International English Language Testing System

IELTS Immigration International English Language Testing System Why IELTS? Further Studies Organised by UCLES British Council IDP Countries Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, Parts of America

STRUCTURE Writing Reading Listening Speaking

Structure of the test LISTENING 3-4 sections : 40 questions 30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answer GENERAL TRAINING READING 3-4 sections : 40 questions 60 minutes ACADEMIC READING 3-4 texts : 40 questions 60 minutes GENERAL TRAINING WRITING 2 tasks : a letter 150 words And essay 250 words 60 minutes ACADEMIC TRAINING WRITING 2 tasks : information transfer 150 words, and essay 250 words 60 minutes SPEAKING An interview minutes

Myths IELTS can be self prepared. Giving the exam at a particular IELTS testing centre gets you a better band. IELTS can be taken 3 times only. IELTS test is different in different countries. Getting a good score is a proof of my ability anytime in the future. Choosing the module could be according to my wish. If the score is unexpected, nothing can be done about it. As many practice tests as possible would mean a good band. IELTS test is a difficult one to crack.

What is in the IELTS listening module ? Time allowed 30 minutes to 35 (10 mins transfer time) Procedure  FIRST MODULE OF THE TEST  CASSETTE IS PLAYED ONLY ONCE  INDIVIDUAL HEAD PHONES ARE PROVIDED  QUESTIONS TO BE ATTEMPTED FROM THE BOOKLET  ANSWERS TO BE TRANSFERRED USING PENCIL ONLY Number of questions A total of 40 questions in three - four sections Structure of test Section 1: A talk between two speakers about a social/semi-official topic. Section 2: A monologue (i.e. spoken by one speaker) about a social (non-academic) topic Section 3: A conversation between two to four speakers about an academic topic. Section 4: A university-style presentation of an academic topic by one speaker Sometimes a section may be spread over two to three pages of the question paper. Listening test is same for both modules

A comparison of Academic and General Training Reading Modules AcademicGeneral training Reading passages Different Three passages from magazines, books, journals or newspapers Topics of general interest At least one passage presents a detailed logical argument Three passages from notices, advertisement booklets, magazines, timetables, books, journals or newspapers etc Passages focus on social survival, training survival and general reading Time allowedSame60 minutes Number of questions SameGenerally 40 Format of questions Same Multiple choice questions Gap-fill questions Short answer questions Matching questions True/False/Not Given Ques. Multiple choice questions Gap-fill questions Short answer questions Matching questions True/False/Not Given Ques. Reading strategies Same Skim, scan and read intensively

Time Allowed 11 to 14 minutes Procedure The examiner will call you into the examination room from a waiting area. You and the examiner will be alone in the examination room, sitting & facing each other with a desk between you. The examiner will switch on a cassette-recorder at the beginning of the test. The purpose of this recording is to ensure that the examiner has conducted the test correctly. Format The test consists of three parts Part 1: Introduction and interview (4 to 5 minutes) Part 2: Individual long turn (3 to 4 minutes, including 1 minute to think and prepare) Part 3: Topic Card (4 to 5 minutes) What is in the IELTS Speaking Module

A comparison of Academic and General Training Writing Modules AcademicGeneral Training Format of Questions Task 1 Task 2 Different Same Describing and interpreting in your own words, a graph or chart. Giving an opinion or suggesting a solution to a problem. Writing a letter describing a situation that you are in and requesting someone to do something about it. Giving an opinion or suggesting a solution to a problem. Level of difficulty of topic Task 1 Task 2 Different More difficult Relatively easier Time allowed Task 1 Task 2 Same 20 minutes 40 minutes 20 minutes 40 minutes Number of words required Task 1 Task 2 Same 150 words 250 words 150 words 250 words