An Introduction To IELTS For Beginners

Your time is important. Welcome to this clear introduction to IELTS (and to the confusing world of global English tests!) This article will teach you everything you need to start your IELTS journey.

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This strict English test opens doors to over 140 countries for study, immigration, and job chances. In other words, it is the main standard for English language testing.

What is the IELTS test?

The official IELTS test is a worldwide accepted English language exam created by well-known organizations - IDP, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English. This exam checks your ability to use English in four sections - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. What you receive in return is a paper known as the TRF (test report form) showing your English language skills, and it is valid for two years.

Why is the IELTS exam important?

With a high IELTS score, you can get visas, find jobs, or study in English-speaking countries. The test is proof of your ability to live in these countries! Thousands of test-takers move to developed countries like Canada and Australia each year to improve their lives and their families' lives, and some just to see the amazing cultural diversity of the world!

How can I start preparing for the IELTS exam?

Preparing for IELTS is a step-by-step journey that needs consistent study and practice. There are schools that specialize in preparing students for the test. To prepare well, you must know the test format, work on each part of the test, and practice with practice tests weekly. Practice tests are important because you will need to sit for 2 hours and 45 minutes straight when you take the test, which can be hard without practice. Thus, good IELTS preparation does not only involve skill development but also stamina building!

When and Where can I take the IELTS test?

Well, you can actually take it almost anywhere! The test is offered in over 1,600 places around the world, so you're likely to find one near you. As for when, you'll have many options there too. IELTS tests are available up to four times a month, so you can choose a date that works for you.

Just make sure to check the availability in your area and register early, because slots can fill up quickly. Whether you live in a big city or a small town, you should be able to find a testing center that's easy for you to reach.

Understanding the Types of IELTS Tests

The Two Types of tests - Academic and General Training

Both tests check your level of English in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Speaking and Listening sections are the same in both tests, but the Reading and Writing sections are different.

How does the academic test differ from the General test?

The Academic test is for people who want to study at a university or college. The IELTS General Training test, on the other hand, is for those going to English-speaking countries for immigration, work, or secondary education. It's a good idea to talk to an immigration expert or officials to find out which test version is best for you.

👂Hear and 🗣️Talk - The Listening and Speaking Sections

What does the Listening test involve?

The IELTS Listening test checks your ability to understand spoken English in different contexts. It has four parts and tests your understanding of facts, opinions, and conversations or talks.

What does the Speaking test involve?

The IELTS Speaking test checks your speaking English ability. During the speaking test, you will talk with an examiner. The examiner will check your speaking skills, including your ability to express ideas, talk about various topics, and use informal and formal language.

How can I improve my speaking and listening skills?

Improving both skills involves a lot of practice. Improve your English by listening to accents, watching movies, talking to people, and doing speaking and listening exercises. Being in an English-speaking environment can also be effective.

📖Read and 📝Write - The Reading and Writing Sections

The Writing Test Has Two Parts - Task 1 and Task 2

In the IELTS Writing test, the examiner gives you two tasks. In IELTS Academic, Task 1 describes data in graphs, while Task 2 is an essay question. In the IELTS General Training, Task 1 is a letter and Task 2 is an essay similar to the one in Academic. In both IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests, you must write at least 150 words for Task 1 and 250 Words for Task 2. For both writing tasks, you get a total time of 60 minutes.

What does the reading test involve?

The IELTS Reading test has three sections with different types of texts like reports, essays, stories, or short passages. Test takers must answer 40 questions within 60 minutes.

How can I practice for the Writing and the Reading section effectively?

To do well in writing and reading, you should know the exam format—practice within time limits.

Build your vocabulary. Try different question types. Taking IELTS training from a good teacher can help you improve quickly.

The IELTS Score and Band System

The IELTS Band Score System

The IELTS score is measured through a band system, ranging from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user). This band score shows your ability to use and understand English in a real-life context.

How is the IELTS score calculated?

Your score is calculated based on the results of each test part - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The average score of these four parts forms the overall band score. For example, if a student scores Band 6 in speaking and writing and 7 in listening and reading, his overall score would be Band 6.5.

How much band score do I need to study abroad?

The score needed to study abroad varies based on several factors. However, a band score of 6 or higher is usually acceptable for most undergraduate and postgraduate programs. As said before, before you take the IELTS test, it's a good idea to see an immigration consultant. They can help you understand your specific needs, which depend on the school or country where you want to study.

I hope you now have a basic overview of the IELTS test—good luck with your preparation!