Many young Indians hoping to move abroad for their higher education will come across the acronym IELTS. It’s an English language exam that many universities ask you to complete to prove your proficiency in the language. Let’s learn more about the exam and how you can ace it.
What Is the Full Form of IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It’s one of the most common English language proficiency tests available. Most universities in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia ask for IELTS scores from aspiring students.
How Does IELTS Work?
The world’s leading language experts developed the IELTS to test your English skills. The exam tests your listening, reading, writing, and speaking abilities.
- Listening Test
The listening portion of the test checks three abilities:
- How well you understand main ideas and specific factual information.
- Whether you can recognise the opinions, attitudes and purpose of the speaker.
- If you can follow the development of an argument.
As part of the test, you must listen to four recordings of native English speakers, following which you have to answer 40 questions. You receive one mark for each correct answer. Your score of 40 then gets converted to the IELTS 9-band scale.
- Reading Test
The reading section checks your ability to read efficiently and quickly and check how you manage your time. You need to read three passages and then answer related questions. Your answers help evaluators understand how well you interpret the passages and inferences and pick up on various details. You have to answer 40 questions that include a mix of short answers to open-ended questions and multiple-choice questions.
- Writing Test
The writing test checks how well you write a response, your ability to organise ideas, and whether you can use a range of vocabulary correctly. You only have to answer two questions, but the answers should be 150 words and 250 words. You have a total of 60 minutes for the section, so it’s a good idea to spend 20 minutes on the shorter question and 40 on the longer one.
- Speaking Test
The speaking test is similar to an interview. Your examiner will ask you a few questions during the first part of the test. Next, you have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak on a topic. Finally, you partake in a two-way discussion for around 5 minutes. The section takes 15 minutes, with examiners testing your ability to express your thoughts coherently.
What Is Academic and General Training IELTS?
When you register for the IELTS, you must select between the Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS. Let’s learn more.
- Academic IELTS
The test evaluates whether your English skills are suitable for academic environments. Opt for the Academic IELTS if you want to study abroad or work for a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.
- General Training IELTS
The test measures your ability to use English for practical everyday tasks. You can take the General Training IELTS to emigrate or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country.
What Is IELTS Course?
Many students look for tutoring classes or training courses to help them prepare for IELTS. You can register to prepare for the exam with a certified expert from the British Council, one of the co-creators of the test. Or, you can choose to prepare for it at home. You can work on mastering your English skills by following these tips:
- Take a Practice Test
Start by attempting a practice exam to identify your strengths and weaknesses. It will help you decide what skills you should focus on more.
- Get Familiar with the Format
Ensure you familiarise yourself with the test format. Look at the questions typically asked in each section and review the passages for the reading, writing and listening sections.
- Time Yourself
The IELTS is a timed exam, so when you practise, ensure you time yourself. Be mindful of time constraints and work on answering correctly and quickly.
- Multitask When Possible
Listen to clips of people speaking in English while you try and complete your daily activities. Multitasking will encourage you to focus on the conversation and help you fill in the blanks even if you sometimes miss a few words.
- Immerse Yourself in English
While preparing for the exam, surround yourself with the language. Try and watch films and shows in English. Read magazines, papers and online blogs in the language and listen to podcasts. Immersing yourself in the language helps you polish your pronunciation and pick up on intonations.
What Is a Good IELTS Score?
The IELTS uses a score band from 0 to 9 to rate your language skills. Let’s look at what your score means:
| Score | Skill Level | Description |
| 9 | Expert | You have expert command of the language and use it fluently. |
| 8 | Very Good | You have operational command of the language but may misunderstand certain unfamiliar situations. |
| 7 | Good | You have a good command of the language but face occasional inaccuracies. |
| 6 | Competent User | You can use English effectively but may use inappropriate words or phrases in certain situations. |
| 5 | Modest User | You can handle basic communication in your field. |
| 4 | Limited User | You have a limited understanding of the language but understand it in familiar situations. |
| 3 | Extremely Limited User | You only understand the general meaning in very familiar situations. |
| 2 | Intermittent | You face great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. |
| 1 | Non-User | You can barely understand the language, save for a few isolated words. |
| 0 | Did Not Attempt the Test | You did not answer any questions on the test. |
Most universities require a score of 7 or higher. However, depending on your course and college, you may get accepted even with a lower score of 6.5.
What Is the Exam Fee for IELTS?
In India, you must pay exam fees of Rs. 16,250 to take the IELTS. If you cancel your application five weeks before the test date, you will get a 75% refund. If you cancel within five weeks or do not appear for the exam, you will not get a refund. However, if you have a medical certificate to excuse your presence, you must produce it within five days of the test. After deducting the local administrative fee, you will receive a refund.
What Is First Language in IELTS?
When you register for the IELTS online, you must provide your personal and other information. You must declare your country name, your nationality and your first language. Here, first language refers to your native language or mother tongue.
Completing the IELTS to Study in USA
Different countries and universities have varied language requirements. While most colleges in the UK, USA, Australia and Canada accept IELTS scores, always check your preferred university’s eligibility requirements. Some colleges in America prefer a TOEFL score, so you might want to appear for that exam instead.
Funding Your Higher Education Abroad
Paying for the IELTS and pursuing your higher education abroad comes at a cost. You can opt for an education loan for study abroad to help fuel your academic aspirations. Education-focused lenders like Avanse provide loans that help cover the cost of entrance and language exams like the GRE, GMAT, and IELTS. If you choose to get a loan, ensure you find a lender who offers student-friendly interest rates and flexible repayment terms.
The IELTS is one of the most common English language tests today. You can prepare online and work hard to get a good score to secure admission to the university of your dreams.