International English Language Testing System
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is widely used for educational, immigration, and professional purposes.
Types of IELTS Tests
1. IELTS Academic:
- Designed for those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
- Focuses on the language skills needed for an academic setting.
2. IELTS General Training:
- Intended for those planning to migrate to English-speaking countries (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK) or who are seeking work experience or training programs.
- Emphasizes basic survival skills in a broad social and workplace context.
Test Format
The IELTS test is divided into four sections:
1 : Listening:
- 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for transferring answers to the answer sheet).
- Four recordings of native English speakers.
- Questions include multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion.
2 : Reading:
- 60 minutes.
- Three reading passages with tasks.
- Types of questions include multiple choice, identifying information, identifying writer’s views/claims, matching information/headings/features/sentence endings, sentence completion, summary/note/table/flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer questions.
3 : Writing:
- 60 minutes.
- Two tasks:
- Task 1: Describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram (Academic) or write a letter (General Training).
- Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument, or problem.
4 : Speaking:
- 11–14 minutes.
- Face-to-face interview with an examiner.
- Three parts: Introduction and interview, long turn (speaking for 1-2 minutes on a given topic), and a two-way discussion (further questions on the topic).