Unlock the secrets of the IELTS! ft. Alex Christodoulou
If you have questions regarding the IELTS, this video podcast is just the thing for you! Alex is one of UNIPERFECT’s highly experienced IELTS instructors, and he’s here to tell you all you need to know before starting to prepare for the IELTS. This video podcast discusses the IELTS’s structure and describes what taking the exam is like. Moreover, it provides helpful tips to improve your performance in the test’s various sections and highlight things to be aware of when taking the test.
How does one prepare for the IELTS exam?
Preparation for the IELTS lasts 4 weeks, and it is divided into 4 parts, each of which focuses on one of the test’s modules (Writing, Reading, Listening, and Speaking). There are more than 10 alternative types of questions for the Reading and Listening modules, as well as several distinctive types of Writing – Task 1, all of which require a different approach.
During those 4 weeks, candidates attend two three-hour lessons per week. The lessons and the numerous practice exercises that candidates are provided with contribute to the development of the latter’s critical thinking, as well as their ability to process and analyze graphs and present their ideas. Furthermore, candidates’ reading, listening, and oral comprehension are enhanced.
In the second phase of the preparation, during the final two lessons, students do test simulations focusing on questions and actual-writing in-class workshops. In this way, candidates familiarize themselves with the way the exam is conducted. In addition, through systematic practice and receiving feedback on their writing, which has been corrected by the instructor using Google Docs, candidates have the opportunity to discuss said corrections and ensure that their answers are appropriate from a thematic point of view and up to the required linguistic standard. Thus, students have ample possibilities to monitor their own performance and identify areas that need improvement.
In order for candidates to achieve a high score, it is imperative that the right balance between modules be maintained throughout the preparation period. Ideally, special emphasis needs to be placed on the development of vocabulary and its correct use in the two Writing Tasks. At UNIPERFECT we pay extra attention to the Writing module, and our students are required to hand in 30-40 essays as part of their preparation.
Following the two stages of preparation and the necessary practice period, which does not exceed two weeks following the completion of the lessons, students are ready to take the exam.
Why should I take the IELTS exam?
There are two different types of the IELTS exam, the Academic and General. Deciding which one to take depends on what you aim to achieve by obtaining the certificate. There are three main reasons why one might take the IELTS:
Pursuing studies on a graduate or postgraduate level
In any of the 140 countries that recognize the IELTS, having an IELTS certificate is most likely going to be a prerequisite for admission to any undergraduate or graduate study program, regardless of the field of study.
For universities and educational institutions in Great Britain, Sweden, Holland, Germany, the U.S., and other countries, the IELTS certificate is a key criterion for the admission of students. In fact, being admitted to universities in the aforementioned countries depends on whether or not a candidate achieves a specific score on the exam; this score varies depending on the program you are applying to.
Job prospects
If you are interested in applying for jobs in English-speaking countries or companies with an international staff, the IELTS is often a prerequisite.
Furthermore, having an IELTS certificate is considered a competitive advantage even when applying for jobs in Greece, as it can either improve your prospects or is mandatory as part of the ASEP exams to enter the civil service.
Immigration and relocation
Even if one does not aim to reach one of the previous goals (studying or improving job prospects), the IELTS certificate is a significant tool that aids in the familiarization with the English language and consequently with integration into an English-speaking country.
Our students’ IELTS success stories
At UNIPERFECT, we have had the honor of helping many students achieve high IELTS scores (7.8/9 average score in 2024). Consequently, these students have been admitted to graduate programs at top universities, thus reaching their goals.
FAQ
How is the IELTS structured?
The IELTS is composed of 4 units, each of which focuses on different linguistic competencies. The first unit, Listening, lasts approximately 30 minutes. This is followed by Reading, which lasts 60 minutes and is divided into different texts accompanied by reading comprehension questions. The third unit, Writing, is divided into two sub-units: Task 1 lasts 20 minutes, and it involves interpreting data or describing visual elements; Task 2, which lasts 40 minutes, requires the composition of an essay. Finally, Speaking lasts 11-14 minutes, and it is a one-on-one interview with an examiner that covers multiple topics and aims to assess a candidate’s fluency and confidence in using the spoken word. As a rule, the examination process lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.
How is the IELTS graded, and what does my test score mean?
The IELTS is graded on a scale from 0 to 9. Each unit is evaluated separately, and the grades are then averaged to give a total band score. In this system, 0 indicates non-existent linguistic competence, and 9 indicates a fluent speaker.
Each grade on the IELTS test scale represents a different level of mastery over the English language. The following is an overview:
Test score 9 (fluent): This score indicates fluency in the English language. At this level, candidates have full mastery over the language and can express themselves with clarity and precision in all contexts.
Test score 8 (proficient): This test score shows a very high level of command over the English language. Candidates can handle complicated language and comprehend specialized terminology.
Test score 7 (good): This test score represents a good level of knowledge of the English language. At this level, candidates can handle most complex situations, even though they may have some difficulty with clarity in certain contexts.
Test score 6 (skilled): At this level, candidates can use the English language with some measure of skill. However, they may face challenges in understanding complicated language.
Test score 5 (mediocre): This test score shows a mediocre command of the English language. Although a candidate may be able to handle the basics of communication, they face difficulties when dealing with complicated language.
Test score 4 (limited): Candidates at this level have a limited command of the English language and mostly manage to transmit and understand general concepts in familiar situations.
Test score 3 (severely limited): This test score indicates a very restricted knowledge of the English language, where communication is basic and limited to familiar language.
Test score 2 (inadequate): Candidates at this level have severe difficulties understanding written and spoken English.
Test score 1 (non-speaker): This test score shows that the candidate has no knowledge of the English language beyond the use of some isolated words.
Test score 0 (inadequate test performance): If a candidate does not take the test or provides insufficient information, they receive a test score of 0.
When and where can I take the IELTS?
The main IDP and IELTS test provider in Greece is the EPiQ Assessment Center (https://www.ieltsgreece.eu/).
You can book an exam session online via their website. The IELTS certification exam takes place on many different dates, and you can choose between a paper-based or a computer-based exam. Moreover, you can choose an exam time that fits your needs. You can take the on-paper exam in Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Ioannina, Heraklion, Volos, and Rhodes. In contrast, the digital exam is only available in Athens and Thessaloniki. Finally, you can take the exam online at a location of your choice, provided you have a stable internet connection.
Can I resit the IELTS in order to improve my score?
Yes, there is no limitation regarding the number of times you can take the test. Moreover, the IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to achieve the score you want without having to retake the entire test. Thus, to improve your result in one of the test’s specific units, namely Speaking,Writing, Reading, and Listening, you can resit the one you want in isolation.
Can I appeal my test result?
Yes, you can appeal your test results within six weeks from the date of your examination, and you can even choose the specific units you are interested in having reevaluated. The cost of this service is €105, and you will be reimbursed this amount if your grade is changed in any of the exam’s units.
Can I ask for extra exam time?
Yes, you can ask for extra exam time or special adjustments to the exam procedure if you have a disability or health issue. To do that, you need to inform the exam center during your registration, as well as provide any supporting documents, such as medical certificates or medical evaluation, describing your needs. Adjustments to the exam procedure could include more time, a separate exam space, modifications to the test format or other changes to support your needs. The exam center will consider your claim and, if it is approved, will make the appropriate arrangements that will both meet your needs and ensure the integrity of the exam.
What is the cost of the examination?
The cost of taking the IELTS examination is €220.
Which countries accept the IELTS certificate?
The IELTS certificate is widely recognized and accepted by many countries the world over. It is recognized by 11,000 institutions in more than 140 countries, including by universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional organizations. Some of the countries where the IELTS certificate is accepted include the U.S., Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the European Union, Singapore, South Africa, India, and numerous others. It is important that you check the admission criteria stipulated by an organization or institution before sending in an application, as grade requirements may vary between countries or even institutions within the same country.
What is the difference between the IELTS and the language certificate I already have?
The IELTS certificate and the English certificate you already have represent diverse ways of evaluating your language skills in different settings. Your certificate may indicate the successful completion of an English course or exam, whereas the IELTS certificate indicates your ability to use the English language in practical, everyday situations, as well as in an academic context. Therefore, even if you already have the C2 Proficiency, for instance, it may not be considered sufficient by universities, and you may be asked to submit an IELTS score instead.
What are the differences between the paper-based, computer-based, and online IELTS?
| Computer Based | Paper Based | Online | |
| Exam method | The Reading, Listening, and Writing units are completed electronically. This is followed by the Speaking examination, which takes place face-to-face with an IELTS instructor. | The Reading, Listening, and Writing units are completed in hard copy format. This is followed by the Speaking examination, which takes place face-to-face with an IELTS instructor. | The Reading, Listening, and Writing units are completed electronically. This is followed by the Speaking examination, which takes place online with an IELTS instructor. |
| Results | Results are available 3-5 days after exam completion. | Results are available 13 days after exam completion. | Results are available 6-8 days after exam completion. |
Practical Info
Exam
The IELTS exam is divided into four sections: Writing, Listening, Speaking, and Reading.
Grading system
The test is graded on a scale from 1 to 9, and the overall grade is derived by offsetting all four sections.
Exam duration
The written IELTS sections last 2 hours and 40 minutes, while the oral component lasts 14 minutes.
Validity
Test results are valid for two years.
Test centers
EPiQ is the official IDP test center for the IELTS exam.
Exam cost
The cost of the examination is €205.