IELTS
The IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is a widely accepted test of the English language and accepted in many foreign universities and institutions all over the world, especially across Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and the USA.
IELTS Score
The scores of an IELTS examination are assigned, in terms of bands, and the range of the score is from 0 to 9 in which the O score is given to the least performing, and 9 bands is given to the expert in the language.
The passing score of the candidate or the minimum score requirement will depend on the University to which the candidate has applied or the immigration program through which he is applying for selection.
However, a score of 6 is a competent score and is the least required score at most of the places. The test is usually conducted in the above-mentioned 4 categories and a candidate has to qualify in all.
IELTS Test Components
The test has 4 components even as the total time taken to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Reading: The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correctly answered question fetches 1 mark. Therefore, the maximum score you can achieve is 40. A band score ranging from Band 1 to Band 9 is then awarded on the basis of this score.
Time Required: 60 minutes
Writing: When marking the Writing section of the test, examiners use detailed assessment criteria which describe written and spoken performance at each of the 9 IELTS bands. Examiners give a band score for each of the 4 areas: Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. These 4 are given equal-weighted. The writing component consists of 2 parts, one is Academic and the other one is General. Most students opt for the Academic pattern which is a bit tough, but in the General IELTS, the candidate has to undergo a Letter writing session. Task 2 carries more weightage in your final band score than Task 1.
Remember: illegible handwriting will reduce your final score.
Time Required: 60 minutes
Speaking: The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an interview between the test taker and a trained and certified examiner.
- Part 1: Interview and introduction: Test takers answer general questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics, such as their home, family, work, studies and interests. (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Indvidual long term: Test takers are given a card which asks them to talk about a particular topic. They have one minute to prepare before speaking up to two minutes. The examiner may then ask one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test. (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way discussion: Test takers are asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions give the test taker an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas. (4-5 minutes)
Time Required: 11 to 14 minutes
Listening: The test has 40 questions. The listening materials are recorded on a cassette tape/CD/DVD and you will get a chance to hear it just once. When the recorded material ends you will have just 10 minutes to copy your answers into the answer sheet.
Time Required: 30 minutes