The International English Language Testing
System is recognised as a means of assessing the language ability of candidates
who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. The
IELTS is further divided into four parts Listening, Reading, Writing and
Speaking
What Is The Test Format
IELTS consists of four components. There is a
choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidate is taking
the academic or general training module. However, the listening and speaking
tests remain the same for all candidates
The test is taken in the following order:
- Listening has four sections, and 40 questions, with a total of 30 minutes allotted for this section
- Academic Reading/ General Reading consists of 3 sections, with 60 minutes for this task
- Academic Writing/ General Writing consists of 2 tasks, for which a time of 60 minutes is given
- Speaking is divided into three parts and a time of 11 to 14 minutes is allotted for this task
Listening consists of four
sections, with ten questions in each section. These questions can range from
multiple choice, matching, to plan/map diagram labelling, form completion,
summary completion, short answer questions. Candidates can listen to the
recording just once and are required to note down the answers as they listen.
The candidates have ten minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet
Academic Reading consists
of three sections with 40 questions. These texts are based on topics of general
interest. One text contains a detailed argument. This section has a variety of
question types that include multiple choice, True/False/Not given, matching
information, matching headings, matching features, sentence completion, table
completion, diagram label completion, short answer questions
General Training Reading consists
of three sections with 40 questions. These texts are taken from notices,
advertisements, leaflets, newspapers, instruction manuals, books and magazines.
The question type for this section is similar to that of the academic reading
Academic Writing consists
of two tasks. Candidates are required to spend 20 minutes on task 1, which
requires them to write 150 words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which requires them
to write 250 words
In Task 1 requires candidates to present
information by looking at a diagram or graph. They are assessed on how well
they organise and compare data, describe the stages of a process
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point
of view. They are assessed on their ability to present a solution to the
problem, while at the same time express their own opinions and provide reasons
for the same
General Training Writing consists
of two tasks. Candidates should spend about 20 minutes on task 1 and 40 minutes
on task 2, with a word count of 150 words and 250 words respectively
In Task 1, candidates are asked to respond to a
situation with a letter requesting information or explaining the situation.
They are assessed on how well they engage in personal correspondence and provide
general factual information, express needs, complaints, opinions etc
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point
of view. They are assessed on their ability to present a solution to the
problem, while at the same time express their own opinions and provide reasons
for the same
Speaking consists of three parts,
and assesses how effectively candidates can communicate in English. It takes
into account the fluency, grammatical accuracy and pronunciation
In Part
1, the candidate is asked to introduce themselves. They then answer general
questions about themselves, their family, job, studies, interests and a range
of similar topic areas
In Part 2, the candidate is given a task card
and is asked to speak on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to
take down notes if they wish to and has to speak on the topic for about two
minutes
In Part 3, the examiner and the candidate engage
in discussion which are linked to the topic in Part 2
How Can A Candidate Decide Which Training Module
To Give
- Candidates who wish to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level or those seeking professional registration take the Academic Training Module
- Candidates that wish to migrate to an English speaking country like Australia, UK, Canada, New Zealand and for those who wish to study at below degree level take the General Training Module
Edwise
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