Have you ever dreamed of studying or working abroad but felt held back cause of your English
language skills? Or
maybe you're already an accomplished English speaker, but you want to take your abilities to
the next level.
Whatever your goals can be, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the key
to unlocking your
potential and achieving your dreams.
In this blog, we will examine everything you need to
know about the International English Language Testing System
(IELTS). We will cover the IELTS test format, and IELTS scoring system, and provide you with
valuable IELTS
preparation tips to help you achieve your highest possible IELTS score.
Therefore,
whether you are a student, a professional, or simply seeking to improve your English
proficiency,
continue reading to learn how the IELTS exam can help you achieve your full potential.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), a standardized language test that
assesses the language
proficiency of non-native English speakers, is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP
Education, and
Cambridge Assessment English.
Organizations around the world, such as foreign universities, employers, and immigration
authorities, accept the
IELTS exam score as proof of English language proficiency.
There are so many reasons why you might want to take the IELTS exam. Whether you're a
student or a
professional, the IELTS exam is essential for your academic and career aspirations.
It allows students to apply to foreign universities and programs in English-speaking countries
and helps
professionals access new career opportunities and stand out in the international job
market.
Furthermore, if you plan to immigrate to an English-speaking country, you may require the IELTS
exam as part of
your visa application.
The IELTS English Test offers two types of exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General
Training.
The IELTS Academic exam is particularly created for students who wish to pursue higher education
abroad in an
English-speaking nation.
It assesses the English language proficiency required for academic purposes. Test takers are
assessed on their
academic literacy and communication skills.
If you want to work abroad, enrol in a training programme, or immigrate to an English-speaking
country, you should
take the IELTS General Training exam.
This exam emphasizes everyday language skills necessary for social and workplace
settings.
IELTS assesses test takers' skills in understanding everyday texts, writing letters or
reports, and participating in
conversations in familiar contexts.
The IELTS exam encompasses four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, each
assessing different
aspects of your language proficiency.
The IELTS Listening and Speaking sections are identical for Academic and General Training
candidates, whereas the
Reading and Writing sections differ slightly. In the Listening section, test-takers receive four
recordings, each with a
duration of approximately 30 minutes. The recordings play only once, and individuals have time
to read the
questions before each recording starts.
IELTS reading section, in this section test-taker, faces three passages, each increasing in
difficulty. Test takers get an
hour to complete the section, which often consists of passages from books, newspapers, and
magazines. Test-
takers must answer various IELTS question types, including multiple-choice, matching, and
short-answer questions.
The IELTS writing section includes two tasks. Task 1 involves describing a graph, chart, or
diagram, while Task 2
requires writing an essay based on an IELTS prompt.
In the IELTS speaking section, an examiner conducts a one-on-one interview with the test-taker.
The interview
consists of three parts. The first part entails asking general questions about the
test-taker's background and
interests. The second part of the IELTS Speaking test, the cue card section, requires a
two-minute monologue on a
given topic. The third part entails engaging in a discussion related to the subject of the
second part.
The IELTS exam uses a scoring scale from 0 to 9, where 0 is the lowest and 9 is the highest.
Each segment is graded
separately, and the overall band score is calculated by averaging the four section
scores.
The IELTS scoring system aims to ensure fairness and consistency by assessing test-takers based
on four criteria:
Task Achievement, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy.
These criteria
evaluate the ability of test-takers to effectively communicate in English.
The IELTS exam might be difficult, but with careful planning and the right tools, you can pass it
with the score you
wish.
Check
out our Top 10 IELTS Preparation Tips for Indian Students to Study Abroad
Following the IELTS exam, you'll receive a Test Report Form (TRF) detailing
scores for each
section and your overall
band score. The TRF also indicates how your band score relates to your English language ability
within a specific
score range.
The band score range is divided into nine levels, with 1 being the lowest level and 9 being the
highest. Each level
corresponds to a specific level of English language proficiency, from non-user (level 1) to
expert (level 9).
If you are unhappy with your IELTS score, you have the option to retake the exam multiple times.
Please be aware
that you need to pay the IELTS exam fee for each attempt at the IELTS exam.
IELTS is essential for anyone looking to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries
since it provides
international recognition and evaluates key language abilities for a wide range of
choices.
At Cosmo IELTS Coaching Centre, our expertise is in
offering professional advice and assistance
to ensure your
success on the IELTS test. Take the next step towards your international ambitions and contact us today to start your IELTS journey with confidence.