IELTS EXAM

IELTS EXAM OVER VIEW

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language skill. IELTS English exam is at present admitted as proof of a potential candidate's rank in English, by a large number of universities in English speaking countries. IELTS has over 800 test centers and locations across 130 countries.

There are two kinds of IELTS exam, Academic and General, that are held almost all over the world and both require different skills. If you want to study abroad especially in an English speaking country, you will have to take the Academic version of IELTS Exams. Your assessment will be presented in accordance with a level of bands, with one being the lowest and nine being the highest. It would be wise to get information from whichever university you have applied to of the band requirement for admission.

The IELTS test is divided in four segments, reading, and writing, listening and speaking. Reading judges the capability to read English texts. Writing examine if you are capable of writing good in English. Listening examine your ability to understand English and various accents. Speaking judges your proficiency to speak in the English language. You can use IELTS Practice material to pass it and see the IELTS exam papers.

IELTS Listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It comprises of four sections that you will hear on a tape. Each section increases the difficulty of the test. It could be a dialogue or a monologue. Once played, the tape will not be repeated so you should be listening very carefully without diverting your attention, for the moment forget what’s going around you just listen the tape. Students are given a little time to write answers, so you must be answering while you are listening to the tape to avoid timing problems and if you missed one answer don’t think on it again, go for the next one and try to complete it in time at the end of the tape recording you will be given few minutes to check out your answer if you can remember those you left try to complete then otherwise let them because there is no negative marketing in it.

IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. The reading test comprises of three sections and like the Listening section, each section gets difficult. Candidates should be able to read well to avoid any delay.

IELTS Writing test also lasts for 60 minutes. The writing test contains two tasks which ask for different kinds of writing. There is no choice given, so you have to write on the given topic in time with good English so you can impress examiners, try to use all your vocabulary related to topic.

IELTS Speaking test examines your ability to speak in English, and will be conducted as an interview by a professional IELTS examiner. After the short interview comprising on common question, could be related to you or your family or work, the candidate will be asked to speak for one or two minutes on a particular topic. This test will last for just about 11-14 minutes and you should speak continuously related to topic given, some students change the topic and start speaking on unrelated things which give negative impact, so you should be specific to the topic. Examiner can ask some question at the end of your speaking topic.

To practice, IELTS sample exams are available in printed book form that include audio CDs for the listening section of the test. Through the samples and practice exercises you can familiarize yourself with the format of IELTS examination.

IELTS practice exams are also provided on the internet for you to practice and make sure to get higher band. Do not limit your study to books only. Go to the IELTS practice section and do IELTS sample tests several times so it makes it easier for you to take the examination, and builds your confidence to do well. They are especially designed for IELTS exam preparation.

If you are wandering when and where the next IELTS examinations are being held, then you can go online to British Council websites which announces IELTS exam dates being conducted all around the year which is different for countries to countries, so you should see your own country website or where you are living. IELTS exam tests are held at various locations for your convenience. You will also be provided an application form on the British Council websites. IELTS even has its official website. All material and knowledge that you need for IELTS is available there. Your Test Report Form will be sent to you thirteen days after your test. If you are not happy with your results, don't worry as you can take it again in that very month if seats are available, if not then try to get next seat when you are full prepared for your IELTS test.