The IELTS test is applicable for people who need to
demonstrate their English language proficiency for different purposes, whether
academic or professional. There are two formats to choose from depending on
your needs. Firstly, there is the Academic Training module which is availed
primarily by those who are planning to apply to an international university
where the primary spoken language is English. This is also used as a measure of
language proficiency for educators, nurses and other professionals. Next, is
the General Training module which is suitable if you want to work, live or take
training abroad in an English-speaking country. It is always a smart move to
check beforehand which module the institute you are applying to wants you to
clear.
The IELTS test is administered in more than 1000
test centres all over the world. You can find out all relevant information
about test dates and cost by contacting your nearest centre or visiting the
official IELTS website https://www.ielts.org.
The IELTS consists of four modules or sections that
are designed to test the full range of English language skills – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
The Listening and Speaking sections are same for both the modules. The Reading
and Writing sections, however, are different. Being an international test, the
English used here and heard on the audio can be British, American or New
Zealand English. The language however will be comprehensible to any learner of
English. As long as a spelling is correct, the examiners will accept it. So,
there is no need to worry about whether to use American English or British
English. The IELTS exam takes a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes to be
completed. The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken in one sitting
without a break. The Speaking module may be taken 7 days before or after of the
other modules.
You cannot pass or fail IELTS. The test is scored on
a band scale. A band is a level of ability. You can score anywhere between 0-9
bands. The test results will be sent to your home address or educational institute
within two weeks of taking the test. You will be given your total band score as
well as a breakdown of your scores in the four different sections. An IELTS
score is valid for a period of 2 years.
If you are thinking of taking the IELTS test, then
it is advisable that you continue with your efforts to improve in English
through class study or self-study. It is important that you read, write, speak
and listen to English on a regular basis.
Some of the ways you can improve through self-study
may be:-
Ø Listening:
·
Podcasts on the internet
·
News websites or channels like BBC, CNN,
NBC, CBS etc.
·
Watching YouTube
Ø Speaking:
·
Use Skype or any other such media to
talk to English speakers
·
Pick any random topic and talk about it
for 2-3 minutes
·
Make an audio or video of yourself while
speaking, watch it and then try to rectify your mistakes
Ø Writing:
·
Write a blog or an article
·
Leave comments on blogs or videos
·
Post messages in chat rooms
·
Write a letter to your friend
·
Write something on Facebook or Twitter
Ø Reading:
·
Read newspapers and magazines in English
online or otherwise
·
Do web research on subjects that
interest you
·
Follow blogs that interest you
·
Read books written in English
You can also develop listening skills and vocabulary
by watching movies or listening to songs in English. Try and use as much
English as possible in your daily lives. Make sure that the English you hear
feature a mix of American, British, Australian, New Zealand and South African
accents. Get your grammatical skills polished and work on building a
substantial vocabulary range. There are many websites which have standard
resources and guides to help the test takers. Some of them, which I find to be
good, are:-
It is wise to remember that ‘Practice makes a man
perfect’. So, focus on practising and all the best to you!