The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS for short, is a mandatory international level test for Non-Native English language speakers who are aiming to study or work in native English speaking countries.
The concept behind this test is to assess the feasibility of the potential students or workers in all aspects of English language usage. Thus, it assesses them on how well they can communicate in oral and written forms along with comprehending what they have heard and read.
IELTS – FORMATS
IELTS is available in two formats- Academic and General Training. The Academic Module assesses whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The General Training Module emphasizes language skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is suitable for candidates who are going to migrate to an English-speaking country or for candidates planning to undertake work experience or training programs not at degree level or to complete their secondary education.
IELTS – TEST FORMATS
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests and a choice of Reading and Writing tests- Academic or General Training. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing- must be completed in one day. No break is given between the three tests. The Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other three tests. TEST PATTERN FOR IELTS EXAM:
The total test duration of IELTS exam is 2hrs and 45 minutes. It comprises of four modules i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
Listening test: In Listening test there are 40 questions and time is approximately 30 minutes. The module shall have multiple choice questions, short answer questions, sentence completion and chart/ table completion based questions respectively.
Reading test: In Reading test there are 40 questions and time is approximately 60 minutes. The questions will be based on the identification of writers’ views/ attitudes, matching lists/ phrases, labeling a diagram and choosing suitable paragraph respectively.
Writing test: In Writing test there are 2 Task and time is approximately 60 minutes. The section will be consisting of 2 tasks in writing to be completed in 150- 250 words respectively.
Speaking test: In Speaking test there are 3 parts and time is approximately 11-15 In this module it is consist of Face to Face interaction with an examiner.