This article will throw light on an alternative English
proficiency exam to TOEFL which is gaining popularity – IELTS. This article
will explain what is IELTS and its types; methods to take IELTS and IELTS
format. Also mentioned are some useful preparation methods to crack IELTS
What is IELTS and its types?
IELTS is short form for International English
Language Testing System. IELTS is organized and managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd(IELTS
Australia). It is an
examination which tests English proficiency of the test takers. It tests the
ability of the test takers to read, write, listen and speak in English. For
Indians, IELTS has started to become an alternative to TOEFL, which is
comparatively lengthy and difficult. For information about TOEFL read this article: What is TOEFL?
There are two types of IELTS exams:
- Academic Version: For higher education aspirants in the countries like Australia, New Zealand, UK, US, Canada, South Africa and other countries. Other professionals such as doctors, nurses or lawyers who want to practice in English speaking countries like Australia, US and UK.
- General Training Version: For all those aspirants who wish to undergo training programs in the English speaking countries. Also this version is taken by other non-professional employees who wish to work in these countries. Also, if you are applying for immigration VISA, you need to have IELTS English proficiency and this version is taken by such aspirants.
IELTS format for Academic Version
We are discussing about the Academic version of IELTS which
is required by higher education aspirants. IELTS has the following 4 modules:
- Listening module: 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
- Reading module: 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
- Writing module: 2 tasks, 60 minutes
- Speaking module: 3 parts, one to one interview – 10 to 15 minutes
The listening, reading and writing modules need to be
completed in a day. Speaking may be taken a week before the test day, on the
test day or a week after the test day depending on the availability of
interviewers and time slots.
How to prepare for listening module of IELTS
- Understand the question types asked in the four sections. Section 1: Day to day conversations, section 2: speech or conference, section 3: lecture discussion or study group discussion and section 4: monologue, lecture
- The most important feature of IELTS is that you can read the questions even before you hear the recordings. So, you already have an idea of what is required from the speech. Make full use of this speech.
- You need to write the answers on the question sheet. Only after the end of exam, you need to reproduce the answers in the answer sheet. So, transfer the answers with care.
- The listening section questions have a word limit. Do not exceed the word limit.
- Do not make any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Points will be deducted for such errors.
How to prepare for reading module of IELTS
- Understand the question types asked in the three sections. Every section contains a long passage. The content of the passage can be taken from scientific journals, books, magazines or publications and can be related to any field – science, engineering, health, medicine, law or social service. Questions are based on these texts.
- Most of the questions are directed towards implied meaning of the content. Also, questions are generally asked regarding the central idea of the passage or the main theme of the passage
- A lot of practice of reading comprehension will help you score well in this section of IETLS
- You can write the answers directly on the answer sheet. It is recommended to do so as you will be wasting your time at the end while transferring answers from question sheet to answer sheet.
- If you still insist on writing answers on question sheet, you can do so. But, after the end of exam, you need to reproduce the answers in the answer sheet. So, transfer the answers with care.
- Do not make any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Points will be deducted for such errors.
How to prepare for writing module of IELTS
- Understand the tasks asked in the writing module. Task 1 -150 words and task 2 – 250 words
- Task 1 contains graph, chart or diagram and the test takers are supposed to write about the information provided in these graphs or charts or diagrams. Task 2 contains an essay writing question based on point of view, argument or problem.
- The answer has to be written directly on the answer sheet and in pen or pencil.
- Do not write answers in the form of points or bullets. Your marks will be reduced if you do so.
- Do not make any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors. Points will be deducted for such errors.
How to prepare for speaking module of IELTS
- The speaking module of 3 parts and this module is a one to one conversation between the examiner and the test taker.
- Part 1: Introduction is required and some general questions about family, work, etc are asked; part 2: Examiner has to choose a task card on which a topic is written. You are given 1 minute to prepare answer and 1-2 minutes to talk on that particular topic. After the talk, the examiner might ask 1 or 2 questions on the same topic; part 3: More of a discussion rather than an interview. Some more questions are asked regarding any other issues or topics.
- The only preparation technique one can follow is constantly speaking in English with your family and friends till your exam date. It will help you keep In touch with speaking.
- Answer confidently even if you are not sure whether it is correct or wrong.
