The world most
essential Test...IELTS
(International
English Language Testing System)
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System,
is designed to
assess the language ability of candidates who want
to study or work
where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by
universities and employers in many countries, including Australia,
Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by
professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government
agencies.
Test Administration
IELTS tests are administered at centers throughout the world –there are
currently over 300 centers operating in more than 100 countries.
Test Format
Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All
candidates take the same Listening and speaking tests. There is a choice
between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing tests.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user
to expert user. The first three tests – Listening, Reading and Writing –
must be completed in one day. There is no break between the tests. The
Speaking test may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the
period seven days before or after the other tests. A computerized
version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing tests (CB IELTS) is
available at selected centers, but all centers will continue to offer
paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium
in which they wish to take the test.
Each candidate takes four tests, one in each of the four skills –
Listening
Duration and format
The
Listening test takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions and four
sections. The Listening test is recorded on a CD and is played ONCE
only. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the
questions and write down and then check their answers. Answers are
written on the question paper as candidates listen. When the recording
ends, ten minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers
to an answer sheet.
Marking and assessment
One
mark is awarded for each correct answer in the 40-item test. A
confidential Band Score conversion table is produced for each version of
the Listening test, which translates scores out of 40 into the IELTS
9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands. Care should
be taken when writing answers on the answer sheet as poor spelling and
grammar are penalized.
Reading
Duration and format
The
Reading test takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions, based on three
reading passages with a total of 2,000 to 2,750 words. Texts and
questions appear on a question paper which
Candidates can write on but not remove from the examination room. All
answers must be entered on an answer sheet during the 60-minute test. No
extra time is allowed for transferring answers.
Writing
Duration and format
The
Writing test takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. It is
suggested that about 20 minutes is spent on Task 1 which requires
candidates to write at least 150 words. Task 2 requires at least 250
words and should take about 40 minutes. Candidates may write on the
question paper but this cannot be taken from the examination room and
will not be seen by the examiner. Answers must be given on the answer
sheet and must be written in full. Notes or bullet points in whole or in
part are not acceptable as answers.
Speaking
Duration and format
The
Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of an oral
interview between the candidate and an examiner. All Speaking tests are
recorded.
Test Centres
A
full list of IELTS test centres and contact details is available at
www.ielts.org
Test Registration procedure
IELTS management is centrally controlled but the administration of the
test takes place in local test centres. This guarantees flexibility and
adaptability, and ensures a very rapid turnaround from registration to
results. Information on the availability of test sessions at centres can
be found on the IELTS website
www.ielts.org
the details below show the
test procedure for candidates.
ENQUIRY
Contact the nearest test centre to find out about available test dates
and to obtain an application form. Contact details for all IELTS centres
worldwide can be found at
www.ielts.org.
The test centre has Official IELTS Practice Materials for sale and these
can also be bought directly from Cambridge ESOL or IDP: IELTS Australia.
APPLICATION
Fill in the application form and send it or take it to the test centre
with the test fee and two recent identical passport-sized photographs
(not more than six months old). You need some evidence of identity. This
must be a
passport or a National Identity Card with a number, photograph, date of
birth and signature.
The document must be valid, not expired at registration or on the test
day.
Candidates taking the test outside their own country must present a
passport.
Candidates must enter the number of their passport or identity card on
the application form. A copy of the identity document is to be attached
to the application form. Only when all registration procedures are fully
completed will the application be processed. You must bring the ID
document indicated on the application form to the test. This is the only
form of identity that will be accepted on the test day.
CONFIRMATION
Test centre informs candidate of date and time of test in writing. If
the Speaking test is to be on a different day, candidate is informed
about this now.
DAY OF THE TEST
The
identity of all candidates will be checked on test day. Photographs of
candidates may be taken on the test day. Candidates are met by an IELTS
Administrator who checks identification and makes sure candidates know
where and when to go for the test. Candidates are assigned a place which
they must keep for the Listening, Reading and Writing tests.
RESULTS
Results will be produced 13 days after the test. At some centres
candidates may collect their results on the 13th day; at others results
are mailed to candidates on the 13th day. Test centres are not permitted
to give results over the phone or by fax or email.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further information can be
obtained visiting the following URL:
www.ielts.org
