IELTS: A Deep Dive
- The Headmaster Counsulting
- Aug 17, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 24, 2022
Are you preparing to pursue your higher education abroad? We're confident you would have come across various exams you'll have to vouch for your English language proficiency. Most international universities require their students to be fluent in English because their curriculum requires them to understand that language. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one such exam to demonstrate your English proficiency.
IELTS is designed to help you study, work, or even migrate to a country where English is the native language. The test assesses your ability to read, speak, listen, and write in English and is graded on a scale of 1-9.
About IELTS
Started as a joint venture between Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council, the origin of IELTS dates back to 1980. Then, the test had a four-module structure that included Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening in two versions - Academic and General training. Since its administration, the IELTS exam has undergone three major design revisions in 1995, 2001, and 2005 to become what it is today.
Why should you take the IELTS?
The foremost reason to take the IELTS exam is to prove your English language proficiency if you want to work, live, or study in an English-speaking country. It is paramount to be proficient in the native language of the country you're planning to pursue your higher education since it opens the doors to many academic and professional opportunities.
However, there are many more reasons why taking IELTS could be beneficial for you:
The test for study - Thousands of universities across the globe accept IELTS results as evidence of English Language proficiency. Even the most reputable universities worldwide seek the IELTS result to ensure your language proficiency.
Objective assessment - Taking an IELTS exam helps you assess your language proficiency against the global standard, hence, providing you a better evaluation of your skills.
Recognized certification - You receive a globally recognized test report by taking the IELTS test. It is accepted by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools, and immigration bodies worldwide.
A fair assessment of skills - The IELTS exam does not test your specialist knowledge but emphasizes practical communication abilities and provides an accurate estimate of the skills being tested.
The test for migration - If you ever decide to apply for permanent residency abroad, most governments prefer an IELTS score to testify for your language proficiency.
Types of IELTS Tests
ILETS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests assess your English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. However, they do have specific parameters of distinction.
IELTS Academic
This test measures your readiness to begin studying in English and features familiar vocabulary within an academic setting. It is suitable for people wanting to study in an English-speaking university.
Academic Reading Paper
All the topics are of general interest to students at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. The texts may be written in different styles, for example, narrative, descriptive, or discursive/argumentative, and can come from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, or online resources.
Key Points
At least one text contains a detailed logical argument.
Texts may also include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations.
If texts use technical vocabulary, then a simple dictionary definition is provided.
It would be best if you transfer your answers during the hour you are given for the Reading test.
You will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
Academic Writing Paper
There are two Writing tasks:
In Task 1, you have to describe visual information in your own words (a graph, table, chart, or diagram). You need to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
In Task 2, you are given a point of view, argument, or problem you need to discuss. You need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes
Key Points
You must write your answers using whole sentences.
You can write notes on the question paper, but the examiner will not see these.
There are four assessment criteria (things that the examiner thinks about when deciding what score to give you):
Task achievement/response - It assesses how accurately, appropriately, and relevantly your answer covers the task requirements, using the minimum of 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
Coherence and cohesion - It assesses the clarity and fluency of your writing and how you organize ideas and information.
Lexical resource - It assesses the range of vocabulary you have used and how accurately and appropriately you use it.
Grammatical range and accuracy - assesses the capability of grammar and how accurately and appropriately you have used it.
Academic Listening Paper
This has 4 Distinctive Parts:
Parts 1 and 2 deal with everyday social situations. There is a conversation between two speakers in Part 1. Only one person speaks in Part 2.
Parts 3 and 4 deal with educational and training situations. In Part 3, there is a conversation between two main speakers. In Part 4, only one person speaks on an academic subject.
Key Points
You will hear the recordings once only.
Different accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American, are used.
You will need to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. You will have 10 minutes to do this at the end of the test.
You should be careful when writing your answers on the answer sheet because you will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
Academic Speaking Paper
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview between the candidate and an examiner. The Speaking test is recorded. There are three parts to the test, and each piece follows a specific pattern of tasks to test your speaking ability in different ways.
There are four assessment criteria:
Fluency and coherence - It assesses how well you can speak at an average speed without hesitation.
Lexical resource - assesses the range of vocabulary you use and how accurately and appropriately you use vocabulary to express meaning.
Grammatical range and accuracy - assesses the grammar range and how accurately and appropriately you use it.
Pronunciation - assesses your ability to speak in a way that can be understood without too much effort.
IELTS GENERAL TRAINING
This test is ideal for people wanting to study below degree level, which includes schools or colleges, and can also be taken for work experience and employment training. It is required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. This test features everyday language skills needed in social and workplace environments.
General Training Reading Paper
There are three sections of increasing difficulty.
Section 1 contains two or three short texts or several shorter texts. These deal with everyday topics, and they are the sort of texts that a person would need to be able to understand when living in an English-speaking country.
Section 2 contains two texts. It focuses on work topics, i.e., job descriptions, contracts, staff development, and training materials.
Section 3 contains one long text. It deals with a topic of general interest with a descriptive writing style. This text is typically the most extended and most complex.
It would help if you were careful when writing your answers on the answer sheet because you will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
General Training Writing Paper
There are two Writing tasks:
In Task 1, you have to respond to a situation by writing a letter, for example, asking for information or explaining a situation. You need to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes.
In Task 2, you are given a point of view, argument or problem which you need to discuss. You need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.
Key Points
You must write your answers using complete sentences.
You can write notes on the question paper, but the examiner will not see these.
There are four assessment criteria (things which the examiner thinks about when deciding what score to give you):
Task achievement/response - It assesses how accurately, appropriately, and relevantly your answer covers the task requirements, using the minimum of 150 words for Task 1 and 250 words for Task 2.
Coherence and cohesion - It assesses the clarity and fluency of your writing and how you organize ideas and information.
Lexical resource - It assesses the range of vocabulary you have used and how accurately and appropriately you use it.
Grammatical range and accuracy - assesses the capability of grammar and how accurately and appropriately you have used it.
General Training Listening Paper
This has 4 Distinctive Parts:
Parts 1 and 2 deal with everyday social situations. There is a conversation between two speakers in Part 1. Only one person speaks in Part 2.
Parts 3 and 4 deal with educational and training situations. In Part 3, there is a conversation between two main speakers. In Part 4, only one person speaks on an academic subject
Key Points
You will hear the recordings once only.
Different accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American, are used.
You will need to transfer your answers to an answer sheet. You will have 10 minutes to do this at the end of the test.
You should be careful when writing your answers on the answer sheet because you will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar.
General Training Speaking Paper
The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview between the candidate and an examiner. The Speaking test is recorded. There are three parts to the test, and each piece follows a specific pattern of tasks to test your speaking ability in different ways.
There are four assessment criteria:
Fluency and coherence - It assesses how well you can speak at an average speed without hesitation.
Lexical resource - assesses the range of vocabulary you use and how accurately and appropriately you use vocabulary to express meaning.
Grammatical range and accuracy - assesses the grammar range and how accurately and appropriately you use it.
Pronunciation - assesses your ability to speak in a way that can be understood without too much effort.
IELTS Test Format
Sections with Duration | Test Description |
Listening (30 minutes) | Encompasses four recorded monologues and conversations (40 questions) |
Reading (60 minutes) | Three long reading passages with tasks. Texts can range from descriptive and factual to discursive and can also include diagrams and graphs (40 questions) |
Writing (60 minutes) | The candidate has to write at least 150 words where they summarize, describe, or explain a graph, diagram, etc. In writing task 2, the candidate has to write a short essay of at least 250 words. (2 Tasks) |
Speaking (11-14 minutes) | Encompasses a face-to-face interview that includes the candidate's introduction, a cue card, and a detailed discussion |
IELTS Test Structure
Applicants can choose to take IELTS on a computer or on paper for both General Training and Academic tests. The test format, question types, time allotted to each test, and content remains the same for both structures. The only difference is the test day experience.
If you choose to take the IELTS test on a computer, you will have to do the Reading, Listening, and Writing parts on a computer. In contrast, the Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner just before or after completing the other three sections. Testing is available up to 7 days a week and thrice a day.
If you take the IELTS on paper, you will complete the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections on paper. The Speaking test is conducted in a face-to-face interview with the IELTS examiner and can be done one week before or after the test date. Testing is available for up to 48 days per year (Thursday and Saturday) at test centers.
Computer-Based Vs. Paper-Based
Criteria | Computer-Based | Paper-Based |
Sections |
|
|
Results Declaration | 3 to 5 Days | 13 Days |
Test Availability | Up to 7 days a week | Up to 48 days per year |
Mode of Answers | Keyboard and Mouse | Answer Sheet and Pencil |
How to prepare for IELTS?
Preparing for the exam can be an overwhelming experience for many students, which is why it is essential to map out a strategy to help you prepare better. Here's a roadmap to get you started:
Take a practice test
Taking a practice test can help you map out your strengths and weaknesses before the exam and list the areas you can improve on. This enables you to improve on your weaknesses just as much as it helps you build on your strengths, which is essential in creating a solid foundation for the examination.
Understand the test format
It is essential to familiarize yourself with the test format by reviewing the test content and the question and task types for each section.
Polish your English capabilities and IELTS Strategies
Learning for IELTS is a process that takes 12 weeks to move up a score band by one point on average. Therefore, we recommend preparing for the IELTS exam at least 3-6 months before the actual exam.
Develop a wide range of reading skills
The primary purpose of the reading test is to test a wide range of reading skills. It could include reading for gist, main ideas, details, skimming, and understanding logical arguments.
When to appear for IELTS
The IELTS Academic test runs 48 times, the IELTS General test runs 28 times a year, and the result is valid for two years. Therefore, we recommend taking the IELTS exam at least 5-6 months before you fill the exam date.
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