Ielts course outline

Description:

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This exam is developed by some
of the leading experts of English language. IELTS exam estimates all of your English skills such as
reading, writing, listening and speaking. It is designed to show how you will use English at study,
at work, and at play in your new life abroad. This test is accepted more than 10,000
organizations across the world including schools, universities, employers, immigration
authorities and professional bodies. The IELTS is the most effective way of testing your English
conversation skills.

IELTS Listening Section:

The Listening section of IELTS has four sub-sections. The first one is a conversation between
two individuals set in an everyday social context. Second is a monologue or a speech. Third
section is a conversation among a maximum of four people set in an academic setting and the
final one is a monologue on an academic subject, for instance, an academic lecture. Each
section is heard only once. Candidates can notes while listening to the conversations and
lectures, which can be referred to while answering the questions.

IELTS Reading section:

Reading section assesses the test taker’s skill in reading as she/he has to answer questions
(multiple choice, sentence completion, summary writing, matching information, short-answers
etc.) after reading text passages. Each passage consists of 13-14 questions; overall Reading
module has 40 questions to be answered. A variety of question types like reading for gist,
reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument,
recognising writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose are used in order to test a wide range of
reading skills. The reading passages and questions are different in Academic and General
Training IELTS.

Reading- IELTS Academic:

The Academic version of IELTS includes three long texts where the subject matter range from
the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The texts are authentic and are
taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. These are selected for a non-specialist
audience but are appropriate for candidates entering university courses or seeking professional
registration abroad.

Reading- IELTS General Training:

General Training version requires candidates to read extracts from books, magazines,
newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials
one is likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking environment.

IELTS Writing Section:

The IELTS writing section, again, is different for the two versions (Academic and General
Training). In each version, the section consists of two tasks:

Writing- IELTS Academic:

The writing component of IELTS Academic includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest and
suitable for candidates planning undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad or seeking
professional registration.
Task 1

Candidates will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe,
summarise or explain the information in own words. Test takers may be asked to describe and
explain a given data, describe the stages of a process, flowchart of how something works or
describe an object or event.

Task 2

Candidates would be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or

problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal and academic style. Arguments should be
supported by relevant examples.

Writing- IELTS General Training:

The writing component of IELTS General Training includes two tasks which are based on topics
of general interest.

Task 1

Candidates will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information
or explaining a given situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.

Task 2

Test takers will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem.
The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay.
Opinions should be supported by relevant examples.

IELTS Speaking Section:

The Speaking component assesses the candidates’ use of spoken English; takes between 11 to
14 minutes to complete. The entire speaking test is recorded by the examiner. The Speaking
component is delivered in such a way that it does not allow candidates to rehearse set
responses beforehand.

Part 1

The examiner will ask general questions about oneself and a range of familiar topics, such as
home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts for about four and five minutes.

Part 2

Candidates will be given a card which asks the examinee to talk about a particular topic. He/she
will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then
ask one or two questions on the same topic to complete the second part of the speaking test.

Part 3

Test takers will be asked further questions connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions will
give candidates opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issue. This part of the test lasts
for about four to five minutes.
Brief description:

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally owned and
globally recognized direct English language assessment of the highest quality and integrity
readily available throughout the world. It is a highly dependable, practical and valid English
language assessment primarily used by those seeking international education, professional
recognition, bench-marking to international standards and global mobility. This program
prepares participants for all parts of the IELTS exam - the Listening, Reading, Writing and
Speaking modules. It focuses on the skills and techniques required to sit for the test by helping
them to familiarize with the various test formats and acquire test-taking strategies.

FAQS

'What is IELTS?'
'IELTS is the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe.
Conducting one million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system.

'Which organisations accept IELTS?'

'IELTS is accepted by more than 6000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments,
government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies. '

'Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?'

'IELTS is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
(Cambridge ESOL). International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials. Ongoing research ensures that
IELTS remains fair and unbiased. Test writers from different English-speaking countries develop IELTS content so it
reflects real-life situations.'

'Why are there two versions of the test?'

'IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a
tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience
or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same
Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.'

'Which version should I do?'

'Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to
which you are applying to find out what it requires. Note that you must know which version to take when you complete
the online application form.'

'What is the test format and how long will it take?'

'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 same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.'.'

'When can I take IELTS?'

'IELTS is available on 48 fixed dates a year – up to four times a month, depending on local demand.'

'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, you
will be told the fee.'

'What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?'

'If 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.'

'Is the IELTS test completed in one day?'

'The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and
with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the
test date.'

'Which part do I take first?'

'You do the Listening test first following by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test
centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.'
'What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?'
'As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.'

'How are the tests marked?'

'IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive
individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from
one to nine.'

'When will I receive my test results?'

'Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centres also provide SMS alerts
and an Online Results Service. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy.'