What is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Thousands of people from non-English speaking countries come to the countries having English environment for the study, business or job. They are from diverse cultures with different languages. So it’s not easy for them to adapt to the culture and environment, especially when they don’t know the English language.
There is a system for testing English language proficiency that has hundreds of testing centers globally. Its name is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The aim of this test is to measure a person’s reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in the English language, especially of those coming from a non-English speaking environment.
IELTS is a measure of your command of the English language and that you are capable of working or studying in an English-speaking country.
So if you are looking to further your studies or career in an English speaking nation like the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, having a good IELTS score will be a requirement in your application.
In order to prepare yourself effectively and ensure you get a high score to get selected in your favorite university in a preferred country, you should take help of a well-qualified English teacher. You should also refer to the IELTS preparation tips and books to keep an eye on everything you should do to achieve a high score.
You also have an option to join an English class or take help of an online tutor to improve your English level.
What is IELTS Abbreviation?
In 1980, Cambridge English Language Assessment in association with British Council started the ELTS (English Language Testing Service). This test was taken initially with a purpose to promote the English language for the local people.
Later it was revised from the local test format to an international version in 1989 in collaboration with IDP: IELTS Australia with an aim to foster the English proficiency level among the people from non-English speaking countries.
At present, this test is being conducted at more than 1200 locations situated in more than 140 nations around the world. The test attendants are given scores from 1 to 9 bands based on their level of skills where beginner gets 1 band and an expert gets 9 bands.
The test is designed in a way to encourage the equality and ensuring that the regional variations in English are included without any bias. This way, the organization who is responsible for taking and managing IELTS maintains the purpose and helps the international audience gain an equal certification and treatment.
The IELTS exam is available in two versions as explained below.
- Academic
This version is applicable to the people looking for higher education or professional one.
- General Training
This version is applicable to the people seeking admissions in secondary education or training programs and wants to acquire a work experience in the English-speaking countries that accept IELTS. It is also required for those migrating to the UK, Canada, and Australia for study or work.
The emphasis is on the four basic language skills or abilities, i.e. reading, writing, listening and speaking. Both academic and general training versions are valid and accurate in terms of assessment of all four language skills.
Where can I take IELTS?
Where can I register for IELTS?
With a wide network of centers worldwide, IELTS provides easy access and opportunity for the people. You can find the nearest test center in your country and can register by paying a fee online or by downloading and filling an application form and submitting it to your IELTS test center.
You will be required to provide a copy of a valid identity proof at the time of registration. The same identity proof will have to be presented at the test center on the test day.
You will receive a written confirmation about the date and time of your test from the test center once your application is processed. Both writing and speaking tests are generally taken on the same day, but if not possible, they will be taken with a gap of 7 days. You will need to be present with the registration and identity document at the exam center.
How IELTS is taken?
You can take IELTS test on computer or paper as per your choice and comfort.
If you choose to take Paper-based IELTS, you will be given printed question papers and answer sheets for reading, writing and listening tests at your selected test center. You are allowed to use a pen or HB pencil.
If you choose to take a computer-based IELTS, you will be required to sit in front of a computer at the test center. The questions will be displayed on the screen and you will be able to answer using the keyboard and mouse.
Regardless of the exam medium, the speaking test is taken face to face by a qualified IELTS examiner. You can know more about both the methods and the speaking test method on the official website of IELTS.
The IELTS test results take 13 days after you take the test and will be available online for 28 days.
How to prepare for IELTS exam?
You can get all the important information about IELTS from the official website. However, you also need to be prepared for the exam by learning the language and increasing your IELTS vocabulary. Here are the tips to prepare for the same.
- Find a qualified English teacher or an English training institute. Learning basic rules and grammar is important. A good teacher will effectively teach you the basics that will help you learn and improve your English.
- Read more and use a dictionary to learn new words. This is the best way to improve your vocabulary as well as reading and writingskills. The more words you know, the better your English skills will be.
- Learn general English. Learn to speak the general English being spoken in the English-speakingcountries. This will improve your ability to interact with a local from that country and will also improve your English-speakingtest.
- Listening practice. You can find online websites where you can do to improve your listening skill. Listening is the best way to learn English and is one of the four skills for which you will be tested by IELTS.
Planning and preparing efficiently for this exam will improve your language proficiency and your IELTS result. It will play an important role in your selection for the study or work in an English-speaking country.
Best wishes for your bright future!
