IELTS Test

Earning the IELTS certificate is the most notable way by which a non-native speaker can showcase the native-like expertise over English and gain access to the world of endless opportunities. Presenting this qualification will let you seize learning and work opportunities spun across the world. Candidates who have contrived success in the related IELTS exam are qualified to become a part of a strict English-speaking environment like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada without any glitches. Also, success in this single test will make you a desirable candidate for more than 10,000 global universities and agencies. Notably, it is considered as the only Secure English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration.

Test Eligibility

Anyone who is above 16 years and intends to study or migrate to English-speaking countries can aim at it. There are no minimum conjectural competencies required to appear for this exam. However, one must ensure that s/he owns a valid passport at the time of the test appearing.

IELTS - Types and Other Crucial Details

All in all, the IELTS exam has 2 versions with different purposes: the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training. If your dream is to get admission to a university or college of global repute, take up the IELTS Academic evaluation. Consider this even if you are trying to obtain professional registration in an English-speaking ecosystem. The next option is for those who are willing to make countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK their home or want to get trained or study below the degree level in these countries. In both cases, the exam can be taken in a computer or paper-based format and is available globally. Presently, it is accessible in 140 countries at more than 1,200 locations. The test, however, is open for all on four dates per month. Hence, candidates will have 48 dates around the year to appear for the IELTS exam. Still, for the General Training version, only 24 dates are available. To know more, exam scheduling can be done online or in-person plus, candidates have the freedom to pick any slot from the available dates. Then, taking up this exam will cost nearly $245-255 per attempt. As far as scoring is concerned, the exam is scored on the band of 1-9. Also, there is no pass or fail. Once earned, the score remains valid for two years. As a rule, result declaration takes 3-5 days for a computer-based evaluation while test-takers have to wait for 13 days for the eventual result if they have attempted a paper-based exam.

Knowing Exam Components

In all, key language skills tested via the IELTS validation are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here are the details that any IELTS test-taker should gather about these four exam components:

• Listening

  This section lasts for 30-minutes and consists of 40 questions. Most of the items follow MCQ, matching, form, note, & table completion, and short-answer format. This exam is further divided into four parts which are based on conversations and monologues, where the test-taker has to listen to them and answer the corresponding questions. Note that this part is the same for both IELTS types.

• Reading

  For this area, candidates will have 60 minutes to attempt 40 questions. Here, the inquiries are based on MCQ, information identification, heading matching, note completion, and short-answer format. Three text-based reading paragraphs, in particular, evaluate the academic reading competency of the test-taker. The details of the IELTS General Training differ a bit. For instance, here, the first exam section will include two or three short texts based on everyday tasks. The second segment will have two work-related texts. The final task will have a long text related to the general interest.

• Writing

  In this exam, the aspirant has to face two tasks. The first one asks the test-taker to write a minimum of 150 words on a given topic within 20 minutes. In the second task, one has to pen down at least 250 words in 40 minutes. Writing a text which is off the topic and is less than the suggested word limit will lead to the penalty. This was the information regarding the IELTS Academic while the General Training test also lasts for 60 minutes with the two tasks to complete. However, in such an exam, applicants will have to respond to a situation given and then write an essay on a problem or argument.

• Speaking

  Toughest of all, the Speaking section is a one-to-one interaction to analyze the English speaking abilities of the candidate. It is conducted in three sections, viz., general introduction, long turn, and discussion. In total, this section lasts for 11-14 minutes.

Books Helping You throughout IELTS Exam Journey

While the outcome of passing the IELTS test seems promising and lucrative, weaving success is never as easy as it seems for a non-native speaker. Areas like right pronunciation, extensive vocabulary, and right flow have made the exam journey nothing less than an uphill struggle. Still, thanks to Amazon for housing some amazing exam preparation resources under one roof. Referring to the IELTS books, available on this platform, will simplify the exam journey beyond one’s understanding level. So, here are some consider-worthy options:

• Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS

  Whether you’re aiming at the General Training or Academic IELTS versions, this book by Pauline Cullen, Vanessa Jakeman, and Amanda French is a holy grail for every aspirant. Packed with the latest information, expert advice, and clear explanations, this guide will help you ace the IELTS in each section. Significantly, there is audio and video assistance as well.

• IELTS Book for General Training and Academic 2021 – 2022

  Offered by Mometrix, this ideal resource to refer to as it comes with step-by-step video tutorials and a detailed review of all IELTS exam sections. Moreover, the information here is presented in a structured and planned way. Plus, such a study guide flaunts featuring numerous practice questions to help you excel in the actual evaluation.

• IELTS Superpack

  This book comes from the hand of a Ph.D. holder, Lin Lougheed, and is packed with all assistance material that any IELTS test-taker will ever demand. The pack, particularly, includes a study guide, practice tests, preparation tips, and essential words for the IELTS. Once you have it, success becomes a sure thing in your soon-coming IELTS validation.

Concluding Words

With the IELTS, one will be ready to explore the whole world without any qualms. Study or work opportunities in promise-filled nations will no longer be out of the reach of a non-native speaker. However, the process of earning this certification is not as simple as it seems. Other than commitment and dedication, the right study resources are also essential. Speaking about the latter, Amazon is the best platform to access quality IELTS test study guides and books.