Have you watched the movie Chakde! India? Just like how Kabir Khan, played by Shah Rukh Khan, gets his hockey team ready for a global hockey tournament, you’re also getting ready for a special test that can help you acheive your dreams. This test is called IELTS, and it’s like a big game where your preparation and consistent hard work can help you succeed. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test where you need to prepare well, make a plan, and do your best to acheive. If you want to go to a new college, get a job, or move to a place where people speak English, doing well on IELTS can help you take over. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about IELTS so you can do great on the test and achieve your goals
What is IELTS?
IELTS is a test that determines how well you speak English. It is important for individuals who desire to attend a new school, work in a different nation, or relocate to an area where English is spoken.
How does IELTS work?
IELTS is designed for people who want to study in an English-speaking environment, work in or emigrate to an English-speaking country, or find a job in their home country that requires English proficiency. Because of this, there are two IELTS tests to choose from:
| IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
|---|---|
| IELTS test can help you secure university acceptance, student visas, and prove your English ability to professional organisations. | This test examines your English proficiency in the workplace and is frequently used to demonstrate your level when applying for a new position with an English-speaking company or organisation. |
What’s in the IELTS Test?
The IELTS test has four parts and they are:
| Listening | This section analyses your ability to understand ideas, recognise opinions, and follow the progression of an argument. You listen to stories or conversations and respond to questions, such as after hearing a story and discussing it. |
| Reading | This section evaluates your reading comprehension in terms of general sense, main ideas, and details, as well as your understanding of the author’s inferences and opinions. You read short passages and answer questions, similar to reading a book and then telling what you remember. |
| Writing | This section looks at how well and accurately you organise your thoughts and write a response, as well as your ability to use different words and grammar. |
| Speaking | This section looks at your ability to communicate views and knowledge on everyday topics and common experiences, as well as how you express and justify what you think. You talk to someone about different topics, like having a friendly chat with your teacher or a friend. |
Facts about IELTS
| Test Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes |
| Test Format: 4 sections including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. |
| The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are done on the same day with no breaks. |
| The Speaking section can be scheduled on the same day as the other sections, up to 7 days before or after. |
IELTS Advantages and Benefits
- IELTS is a globally recognised test. IELTS is the world’s most widely accepted English language test, trusted by immigration authorities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
- Life is full of options, and making the best decisions for your future is important. IELTS helps this by allowing you to take the test on paper or on a computer. You can choose between the Academic and General Training versions, depending on whether you’re testing for work, school, or migration. Furthermore, you can select your preferred test date and location from over 1,400 centres in 56 countries.
- Taking the IELTS test can improve your job prospects, especially since English is the primary language in 55 countries. Strong English skills can help you pursue career opportunities abroad. Countries such as New Zealand and Canada require more than just basic English; you have to prove your skills and that you are proficient for achieving a certain score on the IELTS test to be considered for jobs there.
- IELTS includes a live speaking exam with an examiner, reflecting real-life conversation. This in-person engagement can better prepare you for life overseas by mimicking frequent interactions with coworkers and acquaintances. This benefit might be important in deciding between the IELTS and other exams.
How does IELTS help with visa requirements?
Many English-speaking countries immigration authorities require confirmation of English language proficiency before issuing a visa. This proof is provided by IELTS.
- After taking an IELTS test, you will receive an official Test Report Form (TRF) with your IELTS result.
- Your TRF has validity for two years and needs to be shown to visa officials as proof of your English proficiency.
- Every visa has its own IELTS score requirement. It is necessary that you confirm the score required to get your visa.
Visa requirements by country
The IELTS criteria in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand are as follows:
United Kingdom
✅If you are interested and want to move to the United Kingdom, the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has been approved for UK visa applications. You can take a UKVI test for Academic or General Training.
✅IELTS UKVI examinations must be taken at a UK government-approved testing institution.
✅The IELTS Life Skills test is readily available for persons seeking a family visa, family extension, spouse or partner visa, indefinite leave to remain, or citizenship.
Canada
✅Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) accepts IELTS scores as a proof of English language proficiency.
✅The Express Entry method is the primary pathway for skilled immigration and needs English or French language fluency. If you are applying for a study permit, work visa, professional registration, or permanent residency in Canada, you will most likely be required to include your exam results.
Australia
✅IELTS is the preferred English language test among companies and the Australian immigration authorities. Student, immigrant, and general skilled migration visas all need confirmation of English fluency and proficiency.
✅To study or work in Australia, you will require an Australian visa. You may need to demonstrate that your English language skills match the requirements specified by the Australian Department of Home Affairs also known as DOHA.
The United States of America
✅Many visa categories in the United States demand confirmation of English language competency. For example, obtaining a student visa requires English ability.
✅Unlike the United Kingdom and Australia, some work visas, such as H-1B and L1, do not require confirmation of English proficiency. However, your IELTS score can increase the likelihood of your application being accepted.
New Zealand
✅Proof of English proficiency is required for job opportunities, skilled migrant, and student visas. IELTS is highly regarded and respected in New Zealand, and it is frequently the preferred test of universities and employers.
How is IELTS different from TOEFL?
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | |
| Module | IELTS on Computer and IELTS on Paper | IELTS on Computer |
| Length | 2 hours 45 minutes | 3 hours 15 minutes |
| Score | 0-9 | 0-120 |
| Differences in how IELTS and PTE are marked | Reading and Speaking tests are marked by experts who understand different cultural nuances. | Marked by AI |
| Results | 3-5 working days for IELTS on Computer test and 13 days for Paper-based test | 10 days |
Who develops and runs IELTS?
IELTS is run by some of the trusted organisations in English Education:
- The British Council
- IDP IELTS
- Cambridge English
How to Register for the IELTS Test?
Step 1: Register for your IELTS test
Visit the official IELTS website, select “Register for test,” and choose between IELTS Academic or General Training, as well as paper or computer test options.
Step 2: Select your city
Choose the location where you want to take the test, applicable for both paper and computer tests.
Step 3: Pick a date & time
You can choose a convenient date and time from the available options.
Step 4: Complete the online application
Next you can fill out the required details, upload a clear copy of your passport, and submit the application form.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
Use a Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card to pay the fee online.
What is the minimum IELTS exam score?
No set number is required for the IELTS exam; the task at hand will determine what constitutes a decent score. If you apply to higher education, the university may specify the score you need. The same applies if you apply for a job. Verify with the institution to determine the minimum score required. If you have trouble preparing for the IELTS, taking a practice test can help you improve your score.
Tips to Crack the IELTS
| Tip | Description |
| Know the Test Format | Understand the IELTS test structure and types of questions in each section. |
| Practice Regularly | Set aside time each day to work on practice tests and exercises. |
| Enhance Your English | Read books as much as you can and want to, watch Hollywood movies, and speak in English with your friends and colleagues to build your English proficiency skills. |
| Take Practice Tests | Perform test conditions to become accustomed to timing and pressure. |
| Get Feedback | Ask teachers to review your writing and speaking practice. |
| Use Official Materials | Study with helpful resources from official IELTS providers for practice. |
| Learn Test Strategies | Develop techniques for each section to improve efficiency and accuracy. |
| Stay Calm and Confident | Keep a positive attitude and manage stress during the test. |
Final Thoughts
The IELTS exam assesses English language proficiency. People take the IELTS to prepare for education or work in an English-speaking country. If you are moving to the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia, you will most likely need to take the IELTS. If you plan to relocate to the United States, you might need to take a different exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q 1: What is the IELTS exam for?
Ans :IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English language competence test. IELTS is the most common English language competency test for higher education and global mobility, with over 4 million test takers worldwide each year.
Q 2: Is IELTS very difficult?
Ans :While preparing for IELTS it is normal to feel stressed, anxious before taking an exam that has numerous portions. While getting a high score on the IELTS is tough, it is not impossible. Remember that passing the IELTS involves dedication, preparation, and a concentrated mentality.
Q 3:Who is eligible for IELTS?
Ans :Anyone can take the IELTS exam. It is advised that you be at least 16 years old when taking the IELTS exam, but there are no other requirements. Registration for the IELTS exam is simple and can be done online at the IELTS IDP India’s website.
Q 4: What are the 4 types of IELTS?
Ans :IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS UKVI and IELTS Life Skills.
