A Guide to the IELTS Exam: What is IELTS and how to prepare for it?

IELTS Full Form

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is an English language test to judge your proficiency in the English language in four different categories, say reading, writing, speaking, and listening if you are planning to study abroad. 

 

IELTS is one of the world's foremost English fluency tests, and the other is TOEFL. IELTS was established in 1989 and is jointly owned by IDP and the British Council. The IELTS exam uses a band system to determine a student's proficiency from a total of 9 bands.

 

 

What is the IELTS exam?
 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was designed to help students in moving to a country where English is the dominant language in order to work, study, or move. This includes the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and others. The exam primarily evaluates the test-takers' proficiency in the four fundamental English language skills of speaking, reading, and writing. IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment are co-owners and joint operators of the IELTS exam.

 

IELTS is offered as a computer-based test as well as a paper-based test. Candidates who decide to take the IELTS computer-based exam are expected to complete the Listening, Writing, and Reading sections on a computer. In contrast, the Speaking part is done in-person with a certified examiner. This type of IELTS provides more test dates to pick from and the results are available in as quick as 3 to 5 days. On the other hand, those who pick the paper-based IELTS will do the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections with either a HB pencil or pen and the Speaking section is once again done face-to-face with a qualified IELTS examiner.

Does every country accept IELTS?

 

Over 10,000 organizations accept IELTS tests in around 140 countries, including corporations, universities, migration agencies, government organizations and more.

 

Why do you need to take the IELTS exam?

 

If you plan to move abroad, you must take the IELTS exam. The reason behind it is to strengthen communication. English is the third most spoken language in the world, and the IELTS test ensures you can understand the other person's query and communicate with them accordingly.

 

Therefore, if you plan to go to other countries for studies, PR, etc., you must master English to settle abroad.

 

 

What are the various types of IELTS exams?

 

There are 3 different types of IELTS modules:

 

IELTS General Training : IELTS general training is for candidates who want to apply for PR, work experience or employment training. The test question is on workplace and social situations.

 

IELTS Academic : IELTS academic is for students who want to study abroad. The exam tests your academic language and whether you are ready to begin your studies.

 

IELTS UKVI : This test is the same as IELTS. It is a government-approved Secure English Language Test and is best to opt for if you are planning to study in the UK as this test proves a candidate's proficiency in the English language for the UK visa and immigration formalities.

 

How many IELTS exams do I need to take?

 

You need to take only one IELTS exam, which consists of 4 modules. The writing, listening, and reading module is conducted on the same day without any break and speaking is conducted a week before or after IELTS exam day.

 

Let's discuss these modules for Academic and General Training in detail:

 

IELTS Reading:

 

IELTS Academic: IELTS academic reading section has three passages, and you need to give answers to 40 questions that too in 60 minutes. Don't worry. The test is easy as there are different types of questions like multiple types, true/false, fill in the blanks, headings, etc., by skimming, recognizing the author's perspective, understanding the logic and more.

 

IELTS General Training: IELTS general reading section has a total of three sections divided into categories. The 1st section consists of two or three short texts, the 2nd comprises two tests, and the last is quite long with different questions based on the office and society. You will get 60 minutes to complete the reading module. 

 

IELTS Writing:

 

Academic: The academic writing section has two questions, and you have to complete both questions in 60 minutes. In Task 1, you get a visual (graph/chart/diagram) and need to describe it briefly in 150 words. Thus, it is best if you spend 20 minutes on question 1. Question 2 consists of writing an essay in response to a view, argument, etc., in 250-280 words.

 

General Training: The general writing section also has two questions to be completed in 60 minutes. The first section is a letter you must complete in 150 words. The letter can be formal, informal or semi-formal based on requesting information, explaining the situation or problem, etc. Thus, the 2nd part consists of an essay of 250-280 words in response to a view or a problem.

 

IELTS Speaking:

 

In the IELTS Speaking test, you visit a center allocated to you per your timings. An invigilator will ask you questions like name, hometown, etc., followed by a topic on which you need to speak for 2 minutes. After that topic, you need to answer the question that will be based on the topic only. Your test will be recorded for this section, and the oral interview between you and the examiner can go upto 11 – 14 minutes.
 

IELTS Listening: Listening is similar for both academic and general test takers. The only thing that differs is band allotment as per correct answers. You will get a question paper having 4 sections consisting of 40 questions. You will hear 4 recordings one by one of native English speakers and answer questions.

 

Best way to prepare for the IELTS exam

 

Preparing for your test can be intimidating and cause you to worry about how to begin, so we have created a sequence of helpful steps to kick off the process.

 

Take a practice test

 

To begin your preparation, it is important to take a practice exam to determine which areas you excel in and which ones require more attention. Enhancing both your strengths and weaknesses is essential in forming strong groundwork for the test.

 

Become familiar with the test format

 

It is very important that you are aware of the test format before you start to prepare. Review the test's subject matter and the question and task formats for each section to become familiar with it. Remember that familiarity with the test format and pattern is essential for success in any exam, not just the IELTS.

 

Keep in mind the time constraints of the exam

 

It is essential to remember that the IELTS exam has a specific time constraint, and you will only have a certain period to finish each section. If you are unable to finish the sections in the time available or if the timing pressure prevents you from focusing properly, it may have a negative effect on your performance. To ensure that you are well-prepared for the exam, classes of a preparation course are conducted in the same time-limited environment as the actual exam.

 

Improve your English language skills and IELTS strategies

 

One of the primary mistake learners make is to concentrate exclusively on IELTS. They do a great deal of IELTS practice tests yet they neglect to enhance their English. It is important to remember that obtaining a good IELTS score is not something that can be achieved in a short amount of time. 

 

To maximize your chances of success, it is wise to begin preparation for the test no less than 6 months in advance.

 

While listening to English, multitask

 

It is well-known that the IELTS assessment is challenging, and the listening section is no exception. You will be required to answer 40 questions during 4 recordings, which will be played only once. The inquiries normally comprise of completing sentences, summarizing, filling out forms, and multiple-choice.

 

It is common to feel confused while in the middle of a dialogue, however, it is imperative to gain back your bearings quickly or you will miss out on the rest of the questions. This could have disastrous effects. It is therefore essential to learn how to stay in the conversation, even if something has been missed, and how to get back on track to answer the preceding questions. It is necessary to recognize what sort of data to provide in response to the type of question asked. Could it be a numerical value, a name, or a street address?

 

Enhance a variety of reading skills

 

The only goal of the reading component is to assess a broad selection of reading skills such as getting the main point, picking out the main concepts, understanding details, skimming, identifying logical argument, and discerning authors' perspectives, objectives, and sentiments. Examinees have to answer in brief, link data, finish sentences, match headings, or finish diagram captions. Make sure to include a variety of questions in your study so that you can get used to each kind.

 

When writing, use professional and assertive English

 

Completing the written section tends to be more difficult for most individuals. Both tasks in the educational program must be composed in a formal, sophisticated manner.

Task 1 necessitates that you present and clarify data, which you may be well-versed in, this demands considerable training in English. Completing Task 2 can be a difficult process since the subject matter may be unfamiliar. Furthermore, the essay must be written in an organized way.

In order to succeed in the IELTS, you have to be ready to attend to both tasks and be aware of their demands. Make sure to practice dealing with multiple data sources, tables, processes, diagrams, line graphs, and bar charts in task 1. For Task 2, know the structure of an essay and how to come up with the introduction and conclusion.  

 

Communicate directly with fluency or coherence

 

This exam does not take more than 15 minutes to complete and it is divided into three sections. The first 5 minutes are set aside for the introduction and a chat between the candidate and the examiner. 

 

The second part evaluates the test taker's capacity to verbalize about a haphazard subject provided on a task card. 

 

The last part simply increases the difficulty to the second. At this point, the examiner will be looking at the pronunciation, lexical resource and fluency as well.

 

It is important to practise each section under test preparation so that you become used to the pressure of the test. In order to speak for two minutes during the second section of the test, you must be able to take notes.

 

Become totally involved in English

 

To help with your test preparation, immerse yourself in as much language as possible. Find English materials that capture your interest, such as digital magazines or web logs. Additionally, commit to creating English content daily, like a personal journal, keeping a blog, or a conversation with someone in a Facebook group that you have something in common with.

 

Pay close attention to native English speakers when they are conversing and try to join in if you can. Attempt the "shadowing" approach where you imitate what was just said in the language. This will help you with enunciation, intonation, and emphasis. 

 

IELTS Preparation Books

 

It is essential to understand all the requirements of the IELTS exam to have a successful outcome, and the relevant study material assists with this. With the multiple options available, it can be challenging to decide which books to use for the IELTS exam. To make the selection process simpler for you, we have provided a list of the best IELTS preparation books for 2022-2023 to help you achieve a high score.

 

The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

The Official Cambridge Guide for IELTS is our top pick as an introductory resource for IELTS preparation. It provides guidance, tips, and strategies to help you get ready for the test.

 

Key Features

• This book contains everything related to IELTS reading material.
•  It highlights errors which IELTS test takers make while studying.
•  It provides advice and guidance from those who have successfully passed the exam.
•  It is accompanied by a DVD to help people prepare for the speaking and listening sections of the test.

 

Cost : Rs. 750

Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Student’s Book with Answers with Audio

 

"Cambridge IELTS 17 Academic Student's Book with Answers with Audio" is well-known for its authenticity and provides practice tests which provide a good estimate of the real exam. The IELTS practice materials provided give an overview of the different modules and evaluation criteria.

Key Features

• The book comprises of four exams, data on the several components, and the point system. 
• The CD consists of audio, a video demonstrating the speaking test, listening assessments, reply keys with added justifications and exemplar written responses.

 

Cost:  Rs. 950

 

Barron’s IELTS Superpack

If you are in search of a book that covers all the essential information, then Barron's IELTS Superpack is the best option for you. It is conveniently accessible on online stores and can be acquired quickly, providing you with the strategies to attain a superior grade in the IELTS test.

 

Key Features

• This IELTS learning material is extremely comprehensive.
• It comes with two CDs and web-based tracks, so you can listen to it when you don't feel like reading.

Cost:  Rs. 4,069

IELTS Practise Tests Plus 2 with Key

 

This IELTS book offers an ideal way for self-study to gain the necessary skills for attaining a high score. It provides tests and tactics that can help a person develop the correct understanding, ideal for both the academic and general training module.

 

Key Features

• The IELTS study material contains full descriptions of the topics and provides questions that are straightforward to answer for test takers.

 

Cost:  Rs. 3136

Target Band 7: IELTS Academic Module by Simon Braveman’s  

 

Simone Braveman's Target Band 7, which is the IELTS study material specifically designed for those studying in Canada, gives you the tools you need to reach a high score in the exam. It is one of the most reliable IELTS books available and provides clear instructions on how to prepare for the test.
 

Key Features

• In addition to easy-to-understand tips, this book also gives ideas regarding how to utilize your time productively and effectively. 
• It provides answers to the issues that are most likely to be encountered in the IELTS exam.

 

Cost:  Rs. 2,000

Focus on IELTS Foundation Coursebook

 

Concentrating on IELTS Foundation provides you with a strong foundation in the linguistic abilities necessary for passing the IELTS. It can be utilized as a single course concentrating on basic grammar and vocabulary.

Key Features

• This book is equipped with a language bank, self-directed learning tasks and approaches, and an accompanying CD for better study.
• It can be used as a source of knowledge to expand the language of the student.

Cost:  Rs. 3,938

Road to IELTS

 

The British Council provides a dynamic internet-based course known as Road to IELTS. It encompasses 100 interactive exercises, two trial exams for the four modules, and instructor videos. The most recent version contains a fresh speaking segment and further IELTS computer-based practice tests.

 

Key Features

• The study guide contains five mock tests 
• It simulates a classroom environment.

Cost:  Free and a $50 premium edition are available.

Section-wise IELTS Books

Several top-notch books containing all the essential data and audio recordings exist to help you expedite your IELTS preparation. Herein, we have included a compilation of IELTS books sorted by section.

 

 Top IELTS listening books

 

• Achiever IELTS 9 Bands IELTS Listening Practice Tests Kit by Arunlata
• Written by Fiona Aish and Jo Tomlinson, Listening for IELTS (With Answers and Audio)
• IELTS Listening Strategies by Rachel Mitchell
• IELTS Listening Practice Tests – IELTS Self-study Exam Preparation Book: For IELTS for Academic Purposes and General Training Modules by IELTS Success Associates

Top IELTS writing books

 

• Barron’s Writing for The IELTS
• Parthesh Thakkar’s The Ultimate Guide to IELTS Writing
• Sam McCarter’s Academic Writing Practice for IELTS 
• Visuals: Writing About Graphs, Tables and Diagrams by Gabi Duigu
• Get IELTS Band 9 in Academic Writing by Cambridge

 Top IELTS Reading books

 

• Makkar IELTS English for Exams IELTS Academic Reading Vol.1 and Vol.2 by Dr Kiranpreet Kaur Makkar
• Target 9 Latest Reading test (2022 – 2023) IELTS Reading Academic ( 15 Advanced Level Tests) by Darshan Singh

 Top IELTS Speaking books

 

• Parthesh Thakka’s the Ultimate Guide to IELTS Speaking 
• The Masterpiece of Speaking IELTS by Vinod Gambtoo
• Target 9 Lastest 2022 Edition IELTS Speaking by Darshan Singh

 

Signs that show you are ready to take IELTS exam

 

If you can comprehend 80% of a movie in English

 

You may not be able to comprehend every single term, but if you are able to comprehend the overall subject, you have enough auditory capabilities to study for IELTS. After viewing the movie, challenge yourself by describing it for a minimum of two minutes.

 

If you can understand the articles in The USA Today newspaper

 

This publication is not as challenging as the New York Times, so it is an excellent way to evaluate your understanding. Avoid relying too heavily on demanding texts, such as novels and the NY Times, to assess your comprehension. These works are certainly more challenging than the bulk of the questions on the IELTS Exam.

You’re not translating everything from your first language into English

 

If you're still having difficulty with translating, it suggests that you're hesitating. Making sounds such as "um" and "uh" and asking questions like "How do you say that in English?" or "What is that word?" likely indicates that you need to get better at speaking fluently in order to be successful in the examination. 

 

To do that, you need to practice speaking as much as you can, read aloud on a daily basis, and narrate to yourself whenever possible. This will help to create a stronger link between thoughts and words.

 

Are there any eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS test?

 

Yes, in order to take the IELTS test, you need to be at least 16 years of age. You need a valid passport and a minimum IELTS score per university requirements. Rather than this, there are no criteria for taking IELTS.

 

How much does it cost to take the IELTS exam?

 

The registration fee for Indian students to take IELTS is Rs. 15,500. This is the same across all test centers in India. It can vary if the dollar price decreases or increases.

 

What if I cancel or reschedule my IELTS exam?

 

If somehow you have to cancel your IELTS application five weeks before, you can easily receive a full refund barring a 25% administration fee. But if you need to cancel the test less than five weeks before the test, you will not get any refund. Also, if you cannot appear on the exam day, there is no refund.

 

Moreover, candidates can request a transfer/reschedule an exam five weeks before the examination date. You must select a new date within three months from the original test day with an administrative fee deduction of 25%, i.e., around Rs 33,00.

 

Conclusion

 

IELTS exams are easy and differ as per the test takers like academic and general. If you are looking for guidance related to studying abroad, you can turn to Edmissions at edmissions.com . We will offer you the necessary guidance regarding studying abroad. To know more reach us at [email protected]

 

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