A background info on the IELTS test
What is the IELTS test?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that measures English language proficiency. It lets employers and school staffs know if you are able to handle studying in English on equal footing with native speakers. It’s widely recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
There are two types of IELTS exams:
Academic IELTS:
This is for those applying to study at a university or higher education institution in an English-speaking country.
General Training IELTS:
This is for those who are migrating to an English-speaking country for work, training programs, or for immigration purposes.
The IELTS test consists of four sections:
Listening (30 minutes):
Here you will listen to four recordings, which usually take the form of conversations or lectures, and answer questions based on them.
There are 40 questions in total.
Reading (60 minutes):
This section differs depending on whether you take the Academic or General type of IELTS test. You will answer 40 questions based on the reading passages.
Academic Reading:
Includes texts that are more complex, often taken from books, journals, or articles.
General Training Reading:
Uses passages from books, advertisements, or workplace-related materials.
Writing (60 minutes):
Academic Writing:
You’ll need to write a descriptive report based on a graph, chart, or diagram (Task 1), and an essay in response to an opinion, problem, or argument (Task 2).
General Training Writing:
Task 1 asks you to write a letter (formal or informal), while Task 2 is an essay similar to the Academic version.
Speaking (11-14 minutes):
This section is a one-on-one interview with an examiner.
It’s divided into three parts. The Speaking section of the IELTS exam is designed to assess your ability to communicate effectively in English in various contexts.
More about the IELTS speaking section
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
In this section, the examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself as well. You’ll be asked questions about familiar topics such as:
Your hometown or where you live
Your studies or work
Your hobbies and interests
Daily life and routines
The purpose of Part 1 is to help the examiner assess your ability to speak fluently on familiar subjects and to see how naturally you can engage in a conversation. The questions are fairly simple, but the examiner is paying attention to your pronunciation, fluency, and the variety of language you use.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
In this section, the examiner will give you a task card with a topic on it. You will have 1 minute to prepare and make notes, and then you’ll be asked to speak about the topic for 1-2 minutes.
You are expected to give a detailed, organized response without interruptions. It’s okay if you take a moment to think or use your notes during your answer. This section tests your ability to speak at length on a given topic and organize your ideas.
After you finish speaking, the examiner will ask some follow-up questions to clarify your response.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
In the final part of the speaking test, the examiner will ask you questions related to the topic from Part 2. However, these questions will be more complex and abstract. The aim of Part 3 is to assess your ability to express opinions, explain ideas, and support your arguments with examples. You’ll also be expected to discuss more general issues or broader topics.
This part tests your ability to engage in more thoughtful and detailed conversations, demonstrating your ability to use a wide range of vocabulary, grammar, and complex sentence structures.
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