What is the IELTS Exam?
Types of IELTS Tests
There are three types of IELTS tests:
- IELTS Academic: This test is tailored for those who wish 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 at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. The academic version assesses the language skills necessary for academic life, including understanding complex texts and articulating arguments clearly.
- IELTS General Training: This version is for those going to English-speaking countries for secondary education, work experience, or training programs. It is also required to migrate to countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The General Training test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts, making it suitable for those aiming to live and work in an English-speaking environment.
- IELTS for UKVI: This is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa applications to the United Kingdom. It is similar in content, format, and level of difficulty to the standard IELTS test but is specifically designed to meet certain administrative requirements specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). This test is necessary for various types of UK visas, such as British citizenship, family visa extensions, health and care worker visas, and others.
Importance of the IELTS Exam
IELTS Exam Format
Listening
The listening section lasts for 30 minutes and consists of four recordings. However, the candidates are entitled to another 10 minutes to transfer their answers. The total number of questions asked in this section is 40. Candidates listen to each recording once and answer questions as they listen. This section tests a range of listening skills, including understanding main ideas and detailed factual information, recognising speakers’ opinions, attitudes, and purposes, and following the development of an argument.
- Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context (e.g., a conversation about travel plans).
- Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context (e.g., a speech about local facilities).
- Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context (e.g., a discussion between students and a tutor).
- Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject (e.g., a university lecture).
Reading
The reading section, lasting 60 minutes and including time for submitting answers, comprises three parts, each featuring a single extended text. The texts are authentic and are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. They are appropriate for test-takers entering university courses or seeking professional registration. The Reading section tests a wide range of reading skills, including reading for gist, for main ideas or detail, skimming, understanding logical arguments, and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purposes.
- Academic Reading: Includes texts from books, journals, and newspapers.
- General Training Reading: Features extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines.
Writing
The Writing section lasts for 60 minutes and is divided into two tasks. Candidates are assessed on their ability to write an appropriate response in terms of content, format, and language.
- Academic Writing:
- Task 1: Candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram and asked to describe, summarise, or explain the information in their own words.
- Task 2: Candidates are asked to respond to a point of view, argument, or problem with a well-structured essay.
- General Training Writing:
- Task 1: Candidates are presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation.
- Task 2: Candidates are asked to write an essay responding to a point of view, argument, or problem.
Speaking
The Speaking section lasts 11-14 minutes and is conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner. It is divided into three parts:
- Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes). The examiner introduces themselves and asks the candidate to introduce themselves and confirm their identity. The examiner then asks general questions about familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests.
- Part 2: Long turn (3-4 minutes). The candidate is given a task card with a topic and asked to speak about it for one to two minutes. The candidate has one minute to prepare their talk and can make notes if they wish. The examiner then asks one or two questions on the same topic.
- Part 3: Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes). The examiner asks further questions related to the topic from Part 2. This part of the test is designed to allow the candidate to discuss more abstract ideas and issues.
Please note that:
- The speaking test is conducted face-to-face with a certified examiner.
- If you opt for IELTS Online, the Speaking test is typically conducted before the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests.
IELTS Exam Pattern
Reading
| Section | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | The texts deal with everyday topics, such as notices, advertisements, and timetables. You need to pick out important information. | Listen for specific details and keywords. |
| Section 2 | The texts focus on work-related topics, such as job descriptions, contracts, staff development, and training materials. | Focus on the main ideas and the speaker’s attitude. |
| Section 3 | The text deals with a topic of general interest, is generally descriptive and instructive, and is longer and more complex. Sources include newspapers, magazines, books, and online resources. | Identify connections between different points. |
Listening
| Section | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Conversation between two people in a social context | Listen for specific details and keywords. |
| Section 2 | Monologue in a social context | Focus on the main ideas and the speaker’s attitude. |
| Section 3 | Conversation in an educational or training context | Identify connections between different points. |
| Section 4 | Monologue on an academic subject | Pay attention to complex information. |
Writing
| Task | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | Descriptive/Letter Writing | Plan your structure before writing. |
| Task 2 | Argumentative/Discursive | Develop a clear argument and support it. |
Speaking
| Part | Description | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | Personal Questions | Be concise and confident. |
| Part 2 | Monologue | Organise your talk with clear points. |
| Part 3 | Discussion | Give detailed and reasoned answers. |
How to Register for the IELTS Exam
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Visit the official IELTS website.
- Select your test centre by choosing your country/territory and city.
- Click on ‘Book A Test’ to choose an available test from the provided list.
- Select your test type, module, and preferred city for the exam, then click ‘Book Now’.
- View available time slots and associated fees. Select your preferred slot and click “Book Now”.
- Complete the registration form, review your details, and proceed to payment.
- Upon completing registration, you will receive a confirmation email with your IELTS exam details.
Important Dates and Deadlines for 2024
Year-Round Accessibility
The IELTS test is accessible throughout the year, offering up to four test dates each month. This results in a total of 48 scheduled test dates annually. This extensive availability allows test-takers to choose a date that best fits their schedule and preparation timeline. For the whole list of dates, you can visit the official IELTS website.
Module-Specific Availability in India
In India, the availability of IELTS test dates varies between the Academic and General Training modules:
- Academic Module: Available on all 48 test dates.
- General Training Module: Available on 24 test dates.
This differentiation ensures that candidates applying for academic purposes have more frequent opportunities to take the test compared to those taking it for general training purposes.
Convenient Scheduling
Most IELTS tests are held on Saturdays and Thursdays to accommodate the diverse schedules of test-takers. This allows candidates to choose a test date that best fits their personal and professional commitments.
Test Day Structure
- Listening, Reading, and Writing Sections: These sections are conducted on the same day, ensuring a streamlined testing process.
- Speaking Test: The Speaking test may be scheduled up to seven days before or after the main test date, depending on the test centre’s scheduling.
Registration Deadlines
While you can typically register for an IELTS test date up to a few weeks before the exam, it is advisable to register at least 2-3 months in advance due to high demand.
Fees and Payment Methods
- Test Fee: The cost of the IELTS exam varies by location and test type but typically ranges from INR 11000 to INR 18000.
For 2024, the the IELTS exam fees for different cities are tabulated below:
| City | IELTS Exam Fee (2024) |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | INR 17,000 |
| Delhi | INR 17,000 |
| Bangalore | INR 17,000 |
| Chennai | INR 17,000 |
| Mumbai | INR 17,000 |
| Punjab | INR 17,000 |
| Pune | INR 17,000 |
| Kerala | INR 17,000 |
| Kolkata | INR 17,000 |
| Ahmedabad | INR 17,000 |
The following is a list of the IELTS test fees for India in 2024, based on the types of tests.
| IELTS Test Type | IELTS Test Fee 2024 |
|---|---|
| IELTS on Computer for UKVI | INR 17,250 |
| IELTS on Computer | INR 17,000 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) | INR 16,050 |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration | INR 17,250 |
| Pen and Paper-based IELTS | INR 17,000 |
Payment Methods: You can pay via credit/debit card, PayPal, or bank transfer.
Preparation Tips for the IELTS Exam
Effective Study Strategies
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate specific times for studying each test section. Consistency is key.
- Use Official Materials: Utilise official IELTS practice tests and materials for the most accurate preparation.
- Join Study Groups: Collaborate with other test-takers to share tips and practise together.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and spend more time improving them.
Importance of Practice Tests and Time Management
- Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests to familiarise yourself with the exam format and time constraints. This will help you build stamina and reduce anxiety on test day.
- Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively during the test. Practice completing each section within the allotted time to ensure you can finish all questions.
Tips for Improving Skills in Each Section
- Listening: Listen to a variety of English audio materials, such as podcasts, radio programs and lectures. Practice summarising what you hear.
- Reading: Read widely from different sources, including academic journals, newspapers and books. Practice skimming and scanning for information.
- Writing: Practise writing essays and letters on a variety of topics. Get feedback from teachers or peers to improve your writing skills.
- Speaking: Engage in regular conversations with native English speakers. Practice speaking on a variety of topics and record yourself to evaluate your performance.
IELTS Scoring System
Explanation of the IELTS Band Score System
The IELTS test is scored on a nine-band scale, with each band corresponding to a level of English proficiency. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. The band scores range from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
Table for Reference
| Band Score | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert User | Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding. |
| 8 | Very Good User | Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. |
| 7 | Good User | Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations. |
| 6 | Competent User | Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. |
| 5 | Modest User | Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. |
| 4 | Limited User | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
| 2 | Intermittent User | No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations. |
| 1 | Non-User | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test | No assessable information was provided. |
How Each Section is Scored
- Listening and Reading: Each correct answer receives one mark. The total number of correct answers is converted to a band score.
- Writing and Speaking: These sections are scored based on performance descriptors. Examiners evaluate skills such as coherence, cohesion, grammar and vocabulary.
Overall Band Score Calculation
The overall band score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example:
- Listening: 7.0
- Reading: 6.5
- Writing: 6.0
- Speaking: 7.5
- Overall Band Score: (7.0 + 6.5 + 6.0 + 7.5) / 4 = 6.75, rounded to 7.0
Required Scores by Universities and Employers
IELTS score requirements vary depending on the institution and purpose. Here are some general guidelines:
- Undergraduate Programs: Typically require a band score of 6.0 to 7.0.
- Postgraduate Programs: Generally require a band score of 6.5 to 7.0.
- Professional Registration: Requirements vary, but a band score of 6.0 to 7.5 is common.
- Immigration: Scores for immigration purposes vary by country but usually range from 6.0 to 7.5.
Please note: This requirement differs depending on the country and the university.
Test Day Guidelines
What to Expect on the Day of the Exam
- Arrival: Arrive at the test centre at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
- Check-in: Present your ID and confirmation email. You may also need to have your photograph taken.
- Test Room: You will be assigned a seat and provided with necessary materials (e.g., pencils, erasers).
- Instructions: Listen carefully to the instructions given by the invigilators.
Items to Bring and Prohibited Items
Items to Bring:
- Valid ID (passport or national ID)
- Pencils and erasers (if not provided by the test centre)
Please note that: You must present the same identification document that you used on your IELTS application form. Without the correct ID, you will not be permitted to take the test.
Prohibited Items:
- Mobile phones and electronic devices (including personal watches).
- Personal items such as bags and wallets (these must be left outside the test room)
- Notes, books, and any other unauthorised materials
Tips for Managing Exam-Day Nerves and Staying Focused
- Get a Good Night’s Sleep: Ensure you are well-rested the night before the exam.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Have a nutritious meal to keep your energy levels up.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before the test.
- Practise Deep Breathing: Use relaxation techniques to calm your nerves.
- Focus on the Task: Concentrate on each section and avoid dwelling on previous answers.
FAQ
Registration
It’s recommended to register at least 3-4 months in advance to secure your preferred test date and location.
Yes, you can change your test date after registering. However, please note that if your request to change the test date is made close to the original test day, it might be considered a cancellation.
You will need a valid passport or national ID. Ensure the document you use for registration is the same one you bring on test day.
Preparation
Use a combination of official practice materials, study groups, and mock tests. Focus on improving your skills in each section.
Preparation time varies, but most candidates spend 2-3 months preparing for the exam, dedicating several hours each week to study and practice.
Yes, there are numerous free resources available, including practice tests, sample questions, and study guides on the official IELTS website and other educational platforms.
Test Day
Late arrivals may not be allowed to take the test. It’s crucial to arrive on time to avoid missing the exam.
Yes, you can bring a transparent bottle of water. Make sure it has no labels or writing on it.
If you feel unwell on the test day, inform the test centre staff as soon as possible. You may be able to reschedule your exam for a later date with a valid medical certificate.
IELTS results are typically available 13 days after the test date. You can view your results online or receive a Test Report Form (TRF) by mail.
Scoring
Yes, if you believe your scores do not reflect your performance, you can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) within six weeks of your test date. There is a fee for this service, which is refunded if your scores change.
Yes, IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. After this period, the scores expire and are no longer considered valid for admissions, visa applications, or other purposes.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered all the details of the IELTS exam, from understanding its format and registering for the test to effective preparation strategies and test day guidelines. Achieving a good IELTS score is crucial for opening doors to educational and professional opportunities in English-speaking countries. Thorough preparation, utilising available resources, and staying focused on your goal is key to success.
We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights and information to help you excel in your IELTS exam. Best of luck on your IELTS journey!
