GUIDING EFFECTIVE
LEARNING

ABOUT IELTS EXAMS

International English Language Testing System, more popular with its acronym IELTS, is one of the most prestigious tests worldwide that measures how proficient a person is in communicating in English. Candidate’s abilities in four skills – listening, writing, reading and speaking - are tested. The test assesses level and reflects the result in a 9 band structure. Band 1 denotes the person to be complete non-user of English and band 9 depicts the person is an expert user of English.

IELTS test is recognised and accepted in all the countries. The test is usually taken by candidates who aspire to study, migrate or work in a country or organisation where medium of communication is in English. There are two test formats, Academic and General. Academic format is usually opted by candidates who seek higher education pr professional registration abroad. However, those who wish to migrate (on permanent residency application) or work abroad choose to undertake General format of IELTS exam. In India, the test is conducted in all major cities at least once every month. However, in few cities the test is conducted even four times every month. The test is jointly owned and managed by Cambridge English Language Assessment (a part of University of Cambridge), British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia.

More information can be found on www.IELTS.org

MODULES

Duration
30 minutes to listen conversation and attempt questions. 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet.

Section - 4
Questions - 40
Duration
30 minutes

Section - 3
Questions - 40
Duration
60 minutes

TASK 1: Minimum word limit 150 words
TASK 2: Minimum word limit 250 words
Duration
11 – 14 Minutes

3 STAGES
Stage 1: Basic warm-up questions
Stage 2: Cue Card
Stage 3: Follow up discussion questions

Assessment Criteria

IELTS is not a test only for grammar or vocabulary or pronunciation. IELTS assesses various parameters and checks how proficient one is in understanding as well as expressing in English. IELTS scores are valid for duration of two years. IELTS scores are represented in bands ranging from 1 to 9. All bands are described below.

The IELTS Scale
BAND SCORE SKILL LEVEL DISCRIPTION
9 Expert user The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8 Very good user The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7 Good user The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6 Competent user The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest user The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. should be able handle basic communication their own field.
4 Limited user The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely limited user The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2 Intermittent user The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non-user The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test The test taker did not answer the questions.