International English Language Testing System IELTS International English

International English Language Testing System

IELTS International English Language Testing System Why IELTS? Further Studies Immigration Organised by UCLES IDP British Council Countries Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, Parts of America

STRUCTURE Listening Reading Writing Speaking

Structure of the test LISTENING 3 -4 sections : 40 questions 30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answer GENERAL TRAINING READING 3 -4 sections : 40 questions 60 minutes ACADEMIC READING 3 -4 texts : 40 questions 60 minutes GENERAL TRAINING WRITING 2 tasks : a letter 150 words And essay 250 words 60 minutes ACADEMIC TRAINING WRITING 2 tasks : information transfer 150 words, and essay 250 words 60 minutes SPEAKING An interview 11 -14 minutes

Myths • IELTS can be self prepared. • Giving the exam at a particular IELTS testing centre gets you a better band. • IELTS can be taken 3 times only. • IELTS test is different in different countries. • Getting a good score is a proof of my ability anytime in the future. • Choosing the module could be according to my wish. • If the score is unexpected, nothing can be done about it. • As many practice tests as possible would mean a good band. • IELTS test is a difficult one to crack.

What is in the IELTS listening module? Listening test is same for both modules Time allowed Procedure Number of questions Structure of test 30 minutes to 35 (10 mins transfer time) q FIRST MODULE OF THE TEST q CASSETTE IS PLAYED ONLY ONCE q INDIVIDUAL HEAD PHONES ARE PROVIDED q QUESTIONS TO BE ATTEMPTED FROM THE BOOKLET q ANSWERS TO BE TRANSFERRED USING PENCIL ONLY A total of 40 questions in three - four sections Section 1: A talk between two speakers about a social/semi-official topic. Section 2: A monologue (i. e. spoken by one speaker) about a social (non-academic) topic Section 3: A conversation between two to four speakers about an academic topic. Section 4: A university-style presentation of an academic topic by one speaker Sometimes a section may be spread over two to three pages of the question paper.

A comparison of Academic and General Training Reading Modules Academic General training Three passages from notices, advertisement booklets, magazines, timetables, books, journals or newspapers etc Passages focus on social survival, training survival and general reading Reading passages Different Three passages from magazines, books, journals or newspapers Topics of general interest At least one passage presents a detailed logical argument Time allowed Same 60 minutes Number of questions Same Generally 40 Format of questions Same Reading strategies Same Multiple choice questions Gap-fill questions Short answer questions Matching questions True/False/Not Given Ques. Skim, scan and read intensively

What is in the IELTS Speaking Module Time Allowed 11 to 14 minutes Procedure The examiner will call you into the examination room from a waiting area. You and the examiner will be alone in the examination room, sitting & facing each other with a desk between you. The examiner will switch on a cassette-recorder at the beginning of the test. The purpose of this recording is to ensure that the examiner has conducted the test correctly. Format The test consists of three parts Part 1: Introduction and interview (4 to 5 minutes) Part 2: Individual long turn (3 to 4 minutes, including 1 minute to think and prepare) Part 3: Topic Card (4 to 5 minutes)

A comparison of Academic and General Training Writing Modules Academic Describing and interpreting in your own words, a graph or chart. General Training Format of Questions Task 1 Different Task 2 Same Giving an opinion or suggesting a solution to a problem. Writing a letter describing a situation that you are in and requesting someone to do something about it. Giving an opinion or suggesting a solution to a problem. Level of difficulty of topic Task 1 Task 2 Different More difficult Relatively easier Time allowed Task 1 Task 2 Same 20 minutes 40 minutes Number of words required Task 1 Task 2 Same 150 words 250 words