IELTS course overview
If you're planning to study in a foreign country, it's crucial to have good
English-speaking and writing skills. To measure your English language
abilities in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, you'll be required
to take a recognized English test like IELTS.
IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a test
owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment
English. Its purpose is to evaluate your language skills for studying,
working, or moving to countries where English is the primary language spoken
by its residents.
Scoring well on the IELTS exam significantly improves your chances of
getting into top foreign universities.
The IELTS test and how it works
This exam has four sections based on listening, reading, writing and speaking.
The IELTS Listening section is an integral part of the IELTS examination, designed to evaluate candidates' proficiency in understanding spoken English in authentic contexts. Comprising four audio passages with varying themes and question types, this section tests candidates' ability to follow conversations, comprehend lectures, and extract specific information. Active listening and quick thinking are essential as the audio is played only once, making time management crucial for accurate responses.
This section holds significant weight, accounting for 25% of the total IELTS score. To excel, candidates are encouraged to practice listening to diverse English audio materials, exposing themselves to different accents and speech patterns. With ample preparation, candidates can approach the IELTS Listening section with confidence, enhancing their overall exam performance.
The IELTS Speaking section assesses candidates' English speaking ability in face-to-face conversations with a certified examiner. It consists of three parts evaluating pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, and grammatical accuracy. In Part 1, candidates respond to general questions on familiar topics, showcasing their ability to introduce themselves and express personal opinions. Part 2 involves a cue card topic for 1-2 minutes, followed by a brief discussion in Part 3, exploring deeper conversations.
The IELTS Speaking section typically lasts 11-14 minutes, contributing 25% to the total IELTS score. Regular English practice, mock interviews, and familiarity with diverse speaking scenarios help candidates approach this section confidently, demonstrating language proficiency and achieving desired scores.
The IELTS Reading section assesses candidates' ability to comprehend academic texts, featuring three passages of increasing complexity. Candidates are required to identify main ideas, specific details, and inferences from the text. With question types like multiple-choice and True/False/Not Given, this section challenges candidates to demonstrate critical reading skills.
Lasting 60 minutes, the IELTS Reading section constitutes 25% of the total IELTS score. To succeed, candidates should practice reading academic materials regularly, focusing on efficient skimming and scanning techniques. Familiarity with different question types and timed practice will enhance speed and accuracy during the exam, enabling candidates to approach the IELTS Reading section confidently.
The IELTS Writing section assesses candidates' ability to communicate effectively through written language. Divided into two tasks, this section evaluates both task achievement and language accuracy. In Task 1, candidates interpret and describe visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 requires candidates to write an essay on a given topic, expressing their opinion and supporting it with relevant arguments and examples.
The IELTS Writing section lasts for 60 minutes and contributes 25% to the total IELTS score. Candidates are advised to manage their time wisely to address both tasks adequately. Effective planning, coherent organization, and clear expression of ideas are key elements in achieving a high score. Regular writing practice and feedback from instructors or peers are essential in honing writing skills and ensuring success in the IELTS Writing section.
