What you need to know about the IELTS exams
Since the migration to English speaking countries for higher education is quite high, there is a need for a generalized test to understand how well the migrants know the language of the land. The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a standard test that any student can take to prove their proficiency in the English language. This IELTS general training test is usually taken up by those who are traveling to an English speaking country for education, training, or jobs. In a few countries, the IELTS test is considered to be a prerequisite for the visa application.
The IELTS is available in two formats – the IELTS academic, and the IELTS general training.
Test format
Reading
This takes up to 60 minutes during which you are required to read out extracts from an array of English material, ranging from textbooks and magazines to guidelines and notices.
Listening
4 different sets of recordings will be played to you which are either conversations or monologues, after listening to these you will have to write answers to different questions based on the recordings. This usually takes up to 30 minutes.
Writing
You are required to write an essay and a letter within a run time of 60 minutes. The letter can be either formal or personal in type and the essay is generally an argumentative one.
Speaking
This is the shortest test, it has three parts, and takes about 10 to 15 minutes to complete. First, you will be asked general questions about life and family, etc. This is followed by having to speak on a certain topic. And lastly, you will be asked a few questions on the topic that you spoke on. This is usually the easiest test.
How to apply
IELTS tests are provided in over 140 countries, so the first thing to do is to check if your country falls under this list. Once done, you will find the nearest test center to you and apply there. If your application is confirmed, you will be notified as to when the tests will take place. It is common for the speaking and writing tests to occur on the same day, however, if not, all the 4 tests will take place within one week.
