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Basic information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination

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Basic information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an international English proficiency test for international study, migration and work.

A lot of students are heavily interested in studying Abroad and the International English Language Testing System examination also known in short form as IELTS examination has been made one of the main criteria used by foreign universities in offering admissions to students.

Basic information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination Photo
Basic information about IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination Photo

Now, one of the top questions that comes to a student memory who wish to apply for a course abroad is always “what is the IELTS Examination”. If you have this question always popping out of your mind don’t worry you would be answered by the end of this article. We will start with explaining;

  1. Explanation of IELTS examination
  2. IELTS Eligibility Criteria
  3. How to apply for IELTS test
  4. How do I start preparing for IELTS
  5. What is the passing score of IELTS
  6. Getting the IELTS Results

How ever many other terms related to IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination would be explained in details.

Explanation of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Examination is a test that is owned and organized by the British council, Cambridge assessments English and IELTS Australia. All foreign students who are aspiring to study in English speaking countries like United kingdom, United states, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and many other countries are required to take part of the IELTS exam.

All students writing the IELTS Examination are tested on four key parameters which include the following

  1. IELTS listening test
  2. IELTS Reading test
  3. IELTS Writing test
  4. IELTS Speaking test

IELTS Listening Test

In this section of IELTS examination, you are tested on your English language listening skills. there are about 40 (forty) recorded speeches which represents all manner of English conversations, monologues, talk, speech, discourse, soliloquy, lecture, narration, duologue, narrator, address, dialogue and interlude. the content of this test could follow any of the patterns below.

  1. Matching of English words.
  2. Objectives or multiple choice questions.
  3. Completion of English sentences.
  4. Labeling of plans, maps and diagrams.
  5. completion of notes, forms, tables flow charts and summaries.

IELTS Reading test

This test as a bit different from the IELTS listening test, comprising of 40 questions. Here you are expected to exhibit your reading and comprehension skills. The test content for this section is similar to that of listening test of which they share similar question formats including the following.

  1. Short question and answer
  2. Matching of English words.
  3. Objectives or multiple choice questions.
  4. Completion of English sentences.
  5. Labeling of plans, maps and diagrams.
  6. Completion of notes, forms, tables flow charts and summaries.
  7. Comprehension of passages.

(International English Language Testing System) IELTS Reading test content types

The (International English Language Testing System) IELTS reading test comprises of two main content types which include the following

  1. IELTS Academic Reading test
  2. IELTS General training Reading test
IELTS Academic Reading test

Students that wish to write the Academic reading test would have to read three passages three (3) passages. each passage would be followed by question of any of the listed formats above

IELTS General training Reading test

This form of reading test is slightly different from the academic reading test. it comprises of 3 sections which include the following.

  • Multiple short texts
  • Slightly longer texts
  • single long text.

How ever the Question types, of course, will vary. In general students are l tested on their ability to comprehend passages.

IELTS Writing Test Format

In this format of test, students are tested on the their ability to write effectively. According to the IELTS official website, the IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Therefor all students are expected to  Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. It is recommended that the student writing this test or exam ensures he or she manages manage the stipulated time/period for the test, in order to move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Test Format

Here the student is assessed, examined and evaluated on his or her ability to communicate effectively with English language. This last test takes between 11-15 minutes, and is divided into three main parts which include the following

  • Part one: General introduction of ones self, that is to say all students are expected to speak about yourself. Also you are invited and verbally asked questions and you are expected to share your a bit of your life.
  • Part two: In this second part of the specking test you are requested to speak on a topic which is known as the long turn. It is worthy to note that This topic is given to you in written form of which You have the right to to make and use notes so that your thoughts are organized before you speak.
  • Part three: Here the student is given the opportunity to speak with the examiner of which the student is examined on his ability to engage in long term discussions or conversations when speaking English language.

Your ability to do any of the listed four awesomely is accessed and each students has a grade point between 1-9, then after an average score is evaluated by adding all the points gathered from the four (4) key parameters and dividing by four (4)

IELTS Eligibility Criteria

Before you apply for IELTS (International English Language Testing System) some necessary criteria are expected to be met. Below are IELTS the criteria and requirements.

  • Possession of a valid international passport by the student or candidate
  • The student or candidate must be over 16 years and above.
  • Immigrants applying for work in United states of America, united kingdom Australia, New Zealand and other English speaking countries can apply.
  • Students applying for New zealand student visa, United states student visa, Australia student visa are expected to write the IELTS test
  • IELTS applicants are require to have successfully completed at least class 12 before applying
  • Students who wish to study Abroad in any of the English speaking countries are requested to apply for the IELTS.

How to apply for IELTS test

After going through the eligibility criteria and you confirm you are qualified to apply for the IELTS test, the next step is to apply. it is paramount to note that there are three methods of IELTS application namely ;

  • Offline mode Application
  • Online mode Application

Offline mode Application

In this method of application, the candidate is expected to apply in person at the closest IELTS centers of which the student is expected to provided necessary documents required for registration. some of the required documents include Passports, deceleration documents and many others.

Online mode Application

An candidate using this method would have to apply through the IELTS official website. When registering you would chose your closest location, preferred mode of the test, desired location, date, and slot, and make the stipulated payment.You can still make the payments using your credit cards. below are steps on how to apply for IELTS Test online;

  1. Visit the IELTS official website and Register using a valid email address.
  2. Choose the test mode you prefer, it could be the online computer based test or offline paper based test.
  3. Select the test format you prefer, you choose between the General Training Test and Academic Test
  4. Also select your preferred location. The location close to your place of residence is recommended.
  5. Choose the date and time that is most convenient for you.
  6. fill up the whole requirements on the form and upload your most recent passport using the stated size on the website.
  7. Click, submit. and go ahead to make payments using your credit card or any other payment gate way made available.
  8. Boom … congratulations!!! you have successfully registered for the Test.

Please note, for the speaking test, you still have to select the date and time most convenient to you this is because if you don’t do so, the default date you selected initially would be same date for the speaking test.

How do I start preparing for IELTS

IELTS is a standard professional, international examination and it required adequate preparation. Mind you the higher your IELTS score the more possibility of you granted visa and student admission and this is the main reason all candidate must study hard before taking part in the test. below are recommended IELTS preparation tips.

  1. Improve your vocabulary- we all are all in the process of learning and self development, now should incase your vocabularies are poor you are likely not going to score a high score in the IELTS examination. During the process of vocabulary improvement you would have to develop the habit of learning new words every day of which you would need to get a Dictionary to assist you in that regards.
  2. Join tutorials classes This depend on your English language proficiency, that is to day if you confirm your level of spoken and written English is a bit lower than the required standard, you can register for tutorial classes so as to learn.
  3. Voracious Reading: Recall there is a reading test in the IELTS Examination where your English language reading capabilities is tested. To improve on this you must have to start reading widely and voraciously. You have to start reading newspapers, magazine, handbooks which will assist in boosting your knowledge.
  4. Always hold conversations in English Language- When speaking to family members, relatives, friends and business associate always endeavor to communicate with English language. This helps in improving your spoken English and enhances self confidence. Also when speaking ensure you make use of idioms, awesome expressions, clauses and phrases.

What is the passing score of IELTS

The IELTS scores is between 1-9 points, and thee is nothing like a minimum point or pass mark for the test this is because the their is no failure in the test. that is to say analytically if you never answered any question correctly during the test and you scored Zero you still did not fail the test.

Although there is not stipulated pass mark, institutions making use of the result of this test actually set a bench mark score also known as cut of score. This score is the average number of points that you are required to score before your application would be approved by the institution.

Getting the IELTS Results

The good news here is that the result of the test/examination does not take everlasting that is to say you would not have to wait for along time to receive your result. Below are three different scenarios that can affect how long it would take to get your result.

  1. If wrote the offline paper bases test you would have to wait for at least 13 days after the test before you receive your test result.
  2. For online based computer test, it does not take much time that is to say between 3-5 days your result would be available on your profile dashboard on the official website.
  3. It takes 7 days after the exam for those who wrote the Life skills based test to receive their result. 

You should note that results that are posted online are never the official results. The online result only show your provisional marks and you would receive the official test report from at your postal address. The test report form (TRF) shows the candidates scores in all the modules. Having said all these the candidate is also advised to ensure he keeps the TRF form save because he or she might be requested to provide it at the time of admission or screening.

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