IELTS
IELTS
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been built to measure the language proficiency of people who wish to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. The IELTS exam uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).
The IELTS exam is available under -
- Academic Training - For people applying for higher education or professional registration,
- General Training - For those migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, or applying for secondary education, training programmes and work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Both the exam versions of a valid and accurate assessment of the language skills including - listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS Exam Structure
IELTS exam has been designed in the following pattern
- Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes' transfer time)
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 11–14 minutes
Conversion Table
| Band Score | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.5 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening raw score (Academic and General Training) | 39–40 | 37–38 | 35–36 | 32–34 | 30–31 | 26–29 | 23–25 | 18–22 | 16–17 | 13–15 | 10–12 | 8–9 | 6–7 | 4–5 |
| Reading raw score (Academic) | 39–40 | 37–38 | 35–36 | 33–34 | 30–32 | 27–29 | 23–26 | 19–22 | 15–18 | 13–14 | 10–12 | 8–9 | 6–7 | 4–5 |
| Reading raw score (General Training) | 40 | 39 | 37–38 | 36 | 34–35 | 32–33 | 30–31 | 27–29 | 23–26 | 19–22 | 15–18 | 12–14 | 9–11 | 6–8 |
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Exam Format and Information
| Exam Name International English Language Testing System | Exam Code IELTS |
| Exam Duration 2 hours and 45 minutes | Exam Format Multiple Choice and Task-Based Questions |
| Exam Type Paper Based | Number of Questions Variable |
| Eligibility/Pre-Requisite NIL | Exam Fee $180 USD Approx |
| Exam Language English | Pass Score Band Score (0-9) |
IELTS FAQs
What will happen in case I am absent or sick on the test day?
In case you are absent on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost
What are the two types of the IELTS test
There are mainly two types of the IELTS exams - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
1. The IELTS Academic test is for people applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.
2. The IELTS General Training test is for those who are going to English speaking countries for secondary education, work experience or training programs. IELTS exam is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.
Name the organizations that accept IELTS.
IELTS is accepted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.
What is IELTS Test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is considered as the worlds most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with 3.5 million tests taken in the past year.
Which IELTS test should I choose?
Every organisation have different requirements. Ensure you check which IELTS test the organisation you are applying to recognises.
What is the IELTS exam format and how much time will it take to complete the test?
The IELTS test exam 4 sections - Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. You are required to take the first three parts of the test on the same day, in the following order: Listening, Reading and Writing (there are no breaks between these tests). Your Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after, depending on local arrangements.
What support is provided for test takers with visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties?
The official IELTS test centres can help if you have visual, hearing, speaking or learning difficulties. If you need a modified version of IELTS, please give the test centre three months notice. If special arrangements (for example, extra time) need to be made then please give the test centre six weeks' notice. Your English language ability will be assessed objectively, regardless of any disability or special needs that you may have
When can I take IELTS test?
IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year up to four times a month, depending on local demand.
How much does IELTS cost?
IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General Training tests are the same cost. When you apply online, you will be told the fee.
How do I postpone or cancel my application?
'If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
How can I revaluate my test scores?
If you would like to make an enquiry about your test results, you need to apply at the centre where you booked your test within six weeks of your test date. You can choose which sections of the test you want to have re-marked. There is a charge for an enquiry on IELTS test results, however this charge will be refunded if your score increases for any section of the test. Your result will normally be available in 2-21 days, depending on several factors including the number of sections requested for re-mark
What can take to exam?
Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones, pagers and electronic devices of any kind must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or any other electronic devices, or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Personal watches are not allowed in the test room.
Can we complete the IELTS test in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. The Speaking test will be held either on the same day or seven days before or two days after that, depending on local arrangements.
Which types of accents are available in the Listening and Speaking tests?
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.'
What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audio cassette or a digital recorder.
How and when will the result be displayed for IELTS Exam?
Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy.
What is the passing marks for the IELTS test?
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Scores are graded on the 9-band system. Each educational institution or organisation sets its own level of IELTS scores to meet its individual requirements.
What is the marking scheme for IELTS speaking test?
The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audio cassette or a digital recorder.
When can I re-appear the IELTS test?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. You can also improve your skills by using the IELTS Official Practice Materials - ask for details.