IELTS Frequently asked question and answers
- Post by: axiom
- January 16, 2019
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- What is IELTS?
“IELTS” stands for International English Language Testing System – the most popular English language examination, which examines one’s English proficiency who aspires to study or work overseas.
- Why should I take IELTS exam?
IELTS is a platform that profoundly judges the candidate’s English language knowledge and usage. The score obtained supports the candidate’s Visa and Immigration application. Previously it was only confined to UK visa and immigration (UKIV) but now it’s mandatory for most of the countries which includes US, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, EUROPE. The other benefits of taking IELTS exam is that a high score in your IELTS examination can also allow you to gain more points in the points test and grant your more access to different work visas. Even most businesses require overseas employees working in Australia to prove their English level with an IELTS Score.
- What are the different sets of IELTS?
There are two types IELTS: British council and IDP Australia.
- What is the difference between IDP and British council?
Both IDP (International Development Program) and British council are part owners of IELTS along with Cambridge English Language Assessment. They are all one company.
- Which one is easy BC or IDP?
As mentioned earlier both BC and IDP are one company, there is no difference between BC and IDP. There is no difference between examiners and marking in the BC and IDP.
- What are the different questions in IELTS?
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The speaking test may be on the up to seven days before or after the other tests.
- What are the different versions of IELTS?
There are two types IELTS Academic and General: Academic is for people who aspire to study aboard and general is for immigration for work or PR. For nurses who wish to work in UK are obliged to take Academic exam.
It has to noted that there is only 2 major difference in between academic and general exam i.e., in the writing and reading section, whereas the speaking and listening remains the same.
- How much does it cost?
IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General Training tests are the same cost. When you apply online, you will be told the fee.
- What are the required score for qualifying IELTS exams?
The scale on which the score given are bands out of 9. In order to qualify the exam there are two different types of score required for different versions (academic and general). For academic an overall score of 7/ 6.5 bands are required and individual 7 bands in all the modules for immigration to Australia, New Zealand whereas, 8777 band for immigration in Canada.
- How are the band score assigned?
All the 4 section (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) are marked out 40 and each score has a scale of bands assigned. The bands slightly differs for reading in academic and general. As shown below.
- What if I postpone/ cancel the test?
You postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
- When will I receive my test results?’
Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centers also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy.
- What can I bring into the examination room?
Only pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or keep it on you, you will be disqualified.
- Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?
No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.
- How many attempts can I make if I don’t score the desired bands in the first attempt?
There is no such specific attempt to clear the test. You can try multiple times until you succeed but it’s always advised to clear in the minimal attempts or to be specific first attempt if possible, after a perfect practice. IELTS is not a tough exam if practiced well under experienced supervisors.