IELTS

Maximum Time Limit: 2 hours 30 minutes and 15 minutes Speaking
Maximum Test score: Band 9
Test fees: INR 7,200
Results in: 14 Business days
Mode: Paper based test
Register via: Wesley’s Authorised IELTS Desk by British Council and IDP

IELTS, International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. It covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.

IELTS has two modules: General Training and Academic. The General Training module is usually taken by people who want to immigrate, and the Academic module is taken by people who want to study abroad. It is essential that you check with the receiving country or institution to find out which module you need to take. It is your responsibility to choose the right module.

STRUCTURE

Listening module (4 sections, 40 questions) —> duration 30 minutes
Academic reading/general training reading module (3 sections, 40 questions) —> duration 60 minutes
Academic writing/general training writing (2 tasks, 150 and 250 words) —> duration 60 minutes
Speaking module (a face-to-face interview) —> duration 11 – 14 minutes

Common modules

Listening – Time: 30 minutes

Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of conversation and dialogues and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and record their answers.

Speaking – Time: 10 – 15 minutes

The test takes the form of a face to face interview between one candidate and one examiner. Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a familiar topic and also to ask questions and interact with the examiner.

General modules

Reading – Time: 60 minutes

The texts are based in the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the candidate’s ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative.

Writing – Time: 60 minutes

The format of the test is the same as the equivalent Academic module. The first task requires candidates to write a letter either asking for information or explaining a situation.

The second task is a short essay of around 250 words, and it is written in response to a given point of view or problem. Candidates are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge other ideas, using the appropriate tone or register.

Academic modules

Reading – Time: 60 minutes

There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument.

Writing – Time: 60 minutes

For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain data.

For the second task, candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tome and register.

TEST SCORES

You are graded through Band scores on a scale of 1-9 which is recorded on a Test Report Form. This shows your overall ability as well as performance in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The test modules are designed to cover the complete range of ability from non-user to expert user.

WHO RECOGNISES IELTS?

IELTS is recognised for course admission by universities in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, and the UK. In the USA the IELTS Test is now recognised by more than 1400 institutions including 7 out of 8 Ivy League Schools. IELTS is also required as proof of your language abilities for immigration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom.

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