Test Preparation
Home | IELTS
IELTS
International English Language Testing System, commonly referred to as IELTS, evaluates the English language proficiency of individuals seeking to study, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language.
As a requirement for admission to colleges and universities in English-speaking nations such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, IELTS serves as a measure of English language proficiency.
IELTS is jointly managed by IDP Education (IELTS Australia), British Council, and the University of Cambridge. IELTS does not have a definitive pass or fail score; instead, it utilizes a band scale ranging from 1 to 9. Candidates receive an overall band score along with individual scores for each subtest. Test results are made available 13 days following the completion of the examination.
IELTS test comprises two distinct modules: Academic and General Training. The Academic Module is designed for those intending to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate studies in English-speaking countries, while the General Training Module is tailored for individuals looking to migrate to English-speaking nations or participate in training programs or short courses that do not lead to a degree.
Test Format:
IELTS provides a variety of assessments, allowing individuals to select the test that best suits their requirements. IELTS test consists of four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. While the Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both the Academic and General Training formats, there are a few differences in the Reading and Writing components.
IELTS tests are recognized by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as valid evidence of English language proficiency for those intending to reside, work, or study in the United Kingdom. Additionally, IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by the UK government, specifically evaluating one’s speaking and listening abilities in English.
Listening:
Listening subtest has a duration of 30 minutes. It consists of four distinct sections.
The initial two sections concentrate on social interactions; Section 1 includes a dialogue between two individuals, while Section 2 presents a talk or news segment delivered by a single speaker. The latter two sections are about educational or training environments. Section 3 involves a discussion among up to four speakers, and Section 4 gives a lecture typical of a university setting.
You will encounter a total of 40 questions, with each section containing 10 questions. The listening material will be presented only once, and you are expected to respond to the questions as you listen. Prior to the listening segment, you will have some time to review the questions, and you will also be allotted time at the end of each section to check your answers. The difficulty level of the listening texts and their questions increases as you advance through the sections.
Listening subtest evaluates a range of question formats, including form-filling, table completion, note completion, sentence completion, flow-chart completion, summary completion, multiple choice, labeling of plans/maps/diagrams, classification, and short-answer questions. At the conclusion of the test, you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers.
Academic Reading:
Academic Reading subtest has a duration of 60 minutes. During this time, you will receive three long passages drawn from diverse fields, including the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
These passages contain a range of styles and may include both argumentative and expository components. You will be required to answer 40 questions about these passages, with each passage followed by 13 or 14 questions.
Academic Reading subtest includes various types of questions, including those that involve locating information, determining paragraph headings, completing sentences and notes, filling in tables, summarizing content, selecting the correct sentence endings, multiple-choice questions, identifying information as TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN, assessing views or claims as YES/NO/NOT GIVEN, completing summaries, labeling diagrams, matching features, and providing short answers. Please note that no additional time is allotted for transferring your answers.
General Training Reading:
General Training Reading subtest consists of three sections comprising a total of 40 questions. The reading materials are excerpted from various formats, including notices, advertisements, brochures, newspapers, instruction manuals, books, and magazines.
Section 1 contains two passages that provide factual and informational content essential for basic linguistic survival.
Section 2 presents two passages related to work environments, utilizing more complex language.
Section 3 contains a lengthy and complex reading passage, comparable in length to that found in the academic reading section, focusing on descriptive and instructive content rather than argumentative discourse.
The subtest assesses a range of question types, such as multiple choice, identifying information (TRUE/FALSE/NOT GIVEN), identifying views or claims (YES/NO/NOT GIVEN), sentence completion, note completion, table completion, sentence completion with the appropriate ending, paragraph headings, summary completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer questions. It is important to note that no additional time will be provided for transferring answers during the reading subtest.
Academic Writing:
Academic Writing subtest consists of two tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. Candidates can choose the order in which they tackle the tasks. In Task 1, you will be required to provide a description of a chart, table, map, graph, or diagram. A minimum of 150 words is expected, and it is recommended that you allocate no more than 20 minutes to this task.
Task 2 involves writing an essay on a given topic. While there is no option to select a topic, the assigned subject will be of general interest, allowing for straightforward idea generation. A minimum of 250 words is required, and it is advisable to spend no more than 40 minutes on this task. It is important to note that Task 2 carries double the weight of Task 1 in the scoring process.
General Training Writing:
General Training Writing subtest comprises two tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. In Task 1, you are required to compose a letter based on a specified scenario, ensuring that your response contains a minimum of 150 words. It is advisable to allocate no more than 20 minutes for this task.
In Task 2, you will be tasked with writing an essay on a predetermined topic, with no option to select an alternative subject. Your essay must consist of at least 250 words, and it is recommended that you do not exceed 40 minutes on this task.
Speaking:
Speaking subtest comprises an oral interview conducted in person between a candidate and an examiner. It consists of three distinct sections:
Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
The examiner will introduce herself and pose questions regarding topics such as family, interests, food, festivals, and other subjects of general interest. Candidates are expected to provide detailed responses.
Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Candidates will be given a cue card that outlines the topic and provides a brief framework. They will have one minute to prepare their talk, during which the examiner will supply scratch paper and a pencil to assist in their preparation. Candidates are required to speak for 2-3 minutes on the assigned topic.
Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
In this section, the examiner will encourage candidates to engage in a discussion related to the topics covered in Part 2 of the Speaking subtest. Candidates should express their opinions, provide justifications, identify elements, make comparisons, and engage in speculation during this segment.
Why IELTS Preparation Class at Tilottama Global?
Tilottama Global Education Consultancy has a rich legacy of IELTS preparation, and therefore boasts of cutting-edge methods of instruction and abundance of amenities. IELTS preparation class consists of:
- 6 weeks of instruction based on the exhaustive IELTS syllabus.
- Unmatchable strategies and techniques devised by IELTS experts.
- Exploitation of real IELTS materials to give you the competitive edge.
- Abundant study material and hand-outs in preparation classes.
- Preparation classes are conducted Sunday through Thursday.
- There is a regular IELTS Mock Test on Friday.
- No breaks of classes on public holidays