IELTS Test

The IELTS Reading portion will differ depending on the type of IELTS test being taken.

For example, the IELTS Academic test contains three reading sections that consists of texts from books, journals, magazines, newspaper, and other source materials that are academic in nature. IELTS General Training test however is less particular and will consist of 3 sections focused on everyday topics, work (job descriptions, work-related training materials, etc), and general interest.

Following these texts, the test takers will be given a variety of questions based on the texts. Some of these questions will be multiple-choice and short-answer. Any mistakes in the answers in regards to incorrect spelling and grammar will be penalized.

The IELTS listening portion of the exam will consist of a module comprised of four sections. In each section, there will be 10 questions. In total, the test-takers will be asked to answer 40 questions in the 30 minutes allotted. An extra 10 minutes will be given for transferring the answers to the answer sheet.

The first two sections will focus on everyday social situations. The first conversation will be between two speakers and the second section will have consist of one person speaking. The last two sections will have the same format (a conversation between two speakers followed by one person speaking) but will be more academic-focused.

In an effort to minimise linguistic bias, the listening portion will consist of speech spoken in a variety of accents including British, Australian, American, and New Zealander.

To test writing ability, the IELTS test will contain a writing portion of the exam. In this section, the exam taker will be asked to complete two short writing tasks. The first task will be consist of an assignment where the writer will be asked to write at least 150 works in 20 minutes. In the second assignment, the exam taker will be asked to write at least 250 works in 40 minutes.

Both assignments must stay on topic and meet the minimum word requirements. Errors in spelling and grammar will be penalized as will the use of bullet points.

It should be noted that the IELTS Academic test will be a bit more difficult and academic-focused than the IELTS General Training which will focus on everyday topics and basic life skills such as writing a letter.

The IELTS speaking portion of the exam will be carried out via a face-to-face interview between the test taker and the examiner. The speaking test will contain three sections which are as follows:

1. An 4-5 minute self-introduction and interview where the test taker will be about their interests, hobbies, home, family, etc.
2. Next, the test taker will be asked to speak about a particular topic. The subject of this talk will be handed to the speaker on a task card. Speakers will have a minute or so to prepare to talk about this subject independently followed by one or two follow-up questions asked by the interviewer.
3. Lastly, the interviewer and speaker will have a discussion related to the prior subject where the speaker will be a series of questions that are topically related.

IELTS tests are graded in a series of 9 IELTS bands which are rounded to the nearest half-band mark. These IELTS band scores are as follows:

• Band 0: No information related to English language competence as the test-taker did not complete or attempt the exam.
• Band 1: Non-user who can not use the language beyond a few isolated words.
• Band 2: An intermittent user who has great difficulty in both understanding spoken and written English. Aside from the use of a few words or phrases to express immediate needs or information, there is no real communication.
• Band 3: An extremely limited user with frequent breakdowns in their communication. Can only convey information and understand the general meaning in very familiar situations.
• Band 4: Limited user with basic competence in the language in limited or familiar situations but unable to use complex language. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression.
• Band 5: Modest user with partial command of the language who is able to cope with the overall meaning in most situations despite many mistakes. Can handle basic communication in their own field.
• Band 6: Competent user with a generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
• Band 7: Good user with operational command of the language however with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations.
• Band 8: Very good user with full operational command of the language but with minor inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
• Band 9: Expert User with fluent and full operational command of the language.

It should be noted that there is no minimum score to pass an IELTS test. There are however certain minimum IELTS band scores that will be required for specific visa applications and study programs.

Foreign nationals who are from a non-English speaking country will most likely need to take an IELTS test as part of the set of requirements when applying for a visa or an undergraduate or postgraduate level study program in an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For example, the IELTS exam is one of the two English language tests on the UK government’s list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). Therefore, anyone applying for a UK visa will need to pass the basic IELTS band requirements in order to come to the UK for work or study. Furthermore, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also required an IELTS score for immigration-related purposes.

In addition, higher education study programs all over the world, including in the United States require an English language test such as IELTS in order to be accepted.