1. What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language.
2. What is the purpose of taking the IELTS test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.
3. What are the different types of IELTS tests?
IELTS has two types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Both tests assess your English language skills in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both modules (types), but the Reading and Writing tests are different. Writing Task 1 in Academic IELTS will require you to describe a chart or a graph whereas the General IELTS requires you to write a letter for at least 150 words. On the Reading test, Academic IELTS has 3 long passages, one passage per section whereas the General IELTS test has 5 passages spread over 3 sections (2 passages each in sections 1 and 2 and 1 long passage in section 3).
4. What is the structure and duration of IELTS test?
The IELTS test consists of four sections: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. You will always take the Listening, Reading and Writing parts all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks between them. The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
5. How is IELTS scored?
IELTS band scores are reported on a 9-band scale ranging from band 1 to band 9. Each part of the test is awarded a band score for performance. They are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).In the Listening and Reading test parts, each have 40 questions and each correct answer receives 1 mark. The total score out of 40 is converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.
A score is given for each test component – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. These individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score.
The following table details how IELTS band scores correspond to the skill level of a particular user:
Your overall band score is calculated by taking the mean score of the four test components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). The score for each component is equally weighted. Your overall band score is rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
6. Who conducts the IELTS test?
IELTS is now conducted solely by IDP ( IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English).
IDP India conduct IELTS tests at several test locations across the length and breadth of the country. IELTS exam is conducted 48 times a year to assess students' and job applicants' proficiency in the English language.
7. How to book the IELTS test?
You may either book your IELTS test online or visit your nearest IDP branch to book it offline. Here’s how:
i). Log on to our IELTS India website.
ii). Select the option ‘Register for Test.’
iii). Select your preferred test – computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Life Skills).
iv). Select your test type/module – Academic or General Training for IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, A1 and B1 for Life Skills (be extremely careful while choosing the module you wish to take).
v). Pick your preferred test location/city.
vi). Select your desired date and time slot from the list of dates available.
vii). Fill up the required details and complete your online application.
viii). Remember, you will also have to upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport to complete the process.
ix). Proceed to pay the test fee.
Once your test date is booked, you will receive an acknowledgment on your registered email/phone number.
For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you. (Note - *applicable for Paper Based IELTS test takers)
IELTS Preparation
1. How to prepare for the IELTS test?
i). Understand the test format: Familiarize yourself with the format of the test by reviewing the test content, as well as the question and task types for each section. It’s also important to read through the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates and Declaration which are included in the application form.
ii). IELTS sample questions: Practicing with sample questions can help you familiarize yourself with the format of the test. We have provided sample questions to help you prepare for your IELTS test. This will give you an idea of what to expect in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking tests.
iii). IELTS Progress Check - official practice test: Know where you stand before your IELTS test. IELTS Progress Check is an official IELTS online practice test, marked by IELTS trained and qualified markers. Take a timed or untimed test, receive feedback including an indicative overall band score and individual band scores for each section: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Helping you prepare and understand the areas you need to improve or focus on.
iv). Official IELTS practice materials: IELTS has developed a series of practice materials. These are designed to help you understand the IELTS test format and the types of test questions you may be asked.
For example, you can purchase Vol. 2 Official IELTS Practice Materials (with DVD).
The book contains: practice tests for Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing (both Academic and General Training); Listening, Reading and Writing answer sheets; Listening and Reading practice test answer keys and Listening tape scripts; sample candidate Writing responses and examiner comments; sample candidate Speaking tests and examiner comments. The DVD contains a Listening test for candidates to practise and film footage of three students taking the Speaking test.
You can purchase official IELTS sample materials from Cambridge University Press, or from an IELTS test centre.
v). Consider a preparation course: If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centres and language schools around the world offer IELTS preparation courses. You don’t have to attend a preparation course, but many test takers find that doing so helps them improve their performance. Talk to your local IELTS test centre to find out more.
2. How does IELTS preparation help?
IELTS is conducted for people seeking educational and job opportunities in English-speaking countries so that their ability to overcome the linguistic gap and undertake communication efficiently in a foreign country can be assessed.
By taking an IELTS test, you will receive a test report that is recognized and accepted by thousands of institutions around the world, including companies, universities, professional bodies, and government agencies. You will improve your English language skills, ultimately allowing you to progress favorably in your career.
3. Is it enough to prepare IELTS on your own?
IELTS self-study can be without a doubt a very lucrative option because you can do it practically anywhere and at any time. You don't have to go to a specialized school at a certain time, and the time you save can be used to do more self-preparation.
The good news is, you need not shell out huge sums of money towards coaching. With methodical and systematic planning and with a deep understanding of the structure of the test, you can prepare for IELTS sitting at home. However, specialized coaching institutes have trained staff and IELTS material that is specifically tailored to help you become successful higher bands in IELTS – this is made possible by these institutes and academies being able to customize courses as per the requirements and their ability of offer unique tips, tricks and strategies, along with the requisite course material to help your learning becoming much easier.
4. Should I prepare for IELTS through Online Classes or Offline Classes?
Candidates applying to IELTS face yet another dilemma: Is it better to take IELTS online or offline? Fortunately, the structure of the exam remains same in both the modes, thus it does not directly influence an applicant's score.
Online IELTS coaching is for you if you do not have enough time in hand to prepare for IELTS. If you go for online IELTS classes, the good news is that they are customizable as per your convenience.
Offline classes give you the added advantage of being face-to-face with a trainer and being able to pose your queries and clarify your doubts and questions in a much more friendly and conducive setting.
IELTS Strategies & Tips
1. How to score an 8 band in IELTS?
In order to get an 8 band score in listening and reading you need to get 89% of the marks. Since IELTS reading and listening have 40 questions each, in order to get band 8 you have to at least answer 36 questions of each.
Whereas in IELTS speaking and writing the performance is not measured only by looking at the scores that you get, but there are certain descriptors in each of the sections and the test taker must meet the requirements of these descriptors.
2. How to score a 7 band in IELTS Writing?
Following are the 7 steps towards a band 7:
Step 1: Answer all parts of the question.
Step 2: Present a clear position.
Step 3: Structure your essay.
Step 4: Use linking devices.
Step 5: Use a range of vocabulary.
Step 6: Use a range of grammatical structures correctly.
Step 7: Check your essay thoroughly.
3. How to prepare for IELTS Speaking?
5 Easy Ways to Increase your IELTS Speaking Score to a 7 or Higher:
i). Smile and be yourself.
ii). Know what the examiner wants.
iii). Use interesting vocabulary.
iv). Use lots of linking words.
v). Practice speaking English.
4. How to get a perfect 9 in IELTS Listening?
Seven ways to Improve Your IELTS Listening Score:
i). No Surprises: Know the Test. As you might already know, all IELTS listening tests are the same – they contain 4 sections with certain question types. Learning about how best to answer these different types of questions is the key to correctly answer these questions.
ii). YOLO! (You Only Listen Once). The recording(s) will be played only once, so train yourself to totally understand what the speaker(s) are conversing about – try to figure out the main idea of the conversation and pay attention to the specific details.
iii). Follow Your Heart. Use intuition to arrive the correct answers.
iv). Listen to Audio Scripts. Additionally, listen to BBC News to get a better idea of the British accent, CNN News to become familiar with the American accent, English podcasts, English TV shows and movies, etc. to become more well-versed with the speaking styles of native English speakers.
v). Use Synonyms. This way you will be able to demonstrate a range of vocabulary which goes a long way in securing higher bands.
vi). Get Real – There is no better way to sharpen your Listening skills than Real Life Listening – listening to your peers, friends and family is one of the best ways to become more proficient at Listening.
vii). Think In English. Thinking in a language is a sure shot way to become proficient in that language. Hence, start practicing thinking in English to improve both your speaking and listening skills.
5. How to score an 8+ band in IELTS Reading?
IELTS Reading Tips: How to Increase your Score
i). Develop skills of each type of question in reading.
ii). Skimming and Scanning.
iii). Develop your speed reading skills.
iv). Don't try to understand the full passage.
v). Develop vocabulary.
vi). Focus on Keywords (names, places, dates, times, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, website addresses, $$ signs (for e.g. if you see a dollar sign in the question, you can be rest assured that there will be some currency amount in the passage).
vii). Focus on Grammar.
viii). Practice makes perfect.
6. What are the best strategies for IELTS Writing?
Step 1: Answer is relevant to the question
Step 2: Answer all parts of the question
Step 3: Organize your essay logically, with clear progression using linking phrases
Step 4: Organize your essays into paragraphs
Step 5: Use less common vocabulary and spell it correctly
Step 6: Don’t use memorized language, phrases or examples
Step 7: Use a variety of complex sentence structures
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