The International English Language Testing System (IELTS), is one of the most important tests that make or break your dreams of studying abroad. Read on to know all about the IELTS syllabus, preparation tips, IELTS sample paper, & more!
The IELTS exam is a language proficiency test designed for non-native English speakers to assess their language skills. Recognized by most of the universities in the world, especially in Australia, Britain, Canada, and New Zealand, IELTS is a major academic prerequisite that opens doors to international education. According to experts, the best way to ace the IELTS test is by thorough preparation and attempting an IELTS sample paper. Let’s take a look!
The English language proficiency of students is tested when they wish to study in UK, and thus, they are required to appear for the IELTS. The minimum score for PG courses is 6.5 and 6.0 for UG studies.
IELTS registration:
IELTS has an online registration system. One can also submit a print of the registration form at the nearest IELTS IDP or IELTS British Council center. While the pen and paper mode have a selective number of dates, the computer-delivered IELTS has a substantial number of them. For both formats, it is necessary to book the test date in advance on the IELTS IDP or IELTS British Council websites. Remember, a passport is mandatory for registration as you have to present it as ID proof. As of 1st April 2020, the IELTS exam fee is Rs. 14,000.
IELTS scoring system:
The IELTS score is based on 0-9 bands. Each paper of IELTS weighs 9 bands. The individual scores of each paper are rounded up to a final score. The score rounds up to nearest 0.5 or whole band if the score turns up to 0.75 or 0.25. Usually, universities expect at least 6.5-7 bands. Some universities might ask for individual paper scores as well. Listening and reading scores depend on the number of correct answers. While the writing scores are based on completion of the task and its grammatical accuracy. The scores of speaking are based on fluency, pronunciation, grammatical accuracy. Many claim that the best way to get a high IELTS score is to attempt at least one IELTS sample paper before the main exam.
IELTS preparation tips:
I talk to a lot of students who ask questions like, ‘How to prepare for IELTS in 15 days?’. Well, the short answer is, IELTS preparation can last from anywhere between 10 days to 10 months. It all depends on you. Although, the best way to get 7 bands or above out of 9 is to attempt a IELTS mock test. To help you along, we’ve already provided an IELTS sample paper. Be sure to download that for your IELTS preparation. While you prepare, here are some tips for each section which can be helpful during your exam:
Listening: Candidates have 10 minutes transfer time. One can write the answers roughly on the question paper as they listen to the audio and transfer the answers later on the answer paper in the extra time given. For this paper, you can prepare by listening to the audios of native-speakers in their accents.
Reading :
Reading newspapers, articles and magazines can go a long way for the preparation of the reading test. On the day of the test, read the passage carefully. Read and answer the questions after you read the passage in entirety.
Writing :
Practice elaborating all kinds of visual information available, as one can get two-three types of diagrams at once. Try not to spend more than 20 minutes on task one and not more than 40 minutes on task two.
Speaking
The only way to practice speaking is by increasing the use of English on a daily basis. If you are a fast or a slow speaker, try controlling your speed. As you get only 1-2 minutes for task two, practice this task by referring to mock tests available online.
IELTS Basics
Eligibility Criteria for IELTS
- The applicant must be above 16 years or age and have a valid travel document (passport).
General Facts about IELTS
- Aspirants can appear for IELTS four times in a month.
- The result of an IELTS exam is declared after 13 days of exam conducted
- IELTS score is valid for up to 2 year
TEST FORMAT:
TEST FORMAT - Paper Based - PB / Computer Based - CB
IELTS Test format is divided into 6 sections namely-
Listening PB / Listening CB
40 Questions to be answered in 40 Minutes
Reading Academic Module (Same for both test format)
3 passages (40 Questions) to be answered in 60 Minutes
Reading General Module (Same for both test format)
3 sections (40 Questions) to be answered in 60 Minutes
Writing Academic Module (Same for both test format)
2 tasks (Diagram Prompt/Argument Prompt) to be answered in 60 minutes
Writing General Module (Same for both test format)
2 tasks (Letter Prompt/Essay Prompt) in 60 minutes.
Speaking
3 Parts in 11 to 15 minutes The Total duration of the entire Test Format is 2 Hours 45 Minutes.
SECTIONS:
Listening: It has 4 sections and 40 questions in all. It lasts for 40 minutes including 10 minutes transfer time for the answers to the main answer sheet.
Reading: Reading has 3 passages, 40 questions in all. Candidates are given only 1 hour to complete reading.
Writing Academic Module: It has 2 writing tasks. Task 1 is primarily Report writing (explaining diagrams and charts). Essay on task 1 must not be less than 150 words. Students are advised to spend 20 minutes on this task. Task 2 is Argumentative essay. Essay on task 2 must not be less than 250 words. Students are advised to spend 40 minutes on the same. In all time allotted for writing is 1 hour.
Writing General Training Module: It also has 2 writing tasks. Task1 presents a Letter Prompt (formal or informal). Students must write at least 150 words for the same. Task 2 is same as that of Academic Module.
Speaking: Speaking has 3 parts and lasts for 11-14 minutes. It is done on one-to-one basis with the student. This is usually done on another day.
Part1: Examiner asks general questions to the student, which relates to his/her work, studies, hobbies etc. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes.
Part2: The candidate is given a topic to speak, which is printed on a task card. Students have to speak for 1 minute at least and are given one minute to think and write down some points. This part lasts between 3 and 4 minutes.
Part3: It's a two-way discussion with the examiner (questions mostly related to part 2 topic will be asked). The discussion lasts between 4 and 5 minutes.
SCORING
IELTS is graded on a scale of 0 – 9, known as Band Scale. Generally, a score of at least 6 bands for UG & 6.5 bands for PG is required in each section. The result is available in 15 working days.
- 30 hours of intensive and comprehensive training
- Cambridge IELTS, official publication or IELTS, issued as courseware
- Maximum 10-15 students per batch, making session personalized
- Teaching pedagogy involving a very strong focus on enhancing the performance in all the facets of the test i.e., Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
- Guiding with approach towards different question types and providing sufficient practice in all the areas of test
- Qualified, experienced and trained faculties
- 20 full-length mock tests
- Well stocked library
- Availability of Weekdays (Tuesday to Friday, 2 hours per day) and Weekend Batches (Saturday and Sunday, 4 hours per day) under Regular Mode
- Availability of Fast Track Mode (Tuesday to Sunday, 4 hours every day) for people who want to complete the course at the earliest.
- Facility of shifting to any branch throughout India
Free IELTS Training Scheme (FITS)Students may enroll under the FREE IELTS Scheme. Under the scheme if the student has enrolled in a university represented by GLOBAL ENROUTE registers for the IELTS exam through GLOBAL ENROUTE, applies for visa with that University offer then he / she is entitled for a refund after net deducting the taxes along with cost of study material. The refund is applicable whether visa has been granted or not. The student will initially have to make payment of fees and then will be entitled for refund.
Kindly retain the fee receipt, Xerox of Score Sheet and Stamped Visa Copy for the refund. The refund will be given not later than 3 months after filing visa.