IELTS English language testing is required for international candidates who want to enroll in college or work in a country where English is the primary communication language. The United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada are the most popular nations that accept IELTS for university applications. The exam primarily evaluates candidates’ proficiency in the four fundamental English language abilities of hearing, writing, talking, and reading. Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education Australia jointly own and administer the IELTS test.
IELTS on paper and IELTS on a computer are both available. Participants in the IELTS computer-based exam use a computer to complete the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections. In contrast, a certified examiner conducts the speaking examination in person. One has additional exam dates to select from and receives results from the computer-based IELTS in three to five days. Those who want to take the IELTS on paper will use HB pencils or pens for the Reading, Writing, and Listening parts. While an experienced IELTS examiner conducts the Speaking test in person.
Types of IELTS
IELTS examinations come in two flavors: Academic and General Training. The speaking and listening portions of each of these exams are identical, however, the writing & reading portions may vary depending on which test a person takes. IELTS examinations are administered on the same day with no interruptions between the Reading, Writing, and Listening components. The speaking portion, however, can be conducted either one week before or one week after the other exam dates. You can take this information exam at your testing location.
Academic IELTS Test
Those who seek higher education or professional registration abroad take the IELTS Academic exam.
The General IELTS Exam
People who want to immigrate to major English-speaking nations like Canada, Australia, and the UK take the IELTS General Test. Additionally, those who wish to participate in secondary school or training programs or who want to get job experience in a nation wherein English is the primary language of communication take this test.
Exam Pattern for IELTS
The IELTS exam format is one of the most significant things you need to understand. You can only concentrate on performing well and getting high marks on the exam after you have this understanding. So, let’s get started with the fundamentals.
IELTS Academic & General Training exams are the two components of the IELTS test. Candidates who wish to move or work abroad should take the General Training test, while candidates who want to study abroad should take the Academic exam.
There are four modules in each course—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—which is what unites them. Different types of questions, such as multiple choice and match-the-heading, are also distinguished by their complexity and questions.
The IELTS assessment bodies have launched a revised method of exam delivery. There are now two options for a candidate to take the IELTS exam: the paper-based test as well as the computer-delivered test.
The Best IELTS Band Score Strategies
The structure of the IELTS Examination wasn’t difficult to understand, was it?
What if I told you that knowing these IELTS guidelines would be just as simple as comprehending the exam’s structure?
We are here to help you improve and direct you in the direction of better outcomes.
See these fantastic suggestions for each module:
1. Listening
You should be aware that the listening module is the same for both the Academic as well as General Training examinations before we discuss IELTS listening strategies. The inquiries are identical. It may be difficult to understand the speaker’s accent. This is mainly because of the varied dialects and speaking pace. Therefore, focus on it first.
Tips:
- Watch movies or broadcasts with different English dialects. By doing so, you will begin to become used to other accents.
- Practice repeating lyrics from songs with fast-forwarding while listening to them.
- Work on multitasking and take notes while listening to podcasts or radio programmes. The focus will be increased by providing answers as you listen.
2. Reading
To understand IELTS reading advice, you must first realize that the questions on the Academic and General Training examinations are different. Because of this, preparation may vary significantly based on the IELTS exam you will take.
IELTS Academic has lengthy portions, and all three parts feature texts that are similarly long. The language may also be a bit challenging. The texts in the three areas of IELTS general training are all distinct. Beginning with a typical, straightforward conversation, Section 1 gradually grows longer and more difficult until it reaches Section 3. But do not fret. You can use these suggestions in any scenario.
Tips:
- Read the material carefully and underline key terms to help you remember them.
- Look for synonyms because the precise word might not be in the question.
- Because some questions can be challenging, read them over twice.
- For better preparation, practise each type of question.
3. Writing
Because the writing section of both the Academic as well as General Training examinations is different, there are also some differences in the IELTS writing advice. Graph writing, as well as essay writing, are the two tasks for the academic test, whereas letter writing, as well as essay writing, are the tasks for general training. To improve your preparation, review these IELTS writing suggestions.
Tips: Practice writing different graphs, letters, and essays to learn the structure of writing. With each practice, make sure you stay within the word limit of the work. Make sure to address all of the sub-points that are given in the question
4. Speaking
Both the general and academic training versions of the Speaking module are comparable. The intro, cue card, as well as discussion make up the three sections of the communication test. The examiner will assess your communication abilities in each of these three sections using grammar, sentence structure, etc. Let’s take a brief look at some crucial IELTS speaking preparation advice.
Tips:
- Cover all of the cue card’s points
- Start preparing for the cue card by jotting down quick notes
- Stick to the cue card’s subject until the examiner changes the subject
- Practise your grammar and vocabulary for extra benefit.
- Remain on the subject; don’t stray.
Common Advice:
- Carefully read the directions
- Be confident and relaxed
- Practice as many times as you can! It is crucial to prepare well before the exam.
What is the IELTS score required to pass?
IELTS does not have a specific score to pass. The minimum IELTS band score required for admission varies by university. Each person who receives a score between 1 and 9 receives an IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). IELTS results will be band 0 if a test-taker doesn’t show up for the test. The portions of the IELTS pattern have slightly varied topics since it is intended for two separate groups of candidates. There are various reading and writing portions in the IELTS syllabus for each format. IELTS Academic & IELTS General Training reading passages come from diverse sources. For applicants, the IELTS exercises are likewise quite varied and goal-oriented. Only 24% of candidates take the general training, whereas 76% take the IELTS academic test. Therefore, it is easy to see why applicants who want to study abroad find it more appealing.
Conclusion for IELTS exam pattern
It’s critical to plan before beginning anything from scratch. In this situation, make sure you understand the IELTS exam format, the scoring parameters, the types of questions, etc. Before you start preparing, all you have to do is start studying and these recommendations will help you get the grade you want!
