IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised English language proficiency exam that measures the language skills of non-native English speakers. The exam is accepted by universities, colleges, and other institutions in the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the USA, as well as many other countries around the world.
The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Reading comprises multiple-choice questions, while the Writing and Speaking sections are scored by trained examiners.
In the Listening section,
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and answer 40 questions. The recordings will include a variety of accents, such as British, Australian, and American.
In the Reading section,
You will answer 40 questions based on three texts that are taken from books, newspapers, or magazines. The texts will be on a range of topics, including Science, History, and Current Events.
In the Writing section,
You will have to complete two tasks. Task 1 requires you to write a short report based on a chart or diagram, while Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a given prompt.
In the Speaking section,
You will have a face-to-face interview with a trained examiner. The interview is divided into three parts. In Part 1, you will answer general questions about yourself and your life. In Part 2, you will be given a task card with a topic and asked to talk about it for up to two minutes. In Part 3, you will have to answer follow up queries asked by the examiner about the topic in Part 2.
The IELTS exam is scored on a scale of 4 to 9 bands, with 9 being the highest possible score. Your score is based on your performance in each section of the exam, and the scores are averaged together to give you an overall band score.
It's important to note that different universities have different requirements when it comes to IELTS scores. Some institutions may require a higher band score than others, so it's important to check with the university you are applying to in order to determine what score you need to achieve.
Preparing for the IELTS exam can take time, but there are many resources available to help you. There are books, online courses, and practice tests that you can use to improve your skills and get familiar with the exam format. Additionally, taking classes with a qualified English language teacher can be a great way to improve your skills and get feedback on your progress.