All About IELTS

How IELTS works

The IELTS exam is the world’s leading English test for higher education and migration. 'IELTS' stands for 'International English Language Testing System' and is recognised by more than 9,000 universities, government bodies and professional organisations around the world. There are two versions - Academic and General Training. The Academic IELTS exam acts as an entrance test for non-native English speakers wishing to attend university in predominantly English-speaking countries. The General Training exam is for professionals seeking to work in English-speaking countries or for visa requirements.

There are four separate tests in the IELTS exam - reading, writing, listening and speaking. 

 

Reading: The Academic exam includes three long texts; ranging from the descriptive, factual texts to more analytical ones. The General Training version requires test takers to read extracts from newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books.

Writing:  Both versions includes two tasks. For task 1 of the Academic exam, test takers are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. For task 1 of the General Training exam, test takers are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter that may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style. Task 2 is similar for both versions. Test takers are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Put a few minutes aside to plan the structure of your answer before you begin writing. 

The listening and speaking sections are the same for both exams.

Listening: This is a 30 minute test consisting of four recordings. You will be required to answer questions based on what you have heard. Since you only get one chance to hear each recording, it is crucial to stay focused.

Speaking:  The speaking test takes a little under 15 minutes to complete. The first part involves answering general questions about yourself. You are asked to speak at length about a specific topic in the second part, which is then followed by more questions on the same topic in the third part.
 

The IELTS 9-band scale

IELTS scores have a recommended validity period of two years. There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test, which then produce an Overall Band Score. Here is a breakdown of the main bands as stated on the official IELTS website.

Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8: Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Band 7: Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 5: Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

The General Medical Council in the UK announced in June 2014, that the minimum IELTS scores they accept when registering doctors to work in the UK will be at least 7.0 in each of the four areas tested, and an overall score of at least 7.5.

Whether it’s for medicine, visa requirements or any other purpose; an overall score of 7.5 is very demanding. Intensive preparation can help to raise your score in a short period of time, but there is no substitute for really learning a language.

At Speakeasy, our teachers have a thorough understanding of the IELTS exam and experience preparing students from all corners of the globe. We use practical  strategies and activities to help our students approach the test tasks with confidence. Learn from the comfort of your own home with a native speaking teacher who makes you feel relaxed and confident. Take lessons from home, from your office at lunch time or even while travelling abroad. As long as you have a Skype account and internet access, you can attend classes and study in an environment most convenient for you.

Visit our website for more information on our one-to-one courses www.speakeasy121.com

visit our video tutorial course on Udemy to learn more about the most commonly used idioms in English-speaking countries, as well as tips for business English.