What is the IELTS?

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia.

IELTS Modules

Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training Module:

• The Academic Module is intended for those wishing to enrol in universities and other institutions of higher education.
• The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.

Where is IELTS Accepted?

IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by many academic institutions in the United States, and also by various professional organisations.

IELTS Features

The IELTS incorporates the following features:

• A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. The test focuses on "International English", which includes British English, American English and other varieties.

• IELTS tests the ability to speak, read, listen and write in English.

• Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.

• Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9 ("Expert User").

The IELTS Process

The IELTS test consists of four parts in the following order

Listening test

Reading test

Writing test

Speaking test

Listening test takes about 30 minutes - 20 minutes to listen to a pre-recorded CD or tape and to answer questions on what you hear, and 10 minutes to transfer your answers to Answer Sheet.

Reading test takes 60 minutes and your task is to read passages of text and answer questions according to what you have read.

Writing test takes also 60 minutes and is divided into 2 sub-parts: 20 minutes to write a letter/report and 40 minutes to write an essay. In Academic test there will be a graph or bar chart to explain.

Speaking test takes up to 15 minutes and consists of 3 parts: Personal Interview, Little Speech and a Discussion.

All the parts continue one after another, and only before the Speaking test you get a break.