introduction about the IELTS test

THE IELTS TEST

introduction about the IELTS test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was introduced in 1989 to help universities and colleges assess the English skill of applicants wishing to study or train in the English language. It continues to use for this purpose and is also used as general test of English for immigration and employment in many countries.

Candidates must choose to sit either the academic or the general training IELTS test

The Academic IELTS test is for individuals who plan to study in English at university (undergraduate or postgraduate level) and is designed to test the understanding and use of complex academic language.

The general training IELTS test is suitable for individuals requiring a more general level of English proficiency for college, high school, employment or immigration purposes.

The IELTS test is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

All candidates sit the same listening and speaking test. However, academic and general training candidates each sit a different reading and writing test. Detailed information on each test is provided at beginning of each unit in this book

THE TEST FORMAT
30minutes	listening test
60 minutes	Academic reading test or General training reading test.
60 minutes	Academic writing test or general training writing test.
11-14 minutes	speaking test

There is no pass or fail marks in the IELTS test. Candidates are marked on a band scale of 1 to 9 in each part of test. These band classify a candidate’s ability to use and understand English in particular context, and correspond approximately to the categories of English proficiency as listed below

Band 9	expert user
Band 8	very good user
Band 7	good user
Band 6	competent user
Band 5	modest user
Band 4	limited user
Band 3	extremely limited user
Band 2	intermittent user
Band 1	non user
Band 0	no original English used

The test results form (TRF) contains a score for each part of the test as well as an average (overall) band score

Depending on various English language requirements, individual universities, organizations and countries decide which IELTS band score is suitable for their applicants.

For more information on IELTS you can visit the IELTS website at www.IELTS.org or ask your IELTS center for a copy of the IELTS handbook

IMPROVEMENTS TIPS

Candidates may sit the IELTS test as numerous times as they desire, and from 1 may 2006 do not need to wait 90 days before taking it again. However, it should be understood that the standard learner requires around 400 hours of instruction and study to progress just one band level in IELTS.

Before setting the test it is impotent and helpful to:

Familiarize physically with the test format

Improve your test skills with practice test

Use your English skills every day

Many candidates enroll in an IELTS preparation course at a language school to help them prepare fully for the test.

Combined with independent study, and daily practice using the English language, a preparation course will help candidates attain their target band score.