The IELTS Test (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally recognized test designed to assess the level of English speaking ability of ESL students and international citizens.
Unlike the TOEFL, which is designed for university admissions, the IELTS is used for those who want to not just study, but work in a country where English is the official language. With over 1 million candidates taking the IELTS Test annually, it is apparent this test is integral to achieving success in an English speaking country.
Academic Version: For those wishing to enroll in university or other post-secondary institutions of higher education. This can also be used for those seeking professional certificate or degree programs such as nursing.
General Training Version: This is for those who are not intending on attending school but rather need to undergo career training, job hunting or want to garner experience in order to immigrate to an English-speaking country.
Breakdown of Test Format
Regardless of which test version you are taking, all tests include four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The test versions will only differ in subject material and level of difficulty. The test will take about 3 hours to complete. Let's look at these components more in-depth.
1) Listening: This section features four parts which gradually increase in difficult. You will answer 40 questions overall. You will listen to pre-set conversations and be asked questions based on the material you hear. Remember that you will be able to hear each part only once. You will be assessed on your understanding of the main ideas, important information, differentiating opinions and main argument.
2) Reading: This section features three parts with 40 questions overall. You will be assessed on how well you can identify important ideas and details, as well as the author's thesis and opinions.
3) Writing: This section features two tasks which differ based on the version you are taking. Both versions will assess you on your ability to understand content, organize your ideas and use grammar and vocabulary properly
- Academic version: You will be required to describe and interpret a graph, chart or diagram and respond to an academic argument.
- General version: You will be required to write a letter explaining a specific situation as well as write an essay.
Check out this great blog post about a quick technique for improving your reading and writing scores.
4) Speaking: This final section will contain three parts. The first will be in the form of an interview in which you will be asked about personal experiences like your interests, family, hobbies, etc. In the second part, you will be assigned a topic and given a minute to prepare a brief speech on that general topic. The final part builds upon this speech where you will be asked questions based on what you talked about in this speech. In each of these portions the examiner will be assessing you on your ability to communicate effectively by expressing opinions, organizing information, speaking for long periods of time and confidently articulating an argument.
Tips & Tricks
Review our blog post on Getting to Know: TOEFL which can also be applied to studying for the IELTS. These include connecting with others, practicing, reviewing the requirements and format of the test and practicing listening to English by watching movies and television and listening to the radio. It is also extremely worthwhile to take a preparation course. Check out ESL Explorer frequently for discounted prices on all TOEFL preparation courses!
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Read more:Improve your IELTS and TOEFL reading and writing stores.IELTS Preparation resources.The best IELTS resources- books and online.
