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International English Language Testing System or IELTS is the most popular language proficiency test for studying abroad or migrating to English-speaking countries. A good score on the IELTS exam demonstrates your English language abilities and can enhance your visa, job, or study abroad application. This English language proficiency test evaluates your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking skills. IELTS evaluates real-life communication skills and prepares you for everyday interactions in an English-speaking environment.
Based on your requirements, you can choose between three of the IELTS exam types. These types are classified on the basis of English Language expertise required for their respective fields. The three different types of IELTS tests are IELTS Academics, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills.
The IELTS academic test is for aspirants who wish to pursue their higher education in English-speaking countries. This language test consists of four modules or subtests- Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The questions will be based on academic tasks. Each module in the academic test is designed to assess fluency, vocabulary, ability to understand complex academic discussions and express your opinions clearly. The IELTS Academic test is accepted by global universities for the admission process. The academic test is the most popular among the three types of IELTS exams.
This IELTS exam is for individuals planning to move to English-speaking countries for immigration or work purposes. Candidates applying for courses below degree level can also take the IELTS General training. The questions will be based on everyday situations. This IELTS exam also has four modules-Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The IELTS life skills exam aims to assess the basic English communication skills of candidates. It is a pass-or-fail exam without a particular band score. This exam assesses your English speaking and listening abilities. This test is for UK visa and immigration applications. The IELTS life skills exam is for those planning to settle in the UK. This test is also ideal for those who wish to move in with a relative or spouse who is already living in the UK. This test is divided into three CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)levels- A1, A2, and B1.
Candidates planning to appear for the IELTS exam 2024 or afterward, should be aware of the latest IELTS exam pattern. Both IELTS academic and general training consist of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The listening and speaking modules are similar for both types of IELTS exams while the Reading and Writing modules will be different. The three modules of the test Listening, Reading, and Writing will be conducted on the same day without breaks in between each section. The speaking module will be conducted either on the same day or a few days(typically seven days) before or after the other tests. The IELTS online test format is described below.
To register for IELTS tests, you need to visit the website of the International Development Program or IDP. Here we will discuss each step involved in IELTS registration through the IDP website.
Before attempting your first IELTS exam online, you need to be clear about certain things. As a leading IELTS coaching centre in Kerala, it’s a duty of Breffni Academy to give you the best tips for tackling the IELTS exam 2024. Effective IELTS preparation is crucial for achieving a high score on the test.
Excluding some specialised IELTS options, there are two exam modes and 3 types in IELTS tests. As mentioned in the ‘How to Register for IELTS 2024?’ section, the modes available are using computer and using pen and paper. Choosing between these two is completely according to your personal choice. However, using computers has some additional benefits like editability and easy handling.
Academic, General Training and Life Skills are the types of IELTS tests. However, while choosing the type, there may be a confusion as the Life Skills type is listed among the exam modes. So, select the mode and type only according to your preference and requirements.
Each and every instruction, be it listening, reading, writing or speaking test, is important in an IELTS test. Reading instructions carefully can turn the table for you. The complexity of a problem can dilute when you read the instructions well. It can also help you in answering the problems precisely without overdoing.
The IELTS exam is not a place to show your vocabulary prowess unless mentioned otherwise. It’s a big NO when it comes to using a word which can have different meanings in scenarios where you’re not sure about. Using a more common word instead of a rare word can reduce the risk of mishap due to poor placement of that rare word. Using rare words can be necessary too but only when you are sure about the placement.
Even though vocabulary experiments are not recommended, avoiding to sound monotonous with your sentences is important in getting a good score. To make your answer content-rich, you need to use different types of sentences. Also, using connecting words can improve the readability and total appeal of your responses.
Basically, you can’t talk like you speak and you can’t speak like you talk. Even though not in the same level, this idea is reflected in the IELTS tests as well. The IELTS speaking test checks your language skills and never your idea.
When it comes to the IELTS writing tests, along with your language, your ideas are also tested. The way you develop an idea and how good you can present it using words. The use of versatile sentences mentioned in the previous section is a part of it.
In short, choose your mode and type according to your preferences, requirements and convenience. And when it comes to exams, practice as much as possible using the IELTS practice test facility to identify the difference in approaches required for each form of test. IELTS listening, IELTS writing, IELTS reading and IELTS speaking demands different skill sets and approaches. Your IELTS test preparations should align with these demands.
IELTS exam scores are calculated on a scale of 0-9. Candidates who appear for the test will be allocated an overall band score and individual score for each skill. The IELTS scores are calculated to the nearest 0.5 or whole band score. That is, if a candidate scores 6.35 it will be rounded to the nearest 0.5 score- 6.5. Likewise, an average of 6.85 will be rounded to 7. The band scores and proficiency levels are listed below for your reference.
| IELTS Band Score | Proficiency Level |
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert |
| 8 | Very Good |
| 7 | Good |
| 6 | Competent |
| 5 | Modest |
| 4 | Limited |
| 3 | Extremely Limited |
| 2 | Intermittent |
| 1 | Non-user |
| 0 | Test not-attempted |
As you know, there are several English language proficiency tests. The purpose, scoring, and exam pattern of each will be different. The IELTS is one of the most popular English language tests accepted by a large number of higher education institutions and organisations globally. Now let’s see how IELTS differs from other popular English language tests.
The primary difference between the IELTS exam and TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) lies in their format and scoring systems. IELTS can be attended either in a paper-based or computer-based format and has a speaking module that involves a face-to-face interview with an examiner. In contrast, TOEFL is typically computer-based and involves a speaking module that requires test-takers to record their responses. The IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, while TOEFL scores range from 0 to 120, with different scoring criteria and grading scales.
IELTS and PTE (Pearson Test of English) differ mainly in their testing approach and evaluation. PTE is entirely computer-based, including automated scoring for the speaking section. The scoring systems of both tests also vary. PTE scores range from 10 to 90. Moreover, PTE tends to provide faster results, often within 48 hours, compared to IELTS, which may take up to 13 days. The types of questions and tasks also differ- PTE focuses more on integrated skills.
The main difference between IELTS and OET (Occupational English Test) is their target audience and purpose. IELTS is designed for a broader audience, including students and professionals, while OET specifically caters to healthcare professionals aiming to work in English-speaking environments. OET assesses language skills in a medical context, including specialised vocabulary and scenarios relevant to healthcare.
English language proficiency is an essential requirement for candidates planning to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries, such as the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, etc. The immigration authorities of such countries demand proof of English language proficiency for granting visas to individuals from different nationalities. Each visa category of different countries may have specific IELTS score requirements. After completion of the IELTS test, candidates will receive an official Test Report Form which is valid for 2 years. This TRF can be submitted along with your visa application.
The right IELTS preparation strategies and study materials can help you achieve high scores in the IELTS examination. Candidates can opt for self-study using online IELTS resources or join a trusted IELTS coaching centre in Kerala that provides IELTS courses in different levels.
Proper coaching from a reputed IELTS institute can prepare you well for upcoming tests. Breffni Academy is an ideal place for IELTS training as it follows the latest resources and effective teaching methodologies to ensure guaranteed success. Technology-integrated IELTS exam training, the best IELTS study materials and hybrid mode of classes make Breffni Academy popular among IELTS aspirants.
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