What is the IELTS exam?

The International English Language Testing System, known as IELTS, is designed to understand the language ability of a student or a candidate of a non-English speaking nation, aiming to pursue higher studies abroad. 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. Recognized by many international universities of repute in nations like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US, this exam is almost a prerequisite for entering into these countries.

More than 800 test centers around the world administer IELTS. Most test centers are run by the British Council, IELTS Australia, or universities and language schools. Some testing centers also offer off-site testing for large groups by prior arrangement with IELTS. You can also contact your nearest examination center or visit the official IELTS website for more information about application procedures and the location of a test center near you.

There are four sub-tests, or modules, in the IELTS test: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.  While all students take the same Listening and Speaking tests, they take different Reading and Writing tests, depending on whether they have selected the Academic Module or the General Training Module.

The IELTS Speaking test may even take place a day or two later at some centres. IELTS Listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It consists of four sections, in order of increasing difficulty. Each section might be a dialogue or a monologue. The test is played once only, and the questions for each section must be answered while listening, although time is given for students to check their answers.

IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. Students are given an Academic Reading test, or a General Training Reading test. Both tests consist of three sections, and in both tests the sections are in order of increasing difficulty.

IELTS Writing test also lasts for 60 minutes. Again, students take either an Academic Module, or a General Training Module. Students must perform two writing tasks, which require different styles of writing. There is no choice in questions.

IELTS Speaking test consists of a one-to-one interview with a specially trained examiner. The interview is recorded and has three separate parts:

An introduction and interview, an individual long turn where the candidate speaks for one or two minutes on a particular topic, and a two-way discussion thematically linked to the individual long turn. This interview will last for approximately 10-15 minutes.

Whether your goal is to study, work or live in an English-speaking environment, through IELTS you’ll learn how to:

• Overcome special challenges with the help of the IELTS listening module
• Strengthen your reading and writing skills
• Handle the speaking in English with confidence and ease
• Master the support skills which influence your scores
• Upgrade your scores through the use of select vocabulary/expressions

There is ample of material available on the internet for IELTS.  Remember that exam tips alone will not be enough to succeed in IELTS. In order to do well in the test you must prepare and practise.