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A Basic Introduction to IELTS

A Basic Introduction to IELTS

What is the purpose of the IELTS test? IELTS is available in two modules: Academic and General Training. Each is designed to meet particular purposes. The IELTS Academic module is intended to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. The IELTS General Training module is intended for candidates who are going to Englishspeaking countries to complete their secondary education, to undertake work experience or training programmes not at degree level, or for immigration purposes to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Who accepts IELTS scores? IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies (including medical authorities), immigration authorities and other government agencies. Details of organisations recognising IELTS are available on the IELTS website www.ielts.org Who runs IELTS? IELTS is run by an international partnership of University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. What does the test consist of? IELTS includes tests of Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The total test length is 2 hours 44 minutes, made up of Listening (30 minutes), Reading (1 hour), Writing (1 hour) and Speaking (1114 minutes). The Speaking test is administered face-to-face with a trained examiner. Modified test versions are available for candidates with special requirements. Detailed descriptions of the test components can be found on the IELTS website www.ielts.org Where can candidates take IELTS? There are currently more than 300 authorised test centres in over 100 countries worldwide. IELTS test centres around the world are managed by British Council or IDP: IELTS Australia. In the USA, IELTS centres are managed by IELTS International. Test centres are listed on the IELTS website www.ielts.org When can candidates take IELTS? IELTS Academic modules are administered on 48 fixed dates each year. General Training modules are administered on 24 fixed dates each year. How much does it cost to take IELTS? IELTS is delivered at a fixed price in each country. This price is made up of a standard central fee and a variable local fee. Details of centre locations, test dates and fees can be accessed from the IELTS website www.ielts.org How are results reported? Candidates receive a score on the IELTS 9-Band Scale which has remained constant since 1980. This is reported on the Test Report Form. A profile score for each skill is also reported which is then averaged and rounded to produce the Overall Band Score. For Writing and Speaking, performance descriptors have been developed which describe written and spoken performance at the nine IELTS bands. Public versions of these band descriptors have been developed: see IELTS Writing Band Descriptors: Task 1, IELTS Writing Band Descriptors:
IELTS Scores Explained

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A Basic Introduction to IELTS

Task 2 and IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors. More details of how final scores are calculated and estimates of reliability can be found in the document Score Processing, Reporting and Interpretation. Results are available 13 days after the test date. Institutions may apply for access free of charge to verify results online and electronic downloads are available. Further Resources The IELTS website contains a wealth of further information about IELTS and is regularly updated. In particular, you may wish to review the following: IELTS Application form The IELTS Application form also contains the Notice to IELTS Candidates with information, advice and regulations for IELTS candidates. IELTS Information for candidates This leaflet provides a description of the test and sample items together with guidance on procedures. It is given to every candidate applying to take an IELTS test, and on the Application form, the candidates sign to confirm that they have received a copy. Official IELTS Practice Materials This contains sample practice tests for both Academic and General Training modules. Copies are available for purchase from Cambridge ESOL, IDP: IELTS Australia and IELTS test centres. IELTS Annual Review This is an annual publication providing a summary of the previous years milestones and achievements. Copies of the current and previous editions are also available for downloading from the IELTS website as pdf files. The History of IELTS This is an account of the development of IELTS, and its predecessor ELTS, since 1980. The analysis of test data (test performance and test-taker performance) Each year, multiple versions of each of the six IELTS sub-tests (Listening, Academic Reading, General Training Reading, Academic Writing, General Training Writing, and Speaking) are released for use by centres testing IELTS candidates. Technical information including reliability estimates for the objectively and subjectively scored sub-tests used are reported on the IELTS website, as well as annual figures on test-taker performance with mean band scores for the test-taking population. IELTS Research All IELTS research activities are co-ordinated as part of a comprehensive and coherent framework for research and validation of the test. IELTS Grants and Awards Two major components of this research framework are the IELTS Masters Award and the IELTS Joint-funded Research Program. FAQs on IELTS This is a list of commonly asked questions about IELTS and their answers. Online teaching resources The rapid uptake by stakeholders has seen an increase in demand for IELTS preparation services for candidates. An online resource for teachers of IELTS classes has been
IELTS Scores Explained

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A Basic Introduction to IELTS

developed which includes sample tasks, tips for teachers and students, DOs and DONTs, ready-made activities to use with classes, skills development, exam practice tasks and FAQs for each module. See http://www.cambridgeesol.org/teach/ielts/

IELTS Scores Explained