The English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test taken by students who want to pursue higher education in a foreign country. This test assesses the ability of a student to write, read, listen, and communicate in English. As English is the third most spoken language in the world, most countries and universities accept IELTS test scores for admissions.
The test scores are ranked on a scale of 0-9. The higher you score, the higher is your ability to use and understand English. The score you will need for different countries, universities, and programs will vary as per their requirements.
Let’s have a look at the test score requirement of IELTS in international universities, test format and preparation guidelines.
Requirement of IELTS in Universities
- Students who want to pursue higher education in an English-speaking university need to take IELTS Academic test.
- Students who want to do professional registration can also take IELTS Academic test.
- The scores may vary for admission in different universities, but it should not be less than 5.
Now that you know which test is required for university admission, let’s have a look at the format of the test.
Test Format for IELTS
The IELTS test consists of four stages that test various aspects of your English competence. Let’s analyse them in detail.
- Listening test
Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to comprehend the main ideas and relevant facts, opinions, and attitudes of speakers, and how well you can follow the development of ideas.
- Reading Test
The academic reading test is designed to assess your range of reading skills. These skills include skimming, understanding the gist, main idea, detail, logical argument
as well as recognizing the writer’s opinions and purpose.
- Writing Test
With the help of IELTS writing test the reviewer can get an estimate of your writing skills. Your skills are reflected in this test such as how well you write an appropriate response, organise ideas, and grammar.
- Speaking Test
This test is taken in the form of conversation where you are supposed to interact with the examiner with day-to-day topics and he will be assessing you through the test. The examiner will test your ability to communicate opinion and information on general topics, how well you organise your ideas, and express and justify your opinions.
Now that you know about the format in which the test is taken and how it is assessed. It might also come in mind as to how you can prepare yourself for IELTS. Therefore we have given the details to prepare for that as well.
Guide to Prepare for IELTS
The preparation process is not very difficult or extensive for IELTS. You just need to have good command over English language as well as do a little practice. For the preparation part, you can either do it by yourself or take IELTS online coaching. You can follow these steps to practice for the test:
- Understand the test format: Go through the exam format and familiarise yourself with the test content. Follow up with the rules and regulations of the test.
- Consider a preparation course: If you feel like you are unable to prepare for the test by yourself, take the help of coaching or look for Online IELTS test Preparation. Having someone to guide you will boost your confidence.
- Gather official practice material: There are several study materials designed for you to practice. You can refer to the books, gather the material online or use old test papers to get the idea of the paper format and questions.
- Practice with sample questions: Use the material you have gathered to practice for the test, this will help you with time management and enhance your speech and writing.
- Take an official practise test: There are many IELTS trainers who can conduct a mock test for you. Take the test with their help and they will give feedback on the areas you need to improve on to perform better in the final test.
In conclusion, make sure you know the criteria of the university you are applying to and make sure to practice well. Once you give the test you will be one step closer to getting admission in your dream university.