IELTS- INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM.

IELTS is an English Language proficiency test to assess one’s ability to use English language. The test is to be taken if one intends to study, work or migrate to an English speaking country. The test assesses candidates’ skills of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking in English. It is a globally accepted test.

It is jointly managed by the a British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The test can be taken on computer or on paper. The format of the test is same for both modes. IELTS Academic is taken by students who intend to study in an English speaking environment and IELTS General is taken by people who wish to work or settle in English speaking countries.

The two test types have the same format. The test is of approximately 3 hours.

The modules- Listening and Speaking are same for all candidates. However, in Reading and Writing sections, Academic and General IELTS candidates get a different question set.

LISTENING

This test comprises of four different tracks with ten questions each. The tracks are played for candidates and answers to questions must be attempted alongside the tracks. The test recordings are played once only. The four sections in the listening test contain conversations and speeches based on social and academic context and demand a test taker to listen to address specific details and inference based questions. All questions are short answer type and for each correct answer one mark is given. The band score is derived from the raw score obtained.

RAW SCORE	BAND SCORE
39-40	9
37-38	8.5
35-36	8
32-34	7.5
30-31	7
26-29	6.5
23-25	6
18-22	5.5
16-17	5

ACADEMIC READING

In this segment there are three sections each containing a lengthy article followed by 12-14 questions. The total number of questions is 40.Articles are taken from books, journals and magazines. Each correct answer is awarded one mark. Questions demand short answers gauging a candidate’s potential in comprehending the purpose of the passage, specific details and inference drawn from what the author states.

RAW SCORE	BAND SCORE
39-40	9
37-38	8.5
35-36	8
33-34	7.5
30-32	7
27-29	6.5
23-26	6
19-22	5.5
15-18	5

GENERAL READING

General IELTS test takers also get a set of 40 questions. However, the texts given in the first two sections are more based on social context. The texts would be shorter and simpler compared to passages where one find more academic oriented articles. There will be two short texts in the first two sections with a set of 12-14 questions in it followed by the third section containing a lengthy article i.e. a passage.

RAW SCORE	BAND SCORE
40	9
39	8.5
37-38	8
36	7.5
34-35	7
32-33	6.5
30-31	6
27-29	5.5
23-26	5

ACADEMIC WRITING

There are two tasks for Academic IELTS test takers. Task 1 is a report where a data in the form of a diagram, graph, pie chart, flow chart or a table has to be depicted in at least 150 words and Task 2 is an essay to be written in at least 250 words on a given prompt.

GENERAL WRITING

There are two tasks for General IELTS test takers. Task 1 is to write a letter on a given situation following certain instructions on the prompt. The word count must be at least 150. Task 2 like the Academic test takers is to present an essay in at least 250 words on a given prompt.

Writing section is rated purely on test taker’s ability to comprehend the question, follow the instructions and usage of grammatical structures as well as the range of words used.

SPEAKING

The speaking test is a short test of about 11 – 14 minutes where a candidate is interviewed by a trained examiner. The candidates are asked questions by examiner from a set questionnaire. The test is in three parts wherein candidate is asked his personal details and some questions on familiar theme followed by a speech to be delivered on a given topic and finally questions to be answered in detail on the theme of the speech delivered in the second part.

Test takers are examined on their fluency in speech, pronunciation, grammatical range and accuracy and range of words used in speech.