IELTS

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. IELTS is an English proficiency test administered by Cambridge local Examinations syndicate UK and International development Project (IDP) Australia. The test is conducted at their nominated test centers around the world. It measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).IELTS scores are valid for two years. IELTS test comprises of two different modules: Academic – for people applying for higher education or professional registration, and 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 versions provide a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.All students planning to pursue academic degrees should take academic module and those who are applying for immigration or work permit can do general training.

The IELTS test structure

The IELTS test comprises of four Modules – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Scores are reported in “bands” for individual module and overall test. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.

Total Test Duration 2 hours 45 minutes.

The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) – are completed in one day with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre. It is generally administered on the day of the test or on the following day.

An IELTS result or Test Report Form (TRF) is valid for two years.

Listening 30 Minutes
Reading 60 MinutesWriting 60 Minutes
Speaking 11-14 Minutes

IELTS band scale

WHAT IT MEANS?

IELTS is scored on the nice band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. The band Scores are in either whole or half Bands.

The nine bands are described as follows

• 9 Expert User
  Has full command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. It is very hard to attain this score.
• 8 Very Good User
  Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
• 7 Good User
  Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
• 6 Competent User
  Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situation.
• 5 Modest User
  Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communicate in his or her own filed.
• 4 Limited User
  Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
• 3 Extremely Limited User
  Conveys and understands only generally meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
• 2 Intermittent User
  No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
• 1 Non User
  Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a fey isolated words.
• 0 Did not attempt the test
  No assessable information provided.

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