Explore the Importance of Preparing for IELTS Test ! Discover Essential Steps and Tips for Success in IELTS Exam !!

IELTS and it's significance 

IELTS is one of the world’s most popular English language exam. If you’re looking to work, study or live abroad then taking an IELTS test can help you in many ways. IELTS is developed by the world’s leading experts in language evaluation and assesses your English skills, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The Test Scores acceptance 

The test score suggests your ability to use English to study or work and live in an English-speaking environment. More than 10,000 organisations in 140+ countries accept IELTS. These organisations vary from educational institutes to employers and government organisations. More than 3000 institutes in the USA use IELTS. International students who wish to study or apply for jobs, in a country where English is the primary language can benefit the most from this test. It can help in proving a student’s English language skills and can help them get a better job or promotion.

Other Non academic Uses of IELTS 

IELTS test results can also help you meet your immigration requirements. All immigration authorities that need an English language test will accept IELTS. 

Types of IELTS Test

There are different types of IELTS tests. The test you choose depends on what you want to do with the IELTS test results. You must make sure which test you need before booking your test. You can contact the organisation, institute or immigration authority to find out which test you would need.

• IELTS Academic test

The IELTS Academic test examines your English reading, writing, listening and speaking abilities if you want to study either undergraduate or post-graduate level in an English-speaking country.

• IELTS General Training test

IELTS General Training test examines your English level if you want to study at below degree level or you want to work in an English-speaking country.

• IELTS test for UK visas and immigration

If you are looking to work, study or live in the UK, then you may need to take this test.

IELTS Test Duration

The Listening, Reading and Writing test are taken on the same day. The speaking test is usually held on the Saturday before or within a week before or after the written exam. The speaking test date is sent via email three days before your speaking test date.

IELTS Test Medium

• Paper-based IELTS Test

If you take the paper-based IELTS test, you will be able to preview your results after 13 calendar days from the test date.

• Computer-delivered IELTS Test

If you take the computer-based IELTS test, you will be able to see your results after five to seven days from the test date.

IELTS Test Structure

IELTS consists of four sections. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening and Speaking tests are the same in both general training and academic exam. However, candidates taking the academic test face more complex assignments in IELTS Reading and Writing section. The test takes three hours to complete

IELTS Test Fee charged for 

Paper-based IELTS - .

Computer-based IELTS - .

IELTS UKVI (Academic/ General ) - 

IELTS Life Skills A1 - 

IELTS Life Skills B1 - 

IELTS Test Preparation

IELTS Academic Exam Format

Type of Test	Test Duration	Number of Questions
Listening	30 minutes	40
Reading	60 minutes	40
Writing	60 minutes	2
Speaking	11-14 minutes	7-11

IELTS SCORE SCALE

ELTS results are reported on a 9 band scale. They are designed to be simple and easy to understand. They are represented as band scores on a scale from 1 ( the lowest ) to 9(the highest).

The scores are divided for each test component: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. These individual scores are averaged and rounded to produce the final result. The scores can be whole numbers (5,6,7,8) or half bands (5.5,6.5,7.5,8.5). 

Let’s see how the scores are calculated.

Writing	Speaking	Reading	Listening	Average/4	Overall Band
6	5.5	7	6.5	6.25	6.5

 

Writing	Speaking	Reading	Listening	Average /4	Overall Band
7.5	7	8.5	8	7.75	8

 

Correct Answers	Band Scores
40-39	9
38-37	8.5
36-35	8
34-33	7.5
32-30	7
29-27	6.5
26-23	6
22-19	5.5
18-15	5
14-13	4.5
12-10	4
9-8	3.5
7-6	3
5-4	2.5

How to prepare for IELTS?

The best way to prepare for the IELTS exam

1. Take a practice test. ...
2. Understand the test format. ...
3. Be aware of the exam time constraints. ...
4. Develop your English capabilities and IELTS strategies. ...
5. Multitask when listening in English. ...
6. Develop a wide range of reading skills. ...
7. Use appropriate and assertive English terms

How to prepare for IELTS at home: Writing

1. Review some model answers for Writing Tasks 1 and 2. Check IELTS course books, or have a look here . ...
2. Try to write something daily on IELTS related topics, such as education, healthy living, climate change, etc. ...
3. Practising is not enough - you also need to reflect on your work.

Conclusions

Many universities mandate IELTS scores for international students to get admission to their institution, which is why it is essential that a student thoroughly prepares for the test. The test includes 4 sections: Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing.