1) What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.9 million tests in 2012, IELTS is the world’s most popular high stakes English test for work, study and migration.
IELTS tests are held in over 800 centres with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality.
You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.
To help you prepare, IELTS provides test samples and Official IELTS Practice Materials. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test.
You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is jointly owned by three reputable, international organisations:British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment. For more information, seeFrequently asked questions or download the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 935KB).
2) Why choose IELTS?
IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.
Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English rather than learning by rote. This means your understanding of English is improved and valid for real life in an English-speaking country.
International English
IELTS recognises both British and American English in terms of spelling, grammar and choice of words. It also incorporates a mix of native speaker accents from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and US in the Listening component.
International content
The IELTS approach is recognised as being fair, reliable and valid to all candidates, whatever their nationality, cultural background, gender or special needs. The test questions are developed by a network known as the IELTS item writers in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK and the US. They are based on real life sources (for example, advertisements, books, newspapers and company policies), so ensuring that they are always fit for purpose.
International partners
IELTS is owned by a global partnership of education and language experts: the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the Cambridge English Language Assessment . These bodies are dedicated to academic excellence, cultural understanding, student recruitment and creating success worldwide.
International consultation
IELTS has been developed in close consultation with academics, professional bodies and immigration authorities from around the world.
Choose from more than 800 locations worldwide
IELTS tests are offered up to four times a month in over 800 test venues in more than 135 countries. The cost of taking the test is set locally and payable in the local currency, making registration more convenient for candidates. Results are issued to candidates 13 calendar days after the test. Official IELTS Test centres can send Test Report Forms directly to your organisation or institution (provided it has been nominated by the candidate), either by mail or as an electronic download.
3) Test Format
IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.
Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts.
Everybody takes the same Listening and Speaking components. It is the Reading and Writing components that differ.
4) IELTS | Test Takers – Academic or General Training?
Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education
The Academic format is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.
General Training – for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.
It should be noted that certain professions require an Academic test result for registration and migration purposes.
Check with your organisation
Whilst the IELTS Global Recognition System is committed to maintaining an up to date record of English language requirements, it is strongly recommended that you also check the English language requirements with the recognising organisation directly, by visiting their website.
5) IELTS | Test Takers – A reliable, secure test
The IELTS nine (9) band score system grades scores consistently. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty.
IELTS Examiners are fully qualified and follow the IELTS standardised testing around the world. IELTS has a quality-controlled system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring. IELTS markers are regularly monitored and tested every two years to retain their certification.
Our test centres are managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia or by independent organisations that meet strict standards of quality, security and customer service.
The free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms and safeguards against fraudulent report forms.
Courtesy: www.teachers.cambridgeesol.org
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