Introduction
If you are going to take the IELTS test, you may ask a friend or a previous test takers about it. And absolutely you will go to Mr. google and you will find a lot of tips, resources and advices on how to ice the test easily. But what really we neglect is the test itself. This is the most important tip and advice you should know to get the score you dream of. This a common proverb that says “ know your enemy to get the victory. This is the same for the IELTS test. Knowing the test is the first and most important tip any test taker should know.Of course, I will share with you my experience with the IELTS test and provide you with the most beneficial skills and tips in many following articles m. But today, let’s talk for a while about the IELTS test itself in a simple way to have a clear vision about the format, types, structure and questions.
What is the IELTS??!!
The IELTS is one of the most important tests in the world that measures the proficiency of English language. It stands for International English Language Testing System and it is designed for students or speakers of other languages who want to study abroad in any English-speaking country. It is also for those who want to live or work there.
Why is IELTS important?
Although we have the TOEFL test today, the IELTS is well-recognized by many universities, institutions, organizations and companies in many English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 Australia 🇦🇺 , New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Canada 🇨🇦. Moreover, the IELTS has priority when you allot for the chevening scholarship award which is considered the most famous scholarship in the world.
Is the IELTS one version???!!
Actually, there are two main versions of the IELTS test.
- Academic IELTS
The academic ielts is for students who want to study abroad. measures your ability to communicate and understand English in the university context.
- General Training IELTS
The general training ielts is for people who want to work or live in one of the English-speaking countries. It is easier than the academic ielts because it does not have academic or scientific topics. It is also for students who wish to attend a secondary school in of the the mentioned countries.
However, there is a third new type of the IELTS called “ life skill IELTS”. This test is only for people who wants to apply for the UK visa and family migration. Unlike the previous two versions, the like skill IELTS tests only your proficiency in speaking and listening.
The IELTS Sections
Like other English proficiency tests, the IELTS assesses your ability in the four language skills; reading, listening, writing and speaking. However, the types of questions and levels of difficulty are to some extent different in all the test versions. Make sure you have chosen the right version for you and be familiar with the test format and types of questions.
Listening Section
In this section of the test, you will have about 40 questions and approximately 30 minutes to answer them. You are allowed to write the answers on the questions paper as you will be given 10 minutes in the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. There are 4 parts of the listening test. The first two conversations focus on the social needs and daily like, while the second two conversations are concerned with academic context. A variety of native-speaker English accents are used in the listening test of the IELTS.
Reading Section
In the reading test, there are three passages with 40 questions that you have to answer in 60 minutes. You have to write down your answer directly to the answer sheet because you will not be allowed to transfer your answers. All the passage me are taken from original English newspapers, magazine or any authentic context.
Writing Section
In the writing section, there are two main tasks and 60 minutes. In the first task, you will be give a diagram, chert or table and the you have to describe the information in your own words. The second task is an argumentative essay. You will have to express your point of view or give a solution to a problem. However, do not spend more than 20 minutes in the first task because the second one needs more time.
Speaking Section
The speaking section is an interview between you and the examiner. It takes approximately 14 minutes and is consisted of three parts. In the first part, you will have to answer some general questions about yourself. In the second part, you will be give card of paper with a topic that you have to talk about. You will be given 1 minute to prepare yourself and start talking. The third and last part is 5 minutes of discussion about different issues related to the topic of the second part.
Find more information about the IELTS and practice resources here.
0 Comments