What is
IELTS?
IELTS is the International
English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the
globe. Conducting 1.4 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s
most popular English testing system.
IELTS tests are held in over
500 centres with tests up to four times a month. IELTS
respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test,
regardless of nationality.
You can choose from two types of IELTS
test: Academic or General Training, depending on
whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four
parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on
the unique IELTS 9-band scale. To help you prepare, IELTS provides test samples and Official IELTS Practice Materials. The test
covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not
limited in how many times you can sit the test. You can trust the quality and
security of IELTS because it is managed by three reputable, international
organisations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of
Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL)……
IELTS
SKILLS Description
- IELTS Academic Writing Description
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Paper Format
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There are two Writing tasks and BOTH
must be completed.
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Timing
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60 minutes
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No of Questions
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2
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Task Types
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In Task 1 candidates are asked to describe
some visual information (graph/table/chart/diagram), and to present the
description in their own words. They need to write 150 words in about 20
minutes. In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument
or problem. They need to write 250 words in about 40 minutes.
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Answering
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Answers must be given on the answer
sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points in whole or in part
are not acceptable as answers. Candidates may write on the question paper but
this cannot be taken from the examination room and will not be seen by the
examiner.
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Retrieved from: https://www.teachers.cambridgeesol.org/ts/exams/academicenglish/ielts/academicwriting
- IELTS Academic Reading Description
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Paper Format
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Three reading passages with a variety
of questions using a number of task types.
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Timing
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60 minutes
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No of Questions
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40
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Task Types
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A variety of questions are used,
chosen from the following types; multiple choice, identifying information,
identifying writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching
features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary completion,
note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label
completion, short-answer questions.
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Sources
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Texts are taken from books, journals,
magazines and newspapers and have been written for a non-specialist audience.
All the topics are of general interest. They deal with issues which are
interesting, recognisably appropriate and accessible to candidates entering
undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration.
The passages may be written in a variety of styles, for example narrative,
descriptive or discursive/argumentative. At least one text contains detailed
logical argument. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams,
graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms then a simple
glossary is provided.
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Answering
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Candidates are required to transfer
their answers to an answer sheet. Candidates must transfer their answers
during the time allowed for the test. No extra time is allowed for transfer.
Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor
spelling and grammar are penalised.
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Marks
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All questions carry 1 mark.
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Retrieved from: https://www.teachers.cambridgeesol.org/ts/exams/academicenglish/ielts/academicreading
- IELTS Speaking Description
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Paper Format
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The Speaking test consists of an oral
interview between the candidate and an examiner. All Speaking tests are
recorded.
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Timing
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11-14 minutes
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Task Types
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There are three parts to the test and
each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task
input and candidate output.
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- IELTS Listening Description
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Paper Format
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Four sections, each with ten
questions. The questions are designed so that the answers appear in order in the
listening. The first two sections deal with situations set in everyday social
contexts. There is a conversation between two speakers in Section 1 (for
example a conversation about travel arrangements) and a monologue in Section
2 (for example, a speech about local facilities). The final two sections deal
with situations set in educational and training contexts. In Section 3 there
is a conversation between two main speakers (for example, two university
students in discussion, perhaps guided by a tutor), and Section 4 is a
monologue on an academic subject. The recordings are heard once only. They
include a range of accents, including British, Australian, New Zealand and
American.
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Timing
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Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10
minutes’ transfer time).
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No of Questions
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40
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Task Types
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A variety of questions is used,
chosen from the following types: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram
labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence
completion.
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Answering
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During the Listening test candidates
write their answers on the question paper as they listen and at the end of
the test are given 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Care should be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor
spelling and grammar are penalised.
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Marks
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All questions carry 1 mark.
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