If you are thinking of studying in the UK, the University, College or School will ask for your IELTS results because this will indicate what level of English language you have. The IELTS rating goes from 0 – 9.
The IELTS is an internationally recognised English language grading system that is used by Universities, Colleges and many work places the world over. Its full name is: The International English Language Testing System and it was founded by the British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessments.
IELTS exams are available to take 4 times a month in over a 130 countries. Many of the test centres can be located within University and College buildings, and there are many courses to help you prepare for the exams.
A Two Test Choice
There is a choice of two IELTS examinations: Academic and General Training. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training cover four sections: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS Academic
This version of the IELTS measures English language proficiency needed for academic and higher education learning. What is examined here is the same for everyone who takes this examination, irrespective of nationality and their subject focus. It contains:
Listening: Four monologues and conversation.
Reading (60 minutes): This section contains three long reading passages. The texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. This part includes non-verbal materials and diagrams. The texts have been taken from books and newspapers.
Writing (60 minutes): This section of the examination is a writing task, which is at least 150 words. The candidate here will be asked to summarise, describe or explain a table, graph, chart or diagram. There will also be a short essay task of at least 250 words.
Speaking (60 minutes): This section consists of a face-to-face interview and includes short questions. You will be asked to speak at length about a familiar topic in a structured discussion.
IELTS General Training
Listening (30 minutes): Four recorded monologues and conversations will be played.
Reading (60 minutes): Three reading passages and tasks are presented in this section. Section one contains two or three short factual texts. Section two contains two short, work related, factual texts, and section three contains one longer text on a topic of general interest.
Writing (60 minutes): This section consists of a letter writing exercise (150 words), and, a short essay writing exercise (250 words) is included in this section also.
Speaking (11 to 14 minutes): This section of the examination consists of a face-to-face interview where short questions will be asked. The candidate will be asked to speak at length about a familiar topic and hold a structured discussion.
For more information on studying in the UK, visit Anglo Education’s website: www.angloed.com
Related articles
- Why Choose the IELTS? (joetritter.wordpress.com)
- How to Enhance Your Comprehension Skills in the IELTS (joetritter.wordpress.com)
- Role of International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (competitioncellblog.wordpress.com)
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