QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT IELTS TESTS
WHAT IS IELTS AND WHAT DOES IT CONSIST OF?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized as a test of language ability of candidates who need to study or study or work where English is the language of communication
IELTS includes tests of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Although the Academic and General Training modules have different Reading and Writing papers, candidates of both modules are tested on the same Listening and Speaking papers.
Candidates can choose to take either the Academic or General Training IELTS module. The IELTS Academic module is intended to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. The IELTS General Training module is intended for candidates who are going to English-speaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE IELTS TEST?
WHO ACCEPTS IELTS SCORES?
IELTS tests are held in over 120 countries around the world and taken by around 1.5 million people each year. The test is recognized by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognized by professional bodies including medical authorities, immigration authorities and other government agencies. Details of organizations recognizing IELTS are available on the IELTS website www.ielts.org
WHERE CAN CANDIDATES TAKE AN
IELTS TEST?
There are currently more than 1,100 test centers in over 100 countries worldwide. IELTS test centers around the world are managed by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia. In the USA, IELTS centers are managed by IELTS International. To find a test centre near you click here
IELTS Academic modules are administered on 48 fixed dates each year. General Training modules are administered on 24 fixed dates each year. For more information on test dates click here
WHEN CAN CANDIDATES TAKE AN IELTS TEST?
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE AN IELTS TEST?
IELTS is delivered at a fixed price in each country. As a guide, the fee for the tests is made up of a standard central fee and a variable local fee. Details of centre locations, test dates and fees can be accessed from the IELTS website www.ielts.org
Registration for IELTS tests can be done online in most instances, but details vary from test centre to test centre in the various countries. Visit this link to find out more
HOW DO I REGISTER FOR IELTS?
1) a valid passport or a National ID card (that you used to register with), not a photocopy
2) at least two pencils, an eraser and a pencil sharpener (but no pencil case);
3) water to drink, in a transparent bottle.
You must leave anything which you do not need, or which is not allowed, either outside the examination room, or as instructed by the supervisor. Mobile phones must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. Any candidate who does not switch off their phone, or who retains one in their possession, will be disqualified
WHAT CAN I BRING INTO THE EXAMINATION ROOM?
Yes. At the beginning of the test, candidates receive instructions and hear a sample question. Next, candidates read Section One questions and then listen to Section One and answer the questions on the question paper as they listen. The same procedure follows for Sections Two, Three and Four. This takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. In the final ten minutes, candidates transfer their answers onto the answer sheet.
WILL THE LISTENING
TAPE PROVIDE
ME WITH ALL
THE
NECESSARY INSTRUCTIONS AND PAUSES?
WHAT IS THE SPEAKING TEST?
The Speaking test is conducted as a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner. Each test lasts between 11 - 14 minutes. There are three parts to the test which give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate a range of different speaking skills. The test is recorded so that it can be re-marked if needed. The examiner will not give the candidate any feedback on their performance.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING FOR THE SPEAKING TEST?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACADEMIC AND GENERAL IELTS TRAINING?
Key similarities:
• The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both versions. The distinction between ‘academic’ and ‘general’ literacy has traditionally been seen as most marked ‘general’ literacy has traditionally been seen as most marked oriented language skills of listening and speaking are equally important in an academic study or professional context.
• The same amount of time is allocated to complete the Listening and Speaking components in both the General Training and Academic Versions.
• The Reading and Writing components are the same length in both versions.
• Both modules have the same minimum word requirement.
• The same assessment criteria and 9-band scale is used to grade both modules.
Differences:
The Reading component of the Academic and General Training versions is differentiated in terms of:
• the choice of texts (topic, genre, length, number, etc)
• the level of difficulty of the 40 test items. The Academic Reading module has more items pitched at bands 5-8, whereas the General Training has more items pitched at bands 3-6. This is a reflection of the different demands of Academic and General Training.
For Writing, the Academic and General Training modules are differentiated in terms of:
• the content and nature of the two writing tasks.
• the contextual parameters of the tasks.
However, given the level of differentiation described above, this does not mean that the scores across Academic and General Training Reading or Writing modules are interchangeable.
All IELTS examiner applicants must:
• be native speakers of English or a non-native speaker with an IELTS band score of 9 in the Speaking and Writing components
• hold relevant qualifications in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (or equivalent)
• have substantial relevant teaching experience post-qualification.