In order to pass the IELTS international language exam and be satisfied with the result, it is recommended that you begin preparation in advance, study the specifics and note important nuances.
IELTS : Key Facts
| This is a common language test in English , which assesses the knowledge of a foreigner who intends to study and immigrate to a number of English-speaking countries. | |
| Test results are recognized: | In the UK,Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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| Testing exists in three versions:
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| The test belongs to three organizations |
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| Grading system | 0-9 points |
| Exam results | Determine the level of ownership of AO-C2 |
| Validity | 2 years |
| Duration | 225 minutes |
| Check | Within 13 days |
| Delivery centers and cost | Testing centers are presented on the official website. Prices vary from region to region. |
IELTS Exam Procedure and Structure
| Part | Duration | Number of tasks |
| Listening | 40 minutes | 40 |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 |
| Letter | 60 minutes | 2 |
| Conversation | 11-14 minutes | 3 |
- Listening will take about 40 minutes. Students listen to the audio recording and answer 40 questions on the examination sheet. Questions are structured from simple to complex. Students can listen to information only once. This part is the same for all types of testing.
- Reading An hour is given for students to read three texts ranging in volume from 600 to 1000 characters. The texts - academic and general - are taken from magazines, books and newspapers. Based on the read, the student needs to answer 40 questions.
- Writing The academic version of the test involves a description of a graphic or drawing and an essay of 250 words or more. General testing involves writing a formal or informal letter and writing an essay of 250 words or more.
- Speaking is conducted by the examiner with the candidate in private, the conversation is recorded. It includes: acquaintance and communication on general topics, then the candidate receives a task card, on the basis of which he prepares a monologue within a minute and reveals a given topic within 1-2 minutes. The examiner asks various questions on the topic.
IELTS Preparation Tips
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| Required skills:
What to do:
| In-depth reading will not help to pass the test because of the limited time, therefore there are two tactics: Skimming and Scanning. Skimming involves a sketchy, fluent reading to highlight the main point. Scanning - scan text. First you need to familiarize yourself with the questions and then look for answers, by the keywords that are associated with them. | Only practice will help to cope with the task: familiarize yourself with academic terminology, review the materials of past years. | Investigate the questions commonly asked by examiners. Select your favorite topics and try to smoothly shift the dialogue in the direction you need. Of course, you cannot do without a long and hard practice. |
Evaluating IELTS Results
| Score | Description |
| 9.0 Expert | The candidate is fluent in the language |
| 8.0 | Very good user - speaks the language completely with a few exceptions. May reasonably reveal its position, but shows a lack of understanding in some atypical situations |
| 7.0 | Good user - speaks good language, but there are inaccuracies and misunderstanding |
| 6.0 | Competent - understands and uses a rather complex language in familiar situations, but inaccuracies, misunderstandings and inconsistencies are possible |
| 5.0 | Moderate - demonstrates understanding, but has limited knowledge of the language. Makes a lot of mistakes, but ready for basic communication |
| 4.0 | Limited - use of the language is limited to standard situations. Having problems with complex language constructs |
| 3.0 | Extremely limited user - roughly understands standard situations |
| 2.0 | “Intermittently” - communication is impossible except in standard situations |
| 1.0 | Not fluent in language - unable to use the language except for a few separate words. |
How to prepare for IELTS : top questions
- Who can prepare for the test?
There are no official criteria and licenses for preparing for testing, therefore, any competent and experienced teacher can prepare for passing.
- Training Options
- Individually with a teacher
- In groups
- Remotely with a teacher
- Remotely using software
- Independently on books and textbooks.
- What to look for when preparing?
- Study the structure of the exam, the stages of its implementation.
- Pass studting tests: this way you can get used to the structure, increase stress resistance, and be more confident in yourself. You can find tests on the Internet, reference books, and tutorials.
- Seek help from specialists. Find an experienced teacher who purposefully prepares students for the exam.
- Take language courses. Prestigious language centers abroad develop special programs for foreigners, after which you can pass the international exam: they are not cheap, but guarantee a high-quality result.
Preparation for IELTS abroad: popular programs for students and adults
| A country | the name of the institution | Program | Price |
| United Kingdom |
| Express education | from 1625 £ per week
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| Canada | Toronto University Summer Camp
| Summer course | From 6,080 $ for 3 weeks |
| Scotland |
| Education
| from 660 £ per week
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| New Zealand | Junior courses
| Check with managers |
IELTS Exam Rules
You should also familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations in advance:
- 09:00 - 09:50 Registration for the exam
- 10:00 - 10:50 Instructions; Listening part (listening)
- 11:00 - 12:00 Instructions; Reading part
- 12:00 - 13:00 Instructions; writing part
- 14:00 - 19:00 Part of the Speaking (Speaking).
- During the exam, you cannot use proofreaders and pens, exchange documents and materials
- It is forbidden to use a pen during reading and speaking.
- Students await break after three parts
- Online test results are available on the official website 13 days after the exam date.
