Unlocking the secrets of the IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS ) is a widely recognized language test for individuals who are not native English speakers. The exam has been designed to assess the knowledge of candidates who wish to migrate and work in English-speaking countries or study an English-speaking program. Let’s discuss the IELTS in detail by having a look at the exam’s format, the grading system, and a few tips on how to prepare.

The structure of the IELTS

The IELTS is available in two different formats: Academic and General Training. The Academic version is specifically for candidates who wish to pursue an English-speaking degree, while the General Training version is for candidates who would like to work or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Both versions of the IELTS comprise four section: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both versions of the exam, while the Reading and Writing sections are slightly different in terms of content and level of difficulty between the two versions of the IELTS. Candidates can choose whether they would like to take a paper-based or a computer-based exam.

Reading

The Reading section contains three passages accompanied by a total of 40 questions that need to be answered in 60 minutes. The questions include gap filling, multiple choice, brief answers to open-ended questions, and so on. The skills evaluated are the ability to comprehend the general meaning and main themes of the text, but also the ability to identify underlying messages and the opinions and value judgments of the author.

Listening

The Listening section includes two recorded conversations and two monologues. Candidates must respond to 40 questions within a time frame of 30 minutes. Questions can be multiple choice, matching, gap filling, and so on. This section evaluates various skills, such as the overall comprehension of the main ideas and facts relevant to each unit and the ability to identify the speaker’s opinions and value judgments. Not only is the overall comprehension of the recorded material assessed, but also the ability to retain and synthesize information and distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information.

Speaking

The Speaking section involves a one-on-one interview that lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. The grading criteria focus on eloquence, cohesion, vocabulary use, grammar, and pronunciation. The test is interactive, and the conversation with the examiner centers around realistic topics. The examiner evaluates the extent to which a candidate can speak extensively on a certain subject, making use of the appropriate vocabulary, structure their ideas in a meaningful way, express their opinions, and have a discussion that flows.

The Speaking section has three “parts”. First, the candidate presents themselves, which gives them the opportunity to confirm their personal details and take a moment to relax. Then, the candidate is given a card with a question on it. The candidate then has one minute to prepare and take notes, following which the candidate speaks for one to two minutes on the subject at hand. The examiner asks two follow-up questions regarding what has been presented. Finally, the examiner asks further questions, giving the candidate the opportunity to discuss more abstract concepts and ideas.

Writing

For the Writing section, candidates are asked to write two essays within 60 minutes. Both essay topics are designed to evaluate the extent to which a candidate can structure their ideas and thoughts and provide an answer that is relevant to the question, as well as produce a text that is grammatically correct and makes use of vocabulary that is appropriate to a formal context.

The two Writing tasks are rather different from one another. In the first task, candidates are given a graph, map, chart, diagram, or a combination of the above and are asked to describe, explain, or summarize the information provided in their own words. In the second task, candidates are required to write an opinion essay presenting their ideas and arguments on a specific subject. The essay topics are interesting and easily comprehensible.

Grading System

The IELTS uses a grading scale from 1-9 to assess candidates’ linguistic competence. Each grade represents a level of skill ranging from 1 (non-speaker) to 9 (fluent). The overall grade is the average of the scores for each section.

A score of 6.5 or higher is generally considered satisfactory by most universities and migration programs, but some more competitive programs may require a higher overall score. You need to be especially attentive to the requirements stipulated, as a university could on the one hand require a grade average above a specific mark, but also have minimum grade requirements for each of the test’s sections. For example, an overall score of 6.5 may be required and also a minimum grade 6 for each of the sections.

Preparation Tips

Preparing for the IELTS requires effort and dedication. Below you will find some useful tips to help you prepare for the exam.

• Familiarize yourself with the exam’s format. Knowing all you need to know about the structure and sections of the exam can help you manage your time more efficiently during the exam itself.

• Focus on your weaknesses. Pin-point your weaknesses and focus on strengthening your performance. If you’re having trouble with the Writing section, for instance, make sure you dedicate extra time to writing as many practice essays as possible.

• Don’t take the exam unless you feel ready! If you’re not achieving the desired results in some of the test’s sections, extend your preparation period, and ask for extra support from your instructor.

• Try to avoid using words and expressions that are commonplace and overused (e.g. double-edged sword and pen down).

• If you choose to take the computer-based exam, try to avoid typos! Even if you’ve made a simple typo, such as missing a letter, it will still count as a spelling mistake.

• Don’t put too much emphasis on the test score. The IELTS is a language proficiency test. Unlike other standardized tests, getting a test score that’s higher than the one required is not going to strengthen your application. Focus on meeting the requirements stipulated, and use the rest of your energy on the other aspects of your application preparation.

Conclusion

The IELTS is an important requirement for non-native English speakers who wish to apply to an English-speaking study program or migrate and work in an English-speaking nation. By ensuring that you have a good grasp of the test’s format and the grading system, and following your instructor’s advice and guidance, you can achieve the necessary results, thus getting one step closer to your goals.