What is IELTS?
- IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It's a system for testing the language ability for people who need to study or work in an environment where English is the language of communication.
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IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL
Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP:IELTS
Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards
of language assessment.
- IELTS covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
It is recognised by universities and employers in many
countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK
and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies,
immigration authorities and other government agencies.
4 IELTS Test Modules
Below diagram is a quick overview about all four IELTS test modules.
1. LISTENING
(approximately 30 minutes)
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- Listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of:
- monologues
- conversations
- and feature a variety of English accents and dialects
- The recording is heard only once, but you are given time to read the questions and write down your answers.
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2. ACADEMIC READING
(approximately 60 minutes)
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- There are 3 reading passages with various tasks. Texts are taken from:
- books
- magazines
- journals
- and newspapers
- All texts used are written for a non-specialist audience.
- At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument.
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2. GENERAL TRAINING READING
(approximately 60 minutes)
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- The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such as:
- newspapers
- advertisements
- instruction manuals
- and books
- The exam is to test the candidate's ability to understand and use information.
- The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative.
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3. ACADEMIC WRITING
(approximately 60 minutes)
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- Candidates are asked to write a description of at least 150 words. This is based on material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram and should demonstrate their ability to present information and to summarise the main features of the input.
- For the second task, candidates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct an argument and discuss abstract issues.
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3. GENERAL TRAINING WRITING
(approximately 60 minutes)
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- The first task requires candidates to write a letter of at least 150 words either asking for information, or explaining a situation.
- For the second task, candidates write a short essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to present a position, construct an argument and discuss issues.
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4. SPEAKING
(11 - 14 minutes)
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- The test takes the form of a face to face interview.
- Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, to speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner.
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Source : www.IELTS.org
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