IELTS: Things To Know Before You Apply

• The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most preferred and trusted English language tests.
• It is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations across 140 nations.
• It plays a life-changing role for millions who plan to study, work, or live in an English-speaking country.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most preferred and trusted English language tests. It is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations across 140 nations and considered one of the most authentic English language tests.

It plays a life-changing role for millions who plan to study, work, or live in an English-speaking country. If you are also among those who plan to study or move overseas, here are a few things you need to consider before beginning your preparation.

1. TEST TYPE

There are two types of IELTS: General Training (GT) and Academic (AC). The IELTS Academic test has been developed if you wish to study at university or college as an undergraduate or postgraduate student or join or gain entry into a professional institution.

However, you may need the IELTS General Training test for entry into secondary education, a college or education training centre, or to migrate to an English-speaking country.

2. SCHEDULE AND FORMAT

Another thing you need to know about the exam is its format, structure, and schedule. The test is divided into four segments (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).
Reading and Writing are 60-minutes long, Listening is for 30 minutes, and Speaking is 11-14 minutes of interaction with the examiner.
There are two ways in which you can attempt your IELTS — computer-delivered and paper-based.
In both mediums, the test format, question types, time allocated to each test part and content is the same as it is designed to reflect everyday situations. It is unbiased and fair to all test takers from all backgrounds.

3. SCORE CALCULATION

You must understand the scoring system and how your final score is calculated in IELTS. The IELTS preparation guide (which you will get while booking the test) will tell you all about the marks assigned to each of the four parts.
These parts are individually graded on the 9-band system, later added to calculate the average official band score. The Listening and Reading part, which includes 40 questions each, amount to 40 marks each.
Many IELTS test takers score the maximum in these two parts, and thus advised by experts to prepare well for these sections. However, remember that you may have to score a certain band in each section depending upon your targeted country, institution, course, or purpose.

4. VOCABULARY

Vocabulary is one of the most significant parts of IELTS, as it helps to analyse users’ knowledge of English words. Vocabulary contributes 25 per cent of total marks in Speaking and Reading and varies for the other two segments.
Reading passages may contain different vocabulary than listening to audio tracks, whereas Writing and Speaking demand different kinds of vocabulary to express an idea or individual’s thought process clearly.
Fortunately, there are a lot of good sources to build a strong vocabulary. You can also refer to Cambridge Vocabulary for IELTS, an official IELTS vocabulary workbook from the makers of the exam.

5. ‘REAL’ PRACTICE

You must attempt as many IELTS practice question papers for the best preparation. Set a timer and practice answering the test paper within the time limit. It will help you improve your time management skills while taking IELTS.
These mock tests will also allow you to gauge your current level and how much more work is required to reach the desired band. You can take these mock tests from the practice material book or on the official IELTS website.
Besides working on your language skills, you will also have to prepare a strategy to gain a desired band in IELTS. We recommend that you keep enough time before your test to plan and prepare yourself.
You can consult IELTS scoring guides as well as test samples and read through examiner comments to prepare well for the exam.
Take advantage of the information that is available online through various forums before you take your test. It is all out there for your help!
We wish you all the best for your IELTS.