IELTS, the International English language Testing System, is a test designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. This test is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), The British Council: IELTS Australia IELTS covers the four language skills in English language: listening, reading, writing and speaking and conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.
IELTS test formats
IELTS is tested in two distinct formats: Academic and General Training.
The Academic Module assesses and evaluates whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English in his/her academic studies in college or university. Admission to the concerned academic institutions should be based on the results of this module. On the other hand, the General Training module focuses on basic survival skills in abroad social and educational context. Usually, General Training module is suitable for candidates for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Test Modules
Listening
In the listening module, candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, with rising difficulty levels as the test progresses. This session is a mixture of monologues and conversations, and offers various features of English accents and dialects in formal and informal set-up. The recording can be heard only once but candidates are provided with ample amount of time to read the questions and write down their answers the listening module takes around 30 minutes. Answers are written on the question paper as candidates listen. After the end of the recording, ten minutes are additionally allowed for candidates to transfer their answers to a separate answer sheet; the listening module comprises of 4 different sections with altogether 40 questions.
Reading
Based on three reading passages with a total of 2000 to 2750 words, there are 40 questions Reading skills are tested in two different modules: Academic & General Training. All answers must be transferred to an Answer-sheet during the given 60 minute period. In case of reading module, no additional time is allowed for transferring answers.
Writing
There are two tasks to complete in writing module (about 20 minutes for task 1 and about 40 minutes for task 2). Task 1 requires at least 150 words while task 2 requires at least 250 words. Candidates should note that under length articles will be penalized.
Speaking
This module takes the form of face to face interview. It takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. All speaking tests are recorded. During speaking tests, candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, to speak on a familiar topic and also to interact with others in daily life situations.
IELTS Test Results
You can collect your IELTS Test Result (Test Report Form/TRF) from the British council or IDP: IELTS Australia Head offices 14 working days after your main test. You can also browse their concerned websites for your results.
IELTS Classes: