What is IELTS? An English teacher with 15-years’ experience will give his quick review. 15 - 20 min read ⏰
Introduction
First things first – IELTS IS NOT FREE! It costs on average about $250 to take the test (see my blog on IELTS costs for more details). And if you fail, you will need to take it again and pay another $250. I have known students who have had to take the test 4 times, costing them over $1000. So to avoid unnecessary time (‘cos time is money) and expense, you should follow the motto of my website – “Train hard, test easy.” Start now! It is never too early.
Secondly, I am not IELTS!! I am a mentor/trainer who helps students to pass IELTS. I cannot give you an IELTS certificate. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an exam that is used by a vast number of authorities and universities in English speaking countries to assess the English language ability of non-native speakers. For work or study, or to migrate to an English-speaking country, you will need to take an IELTS test. One major caveat (word of warning). It is valid only for TWO YEARS. So do not take it too early, or you may have to pay another $250 (+inflation) to take it again. BUT don't take it too late. or you will be cramming at the last minute and if you fail, you may not have enough time to resit it before your application deadline!! See?!! Knowing what the IELTS is about is information that is necessary and that cannot be avoided. This blog will attempt to make it clear.
History
It was a joint venture between the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, that launched the forerunner to IELTS in 1980; the English Language Testing Service (ELTS). Designed to provide for the growing need for a reliable English proficiency test that could be used by educational, professional, and immigration organizations, its motivation was to provide a standard test of English language for non-native speakers, making sure that they had the necessary language skills to succeed in English-speaking countries. Later iterations saw the test evolve, and in 1989, it was relaunched as IELTS, showing some improvements in test design and content.
Since its launch, IELTS has seen a rise in the number of test-takers. In 2015, around 2.5 million tests were taken around the world. This number increased to over 3 million by 2019. More recently, in 2021, notwithstanding challenges posed by the pandemic, approximately 2.9 million tests were taken. Today, IELTS is recognized globally as a leading English proficiency test, looked to by thousands of institutions and organizations around the world.
What is IELTS?
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is an exam designed to assess the English language proficiency of individuals who are not native English speakers. Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English, the test is recognized by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, and immigration authorities.
What is the IELTS Exam?
The IELTS exam is divided into two main versions:
- IELTS Academic: This version is intended for those who want to pursue higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment. It evaluates whether a candidate is ready to begin studying or training in English.
- IELTS General Training: This version is for those who are going to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. It is also a requirement for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.
IELTS Test Structure
The IELTS exam assesses four language skills:
- Listening: This section lasts 30 minutes and includes four recordings of native English speakers. It tests your ability to understand main ideas, details, and opinions.
- Reading: This section lasts 60 minutes. For the Academic version, it includes texts from books, journals, and newspapers. For the General Training version, it includes extracts from books, magazines, and advertisements.
- Writing: This section lasts 60 minutes. It includes two tasks: Task 1 requires you to describe visual information (Academic) or write a letter (General Training),and Task 2 requires you to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.
- Speaking: This section lasts 11-14 minutes and is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It is divided into three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn where you speak about a particular topic, and a two-way discussion.
Why is the IELTS Exam Important?
The IELTS exam will allow a student access to lots of opportunities:
- Education: Many universities and colleges require IELTS scores for admission into their programs.
- Employment: Employers in English-speaking countries often require IELTS scores to ensure that employees have the necessary language skills.
- Immigration: Immigration authorities in countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK use IELTS scores to assess the language proficiency of visa applicants.
How to Prepare for the IELTS Exam
Preparation is key to performing well on the IELTS exam. Here are some tips:
- Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the test format and types of questions.
- Practice Regularly: Use IELTS practice tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Improve Your English: Read books, watch English-language films, and engage in conversations in English.
- Take a Preparation Course: Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course (like Michael's free course) for structured learning and expert guidance.
Conclusion
The IELTS exam is a necessary step for anyone looking to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country. Now that you realize what IELTS is and how to prepare for it, you should start training as soon as possible to take the test. The test is not simple and even native speakers have been known to have been challenged. This blog has given you the necessary information. Knowledge is key…. but practice is power!! Train hard, test easy!
Article by Michael Lang
Published 20 Jul 2024