IELTS Test Review
You should answer each IELTS test section quickly, but don’t rush. Here is a breakdown of the characteristic IELTS test. Please review the below information.
Part 1 – Listening – 40 items/4 sections – 30 min.
Part 2 – General Training Reading – 40 items/3 sections – 60 min.
Part 3 – Academic Reading – 40 items/3 sections – 60 min.
Part 4 – General Training Writing – 2 mini-essays (150/250 words) – 60 min.
Part 5 – Academic Writing – 2 mini-essays (150/250 words) – 60 min.
Part 6 – Speaking – 11-14 min.
The IELTS test forces you to make decisions on Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking in fast manner. It is also important to note that clock is the greatest enemy with the IELTS. It is best to wear a watch to the testing center to help you with your time management.
IELTS test structure
All candidates must complete four Modules – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking – to obtain a band score, which is shown on an the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
Reading: 60 minutes.
Writing: 60 minutes.
Band scale Scores
IELTS is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. Overall Band Scores are reported to the nearest whole or half band.
For the avoidance of doubt, the following rounding convention applies; if the average across the four skills ends in .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it ends in .75, it is rounded up to the next whole band.
The nine bands are described as follows:
- 9 Expert User – Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
- 8 Very Good User – Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
- 7 Good User – Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
- 6 Competent User – Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
- 5 Modest User – Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communication in his or her own field.
- 4 Limited User – Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
Who should take IELTS?
- Many English language learners need IELTS in order to pursue academic or non-academic training. IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
- EVERYONE, including native English speakers, may be required to prove an official IELTS score in order to seek immigration to some countries. Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires an official IELTS score. (other countries include, for example, Australia and New Zealand.)
How are candidates assessed?
Results are returned to the candidates two weeks after the test date in the form of a Test Report Form. Candidates will receive scores on a band scale from 1 to 9 in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking modules. The individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score. Overall Band Scores and Listening and Reading Band Scores are reported in half bands; Writing and Speaking Band Scores are reported in whole bands. There is no pass or fail mark. Results are valid for two years.
Test Report Forms should be sent directly from the testing centre to the receiving organizations. The candidate will receive only one test report form but additional copies can be sent direct to receiving organizations.
IELTS Test Structure
All candidates must complete four Modules – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking to obtain an IELTS Test Report Form.
Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules.
Listening 4 Sections 40Items 30Minutes
General Training Reading 3 Secions 40 Items 60 Minutes
Academic Reading 3 Secions 40 Items 60 Minutes
General Training Writng 2Tasks(150 and 250 words) 60 Minutes
Academic Writng 2Tasks(150 and 250 words) 60 Minutes
Speaking 11 to 14 minutes
Total Test Time 2 hours 45 minutes
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.
External Links:
- British Council (http://www.britishcouncil.org)
- IDP: IELTS Australia (http://www.idp.com/)
- Official IELTS webSite (http://www.ielts.org/)
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