IELTS

-A Complete Guide
 Contents
Title Page

Introduction to IELTS 1
IELTS exam requirement 3
IELTS test procedure 4
Types of IELTS exams 5
Importance of IELTS examination 6
IELTS Eligibility 7
IELTS registration 7
IELTS exam dates 9
IELTS exam pattern and syllabus 2022 10
IELTS score calculation 12
IELTS results 13
IELTS from home 14
Preparation for IELTS 15
Important tips for the IELTS exam 15
FAQs 16
 Introduction to IELTS

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System is one of the widely
taken language proficiency tests by international students and workers who wish to
study or work in an English-speaking nation. The United Kingdom, Australia, New
Zealand, the United States, and Canada are the most prevalent countries where IELTS
is recognized for university applications. The four major language competencies
examined by the exam are Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. It is jointly owned
by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. In India,
the test is solely administered by IDP.

Target audience: People who wish to study a programme delivered in English.

Required by: Institutions that provide English-language programmes (including

English-taught degrees in non-Anglophone countries). In nations where English
language proficiency is essential to obtain a visa, IELTS results are also accepted.

Types: IELTS Academic -Suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking

country/institute.

IELTS General Training: It is for those applying to study below degree level. Can also
be taken for work experience or other employment training.

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Duration: Two hours and 45 minutes (15 minutes for the speaking test).

Purpose: To assess English proficiency in an academic or general context.

Grading: Scores are assigned to each of the four components (listening, reading, writ-
ing, and speaking) on a scale of one to nine, with one indicating a non-user and nine
indicating an expert user. On the same scale, candidates receive an aggregate overall
score. Individual institutions are in charge of determining their own target scores. One
can retake the test an unlimited number of times.

Cost: Varies as per the location.

Validity: Two years.

Format: IELTS can be taken in paper-based or computer-based format.

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 IELTS Exam
Requirement
In English-speaking nations such as Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the
United States, and Canada, the IELTS exam is necessary for migration as well as
academic purposes. It is the only English Language Test that UK Visas and
Immigration (UKVI) has approved for visa applicants applying both outside and inside
the United Kingdom. Many students are confused as to why IELTS results are so
important. A simple answer is that international universities and visa granting
authorities must ensure that students will not experience any communication
problems while in the country. Their overall IELTS band scores are critical because
they must demonstrate a good grasp and command of the English language.
Another confusion among students is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not.
Many institutions may not use IELTS scores when considering applicants. However,
students should keep in mind that if they do not take IELTS, their prospects of
receiving a student visa may be harmed.

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 IELTS Test Procedure
The total time of the test is 2 hours 45 minutes and is
divided into 4 parts:

Format Time

Writing: 60 minutes

Reading: 60 minutes

Listening: 30 minutes*

Speaking: 11-14 minutes

 
4 parts 3 parts
40 questions 40 questions
30 minutes 60 minutes

 
2 peices of writing 11-14 minutes
(150-250 words)
30 minutes

*10 minutes extra are allowed to transfer answers from the question booklet to an answer sheet

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 Types of IELTS exams
IELTS
IELTS Academics IELTS General

It is needed to confirm language proficiency

It is needed for admissions to colleges or
to and employer, or for immigration purposes,
universities
or to obtain citizenship

IELTS Eligibility
To take the test, you need a valid passport and be 16+years old
-You can take this exam if you:
-Are planning to study in UK/CA/NZ/USA/AU
-Are a medical professional and want to work in UK/AU/USA
-Want to emigrate to CA/AU/NZ

How to book your IELTS Exam

You can find a test centre closest to you here:

https://www.ielts.org/-book-a-test/find-a-test-location

The IELTS examination is divided into two categories: Academic and General Train-
ing. For both exams, the listening and speaking components are identical.
The writing and reading sections, on the other hand, vary. The reading, writing, and
listening components of the IELTS examinations are all completed on the same day,
with no breaks in between. The speaking component of the test can be completed a
week before or after the other tests.
IELTS Academic Test: Those applying for higher education or professional registra-
tion in another country must take the IELTS Academic exam.
IELTS General Test: Those who intend to migrate to major English-speaking nations
such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom take the IELTS General Test.
Those who want to enrol in training programmes or secondary education, or get
work experience in a country where English is the primary language of communica-
tion, must take this test.

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 Importance of
IELTS examination
Improved English language skills:
This exam is designed to evaluate the English language in order to prepare
people for real-world scenarios, such as conversing with international students
at college, with people at work, or while travelling abroad.

Study abroad facilities:

For international students to be admitted, top-ranked and leading educational
institutions demand an IELTS score. It is a common eligibility criterion for
admission, coupled with previous academic performance. The higher the
institution's reputation, the higher the IELTS score requirement. Academic
IELTS is not only required for non-native speakers to attend university but it is
also required for those desiring to register with professional organisations.
IELTS is a true goal-setter, assisting deserving students in gaining admission to
some of the world's most prestigious schools.

Permanent residency
and immigration services:
The IELTS score aids applicants in their quest to immigrate to and settle in one
of the world's most developed countries. When applicants apply for PR or
immigration in English-speaking nations, the IELTS score is used as a
prerequisite component of the application procedure. In countries such as the
United States, Australia, Europe, Canada, and Germany, settling down is
always an attractive prospect. An IELTS score is required to assess applicants'
English language abilities and determine whether they can integrate,
communicate, and settle down in an English-speaking environment. Only visa
and immigration applications with an IELTS score are accepted and recognised
by the immigration authorities

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 Global employment opportunities:
As communication is the most basic requirement for work, big brands and
corporations require a valid IELTS score. English is now the global language of
business. Applicants must be able to speak, write, and communicate in English
in order to work for a global employer.

IELTS Eligibility
The IELTS exam is open to anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality, or
religion. As such, the IELTS administrators (IDP or British Council) have not set an age
limit. Candidates who are under the age of 16 are not encouraged to apply. However,
they can take the test if they wish to.

The IDP, which administers IELTS in India, has not established any IELTS eligibility
requirements. The IELTS IDP exam is open to anyone who wishes to pursue higher
education or employment in a foreign country (both Academic and General Training).
Candidates should, however, carefully check the educational institution's or
organisation's eligibility requirements before applying.

IELTS Registration
IELTS applications can be submitted in two ways: online or in person. Applicants can
register via phone, SMS, e-mail, or the internet. Applicants must identify a nearby test
location and obtain the contact number in order to register via phone. They must con-
tact, provide all pertinent information with ID evidence, and then reserve a date and time
slot. Payment must be made via the internet. When it comes to IELTS exam registration,
all that is required is valid national ID proof, such as a passport or driver's licence.

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The easiest and most convenient way to register for IELTS is to
do it online:

Visit www.ieltsidpindia.com

Choose "Register for IELTS”

Choose the test day and location

(students will see the seat
availability status)

Fill out the online application

Pay for the exam with a credit card

(Mastercard or Visa)

Get an instant seat reservation

and confirmation

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IELTS registration fee:
The IELTS fee for registration in India is INR 15,500 but it is subject to changes. There-
fore, applicants must confirm the amount when scheduling a test slot and then pay with
a digital payment method.

IELTS cancellation fee:

Candidates will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee if they cancel their
IELTS application more than five weeks before the test date.

Candidates will not be refunded if they cancel their IELTS exam less than five weeks
before the test date.

Candidates will not be refunded if they do not show up for the test. A cancellation is
a term used to describe this situation.

After deducting the local administrative cost, those who can show a medical certifi-
cate within 5 days of the test date will be eligible for reimbursemen

IELTS reschedule fee:

If candidates need to modify their test date, they must request a test day transfer at
least five weeks before their scheduled test date and pay the cancellation/postpone-
ment charges. Furthermore, the replacement test date must be no more than three
months after the initial test date. For the transfer of the exam date, candidates must pay
an administrative fee of INR 3,300, inclusive of all taxes.

IELTS Exam Dates

IELTS IDP India is the official IELTS conducting body in India. The IELTS test is offered at
various times throughout the year. Candidates should choose an IELTS exam date that is
convenient for them while also considering the institution's admissions deadlines. To pre-
vent making a last-minute mistake, students who plan to take the IELTS should schedule
their exams three to four months before their application deadline. To know more about
the dates and centres, visit https://www.ieltsidpindia.com/registration/registration

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IELTS exam pattern and syllabus 2022:
Duration and Number
Section Content Marks
of Questions
4 recordings
Listening 40 questions Four recorded monologues 40
30 minutes + 10 minutes and conversations
is the transfer time

Reading 40 questions 3 passages which can be 40

60 minutes analytical, factual, discursive,
or descriptive

Every task is graded

2 questions Writing task (minimum 150 words) separately. Task 2 is given
Writing 60 minutes Essay (minimum 250 words) more weight in the
evaluation process
than Task 1.

Part 1: Questions and Answers

3 questions Part 2: Speaking on a familiar -
Speaking 11-14 minutes topic in detail
Part 3: Structure discussion

IELTS reading section:

The reading modules are broken into three parts, each of which has 40 questions,
the majority of which are multiple-choice.

Candidates' abilities are examined in areas such as short answer questions, fact
identification, sentence or summary completion, identifying writer's attitudes/views,
and matching list or phrases.

Students will have 30 minutes to complete the portion and 10 minutes is the transfer
time.

IELTS writing section:

In this section of the IELTS exam, there are only two questions. Candidates will be
given a diagram, data, or a table in the first question, and they must then represent
the information in their own words. This question has a word limit of 150 words.
Candidates are given an argument, or point of view problems, in the second

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In this section of the IELTS exam, there are only two questions. Candidates will be
given a diagram, data, or a table in the first question, and they must then represent the
information in their own words. This question has a word limit of 150 words.
Candidates are given an argument, or point of view problems, in the second

IELTS listening section:

This element of the IELTS exam is divided into four sections, each of which includes
audio clips. The first would be about social needs, while the other two would be about
educational conditions. The audio clips might be a dialogue or a speech that will last
approximately three minutes and will only be played once. Short answers, note com-
pletion, MCQ, and a variety of other sorts of questions will be asked based on these
clips. This section's syllabus includes

Audio 1 - Dialogue based on social situations

Audio 2- A monologue addressing social issues that people face on a daily basis
Audio 3- A conversation between four people about education
Audio 4- A monologue about a topic related to academia

IELTS speaking section:

Part 1 (Introduction followed by an Interview) - In this activity, candidates must intro-
duce themselves in around 4-5 minutes by discussing their family, hobbies, interests,
educational history, and so on.
Part 2 (Long Turn) - Candidates will be given a flashcard with a topic printed on it for
this stage of the IELTS speaking exam. They can think for a few minutes, acquaint
themselves with the issue, and then speak for 2-3 minutes about it. Following that,
the interviewer may ask some follow-up questions to assess the candidate's knowl-
edge of the subject.
Part 3 (Discussion) - There would be a thorough examination of the topic presented
in Part 2 as well as the candidate's speech and comprehension. Candidates will have
the opportunity to go deeper into the subject and cover it in greater detail. This task
usually takes about 5-6 minutes to complete.

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IELTS Score Calculation:
Listening score: The IELTS listening band score chart above depicts the bands
awarded to applicants depending on the number of questions properly completed
in the listening skills section.

Listening band score Correct Answers

9 39-40 Listening band score Correct Answers

8.5 37-38 6 23-25

8 35-36 5.5 18-22

7.5 32-32 5 16-17

7 30-31 4.5 13-15

6.5 26-29 4 11-12

Reading score:

Academic Reading Test General Training Reading Test Academic Reading Test General Training Reading Test

Band Score Correct Answers Band Score Correct Answers Band Score Correct Answers Band Score Correct Answers

9 40-39 9 40 5.5 22-19 5.5 40

8.5 38-37 8.5 39 5 18-15 5 39

8 36-35 8 37-38 4.5 14-13 4.5 37-38

7.5 34-33 7.5 36 4 12-10 4 36

7 32-33 7 34-35 3.5 9-8 3.5 34-35

6.5 29-27 6.5 32-33 3 7-6 3 32-33

6 26-23 6 30-31 2.5 5-4 2.5 30-31

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Writing score:

Providing a proper overview and highlighting key features/stage

Task Achievement (Task 1)
details supported with proper data

Giving relevant points supporting the given answer stating an

Task Response (Task 2)
opinion, if asked, and providing a clear conclusion

Organising ideas and information into paragraphs and having a

Cohesion and Coherence
particular central idea in each paragraph using a range of connectors

Organising ideas and information into paragraphs and having a

Cohesion and Coherence
particular central idea in each paragraph using a range of connectors

Grammar Range and Accuracy Using a range of grammar tenses and avoiding errors

Writing score:

Talking at a length and speaking without pause or hesitation and

Fluency
using connectors that are easy to understand for listeners

Lexical Resource Paraphrasing and using ranges of words using collocation

Avoid grammatical errors. Using a range of tenses and using correct

Grammar Range and Accuracy
sentence structures

Able to be understood throughout the speech. Shouldn’t affect

Pronunciation
understanding and there should be accurate pronunciation

IELTS Result
Results are released within a week (online) or 13 calendar days (offline) after they sit for
the test. When the results are available, students will be notified via email. They can log
into their IELTS account on the IELTS results website to see their scores.

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IELTS From Home
IELTS Online Academic test is a new offering from the year 2022 that allows students to
take the assessment from their home or another suitable location to achieve their study
and career goals.

The test will be similar in substance and format to the present IELTS tests offered in paper
and computer-based formats. A real-time face-to-face speaking test, administered
online by qualified IELTS examiners, is included. IELTS Academic will cover all four skills -
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking - in IELTS Online. It will also feature the same
rigorous assessment by competent examiners, as well as a human-administered speak-
ing test that will provide a true indicator of the test taker's ability to converse properly in
English. However, it should be noted that this new IELTS test is only available in nations
where tests have been suspended due to coronavirus.

When booking starts on April 22nd, the countries where this test will be available will be
announced. Furthermore, it is only accessible for a limited time. On April 22nd, informa-
tion about the fees will be provided as well. Also, this test is only for those who want to
enter higher education.

IELTS

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Preparation for IELTS
A practice exam is recommended since it is the most effective technique to discover
shortcomings. This is an important step in the initial preparation process because it
will help students figure out their strengths and limitations. It is not only crucial to
improve on deficiencies, but it is also necessary to build on strengths in order to lay a
firm foundation for the exam.

Before a student begins practising, it’s extremely important that they know what to
expect from the test format. They should familiarise themselves with it by reviewing
the content of the test, as well as the question and task types for each section.

Students should begin studying for the exam at least 3–6 months ahead of time.

Important tips for the IELTS exam

• Candidates should focus on vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure equally.
• Candidates should write precise, relevant answers and avoid writing long paragraphs
and sentences.
• Candidates should conform to the word limit in order to finish the exam in the time
allocated.
• Candidates should test themselves in 2 hours and 45 minutes time-frame just like on
exam day. This will help them get to know what it feels like to take the reading, writing,
and listening tests consecutively.
• Do not spend too much time on the questions you don’t know the answer to. Move to
the next question to manage your time.
• Candidates should practice both British and American accents, as some numbers and
words are pronounced differently.
• Candidates should make sure that they have a good vocabulary and maintain the right
pronunciation for all the test papers.

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 Q.1 What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is intended to assist people in working, studying, or
relocating to a country where English is the primary language of communication. These countries include Australia,
Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. During the test, one is assessed on the ability to
listen, read, write, and speak English on a scale of 1 to 9.

Q.2 Which IELTS test do I take?

If a student wants to study in an English-speaking country, the IELTS Academic test should be taken. Whereas, the
IELTS General Training test should be taken for immigration or work.

Q.3 Who accepts IELTS?

The UK, Australia, New Zealand, the US, and Canada accept IELTS for university admissions. Some European
countries also accept it for English-taught courses.

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 Q.4 Can you take the IELTS online test from home?

Yes, it is a new offering where aspirants can take online from home if they do not wish to visit a test centre.

Q.5 Why choose IELTS?

IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency tests. Big corporations require a valid IELTS score since
communication is the most basic necessity for a job. To work for a global firm, applicants must be able to speak,
write, and communicate in English. In addition, the IELTS score is employed as a required component of the applica-
tion process when applicants seek PR or immigration in English-speaking countries.

Q.6 How many days before the IELTS exam can be booked?

Candidates can register up to three months prior to the IELTS test date and latest by one week prior to the exam day.
This is contingent on seats being available in the city/test centre where they wish to register for the exam.

Q.7 Who conducts the IELTS exam in India?

In India, IDP Education is a recognized organisation that conducts the IELTS test.

Q.8 IELTS exam results come after how many days?

If IELTS is given on paper, the test report will be available 13 days after the test is completed. Whereas, If IELTS is
given on a computer, the results will be available three to five days after the test.

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