Everything About The Ielts Exam

By Author: Sahil Sharma
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Everything about the IELTS Exam

What is IELTS?
IELTS, short for, International English Language Testing System is an exam designed to check proficiency in English Language skills- speaking, reading, listening and writing of non-native candidates who want to live or study in English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. IELTS is managed jointly by British Council, University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP: IELTS Australia.
The non-English speakers take IELTS courses to learn English which increases their chances of achieving high bands.

The Different Versions of IELTS Exam:
There are two versions of IELTS exam:
1. Academic Test: the non-native candidates who wish to take admission in universities in English speaking countries are required to take Academic Test.

2. General Training Test: the non-native candidates who want to work in English speaking countries are required to take General Training Test.

Depending on which version of the test is required to take a candidate who is non-English speaking can take IELTS ...
... course to learn English and gain high proficiency in the language.

The Duration and Structure of IELTS
The total duration of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
It consists of four sections; listening, reading, writing and speaking.
1. Writing, Duration: 60 minutes
2. Reading, Duration: 60 minutes
3. Listening, Duration: 30 minutes
4. Speaking, Duration: 11 - 14 minutes
In IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training Speaking and Listening tests are absolutely the same whereas Reading and Writing tests are different. There are three to four parts and forty questions in total in Listening section in both versions. The Speaking section consists of three parts in both versions. The Reading section in IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training has three passages and forty questions in total but the content is different in each version. The Writing section in both versions has two parts.

When and where to take IELTS Test?
The exam is held on fixed dates at the IELTS Test Centres across the world. For information on Test Centre visit the official website of IELTS. The test centres provide you with the date of examination when you get registered there.

How to register for the test?
Check the dates for the test at the nearest IELTS Centre. Complete the IELTS Application Form given by IELTS Center or download the Form from IELTS official website. Submit the Application Form with the registration fee. Your test date and venue will be confirmed by test centre.

How is IELTS Scored?
In each Sub-tests the marks between 0 and 9 will be given, referred as bands. An Overall Band Score is also given and that is an average of the 4 Sub-test Band Scores. The proficiency of a candidate is measured from the overall bands.
The English institutes, where you take IELTS course to learn English, guide how IELTS is scored and prepares you to achieve required result.

When results will be posted?
Candidate’s Test Report Forms are posted within 2 weeks of taking the exam. You may also receive SMS alerts. The IELTS certification expires within two years.

You can take short or long courses depending on your level of expertise in English. To achieve success in IELTS exam it is recommended that you should first learn English by taking a course that suits your requirement in terms of which IELTS exam version you want to take.