What is ILETS Exam

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries. The test evaluates four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test is available in two main formats: Academic, for those seeking higher education opportunities, and General Training which focuses on practical language skills for work and migration purposes.

Why is IELTS required?

IELTS scores are used by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and other institutions to determine an individual’s ability to effectively communicate in English. IELTS plays an important role in facilitating international mobility and communication across diverse contexts.

There are two primary types of IELTS tests available:

1. IELTS Academic Test

IELTS Academic evaluates your English language proficiency and determines its suitability for an academic setting. This test assesses your grasp of academic language and determines if you are adequately prepared to commence training or studying in English. It is taken by students who wish to enroll for undergraduate or postgraduate courses in universities and colleges in an English-speaking country. If you have been planning to pursue higher education abroad or seeking professional registration, then IELTS Academic is for you. This test is meant to assess how ready you are to begin studying or training in an environment where English is a primary language of communication.

When planning to move to an English speaking country for studies or employability, you’ll have to provide a proof of your English language proficiency skills in most cases, which is where IELTS can be of great help. The IELTS results are recognized by more than 10,000 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

IELTS Academic test format:

There are four sections to the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Listening, Reading and Writing tests are taken on the same day, one after the other, without any breaks in between. The Speaking test may either fall on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

Listening* (30 minutes)	·         Four recorded monologues and conversations
Reading (60 minutes)	·         Three long reading passages with tasks ·         Texts may include diagrams, graphs or illustrations ·         Texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers
Writing (60 minutes)	·         Summaries, describe or explain a table, graph, chart or diagram ·         Short eassy task of at least 250 words
Speaking* (11 to 14 minutes)	·         Face-to-Face interview without disruptions or distractions ·         Includes short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic and a structured discussion

2. IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training measures your English language skills in practical, everyday scenarios. This test includes both workplace and social situations, providing a comprehensive evaluation of your language abilities in real-life contexts. Choosing the right test depends on whether your objective is to pursue education or employment in your desired country.

This is meant for those who are applying for secondary education, professionals seeking work experience and people seeking immigration in some countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

IELTS General Training test measures your proficiency in English language proficiency in a very every day, practical context. It is suited for candidates wanting to pursue studies in a high school or a vocational training program. It is mandatory for candidates planning to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.

IELTS General Training test format

There are four sections to the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Listening, Reading and Writing tests are taken on the same day, one after the other, without any breaks in between. The Speaking test may either fall on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

IELTS Listening test (30 minutes)	You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes.
IELTS Reading test (60 minutes)	The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on an array of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers’ attitudes, opinions and intentions.
IELTS Writing test (60 minutes)	The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking.
IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes)	The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English skills. The test is recorded and conducted in three parts.

 

How is IELTS band score calculated on the basis of 0-9 scale?

Band score	Skill level	Description
9	Expert	The test taker has a fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very good	The test taker has a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent	The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest	The test taker has partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
4	Limited	The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely Limited	The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non-user	The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Test not attempted	The test taker did not answer the questions.

• ILETS scores are valid for two years.
• The most important thing to bring on the IELTS test day is your identification, either your passport or national ID, depending on which one you used for your IELTS test registration. You will need the same identification for your IELTS Speaking test as well.

For more information about the ILETS test please call us at +91-98263- 31328 or visit local meridian office.