The letters stand for the International English Language Testing System. It is a test designed to measure your ability in the four skills of writing, speaking, reading and listening.
After the test you will be given a score from 1-9. You use this score for admission to a university or to work abroad (institutions and employers decide what score they require).
It is accepted by many institutions and employers in the UK,
Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and North America.
TAKING THE TEST TO STUDY ABROAD
There are four sections in the test.
Writing
If you are intending to study abroad, you will take the academic writing module. This test takes 60 minutes and there are two parts. You will have to write an essay and analyse a graph or diagram.
Reading
The reading test takes 60 minutes and is divided into three sections. Each section will have an academic reading
of about 600 words and you will have to answers 40 questions in total.
Speaking
In this part of the test, you will have a 11-14 minute interview with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions and evaluate your responses. The questions are easier at the beginning but get harder at the end.
Listening
The listening test takes 40 minutes and is divided into four sections, each one slightly harder than the first. There are 40 questions. You'll have to listen to each section and answer the questions as you listen.
TAKING THE TEST TO WORK ABROAD
The general training module is intended to test English ability
in a more practical, everyday context. The test format is the same as above for the listening and speaking.
However the writing and reading modules are different.
People often take the general training module if they are intending to work or live abroad.
Writing
If you are taking the test to work abroad, then you will take the 'general training' module. You will also have to write an essay, but you will have to write a letter instead of analysing a graph.
Reading
The reading test is different to the one for the academic module. The test is still 60 minutes and there are
40 questions to answer. However, the readings are different as they are based on real life situations rather than
being academic.
Speaking
Same as for the Academic Module.
Listening
Same as for the Academic Module.
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IELTS Test - Faqs Find out everything you need to know about the IELTS Test - this faqs explains what IELTS is, what you will need to do on the day of the test, how to register and much more.
IELTS SPEAKING: Improve your band score Need help with your IELTS speaking? Here you'll find speaking topics, samples, practice exercises and tips to help you improve your score.
IELTS PRACTICE: Free Lessons Online writing, reading, speaking and listening IELTS Practice Lesssons - Free study material on IELTS to improve your score.
IELTS Vocabulary Exercises and practice to improve your IELTS vocabulary for the exam. Learn about the academic word list and topic related vocabulary.
IELTS forum - discuss the IELTS Test This is an IELTS forum to help you with the test - submit your writing, find a speaking partner, talk about your experiences in the test, and more...
IELTS True False Not Given Reading Lesson Learn how to answer IELTS true false not given questions for the reading test. This lesson gives you tips on how to answer this type of question and further practice.
How to Write an IELTS Essay Here you will find easy steps to guide you on how to write an IELTS essay and lots of model answers of the various essay types.
IELTS speaking questions with answers These IELTS speaking questions with answers will help you to successfully prepare for parts 1,2 and 3 of the speaking test.
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