely, depending on what was said during that part of the speech! Without gaps, this type of question would become multiple-choice instead!

Extended response 

This type involves writing down an essay response based on the information given during speech recordings rather than answering multiple choice questions directly related to specific parts within those recordings themselves.

IELTS Speaking Section

The Speaking section is an essential part of the test that is challenging. You’ll be asked to speak for one minute on a topic and answer two questions.

The topics can be anything from “What do you like about your job?” to “How would you improve your city?”

Many different types of questions might come up in this section:

• Questions about yourself (e.g., “Tell me about yourself.”).
• Questions about others (e.g., “What are your friends like?”).
• Questions involving comparisons (e.g., “Which country would you prefer as a place to live?”).
• Open-ended questions where there isn’t an obvious right answer (e.g., “Tell me about a time when you argued with someone.”).

It’s important to remember that the Speaking section is not a test of your knowledge but of your ability to communicate effectively in English. Here are some tips to help you do well in this section:

Speak clearly and confidently: 

Make sure you speak clearly and confidently, even if you need clarification on your answer. Don’t worry too much about making mistakes – getting your point across is more important.

Take your time: 

You have one minute to speak on a given topic, so take your time and cover all the points you want to make. Take your time and speak quickly, as this can make it difficult for the examiner to understand you.

Use examples: 

Try to use examples from your own life or experiences when answering questions. It will help you demonstrate your understanding of the topic and show the examiner that you can use English practically.

Listen carefully to the questions: 

Make sure you listen carefully to the questions and answer them directly. Refrain from going off on tangents or talking about something unrelated to the topic.

Practice, practice, practice: 

The best way to improve your speaking skills is to practise as much as possible. Try to speak English with friends or family, watch English-language TV shows or movies, and listen to English-language podcasts or radio shows.

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IELTS Test Practice Resources

Preparing for the IELTS test requires much practice, and luckily, plenty of resources are available to help you. Here are some IELTS test practice resources you should consider:

IELTS practice tests: 

The official IELTS website provides free practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. These tests are modelled after the actual exam, and they can give you an idea of what to expect on test day.

IELTS preparation books: 

Plenty of IELTS preparation books are available on the market, each with its own strategies and practice tests. Make sure to choose a book that suits your level and learning style.

IELTS preparation courses: 

Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course if you prefer a more structured approach to IELTS test practice. These courses are often offered online or in person. They are led by experienced instructors who can help you improve your skills.

IELTS Online Test Options

If you need help taking the IELTS test in person or prefer the convenience of an online exam, several IELTS online test options are available. Here are some of the most popular:

IELTS Indicator: 

The official IELTS website offers this online test. It is designed for students who cannot take the test in person due to the pandemic. Not all organisations accept it, so check with your institution before taking the test.

IELTS Computer-Delivered Test: 

This test is similar to the paper-based IELTS test but is taken on a computer. It is offered in select locations and is accepted by most organisations that accept the paper-based IELTS test.

IELTS for UKVI: 

This test is designed for those applying for a UK visa and is offered in person and online. It is accepted by UK visa and immigration authorities.

When choosing an online test option, research its acceptability and suitability.

Conclusion:

The IELTS test may seem daunting initially, but you can succeed with the right preparation and mindset. By understanding the exam format, utilising the right study materials, and practising effectively, you can improve your chances of achieving your desired score. 

Remember, the key is to stay focused, motivated, and confident. Our guide has helped demystify the IELTS test and provided you with the top things you need to know about the IELTS test. Good luck on your journey to IELTS success!

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FAQs

→ How long is the IELTS test valid?

The IELTS test is valid for two years from the test date. After two years, the test results will no longer be considered valid for immigration, study, or work purposes.

→ How long does it take to get IELTS test results?

The IELTS test results are typically available within 13 days after the test date. However, some test centres offer an expedited option for an additional fee, which can provide results in as little as three days.

→ Can I retake the IELTS test if I am unsatisfied with my score?

You can retake the IELTS test if you are unsatisfied with your score. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test, but you must wait at least 2-3 months between test dates. You must register and pay the test fee again for each retake.

→ Can I retake individual sections of the IELTS exam?

No, it is not possible to retake individual sections of the IELTS exam. The IELTS test is designed to assess your overall language proficiency, and all four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) are taken together as a single exam. If you wish to retake the exam, you will need to retake all four sections.

→ Are there Access Arrangements for the IELTS test if I need support?

Yes, Access Arrangements are available for the IELTS test if you require support due to a disability, medical condition, or learning difficulty. Examples of Access Arrangements include extra time, a reader or a scribe, or separate accommodation. To apply, you will need to provide evidence and complete an application form.