IELTS
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS, an abbreviated form of ‘International English Language Testing System, is a test of English Language proficiency which is widely recognized as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates. The candidates who wish to study or work in the nations where English is the communicating language have to pass through this test. It is jointly managed by university of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Limited (through its subsidiary company, IELTS Australia Pty Limited).
Two versions of the IELTS are in practice. One is The Academic Version and the other is The General Version. The Academic Version of IELTS is required for those who wish to pursue academic career in international education arena by getting enrolled in undergraduate or post graduate levels or for those who seek professional registration such as medical professionals and nurses who want to study or practice.The General Training Version of IELTS is required for those who wish to migrate to an English speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK etc.) or those wishing to undertake non-academic training or employment, for immigrating in those countries.
IELTS is accepted by almost all the countries like Australia, Britain, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and more than 1800 academic institutions of the USA. It is the only acceptable English test for immigration to Australia and also accepted by UK and Canada.
The IELTS test comprises of four Modules
- 1. Listening (4 sections, 40 items approximately 30 minutes)
- 2. Reading
- Academic (3 sections, 40 items 60 minutes)
- General (3 sections, 40 items 60 minutes)
- 3. Writing
- Academic (2 tasks, 60 minutes)
- General (2tasks, 60 minutes)
- 4. Speaking ( 11 to 14 minutes)
Total estimated time for the total test is 2 hrs 44 minutes.
What it means
IELTS is scored on the nine band scale, with each band corresponding to a specified competence in English. The band Scores are in either whole or half Bands.
The ten bands are described as follows:- Expert User Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
- Good User Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
- Competent User Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriateness and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situation.
- Modest User Has a partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. The candidate should be able to handle communicate in his or her own filed.
- Limited User Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in using complex language.
- Extremely Limited User Conveys and understands only generally meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
- Intermittent User No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
- Non User Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
- Did not attempt the test No assessable information provided.
