What is IELTS?

Dr. Eman Omar Date : 26 Apr 23

IELTS is a global test to measure English language proficiency. More than 4 million people take it annually around the world for multiple purposes, whether education or immigration. Here is all the information related to the test.

What is IELTS? 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test developed and managed by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English, to measure the proficiency of a person or student in the English language. The test aims to help them achieve their ambitions to work, study when proficiency in English is required, or move to another country that speaks the English language.

The IELTS test evaluates the four language skills: listening, speaking, writing, and reading.

Recognition of IELTS test 

IELTS is a global test accepted by higher education institutions and immigration authorities in various countries of the world, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The student will not be able to obtain a final offer from the university he wishes to study at without passing the IELTS test.

More than 10,000 organizations around the world accept the IELTS test, including educational institutions, governments, immigration authorities, professional bodies, and employers.

What makes IELTS test different? 

For more than 30 years, IELTS test results have been trusted by governments, organizations, and institutions around the world. It also helped millions of people achieve their goals.

The IELTS test focuses on global communication skills and carries many important benefits, such as: 

Access to new opportunities 

IELTS is trusted by thousands of organizations around the world, enabling you to work or study in Turkey or  any other country you want.

Improve your career

By passing the test you can prove your English proficiency to employers and get better opportunities.

Work abroad 

The Listening section of the IELTS test includes a group of dialects that enable you to deal with others in different countries, in addition to the Speaking section to examine the English language used by people from different parts of the world. 

Moving to an English-speaking country 

The IELTS test helps you determine your level of English and ensure that it meets the standards required by the immigration authorities.

Many choices available 

You can take the test on paper or online. Several testing dates are available around the world, to fit most schedules. 

Confidence in the results 

 The IELTS test is an accurate test conducted by people who are specialized and highly experienced in the English language and focus on language skills.

Accessible 

Adapted versions of the test are provided to people who have special requirements on the day of the test to ensure a fair test for everyone, regardless of nationality, cultural background, or needs.

Also read: Application Requirements to Study in Turkey

Types of IELTS test 

IELTS has two types:

IELTS Academic test 

For international students who wish to study at the university or enter a higher education institute, or Professional registration. It assesses your readiness to study in English.

General training IELTS 

It focuses on English language skills, social language, and language in the workplace. It is suitable for people planning to migrate to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. It is also needed for those who want to train or study at a lower academic level.

The test is based on assessing the everyday English skills a person needs in ordinary situations and work environments.

Sections of IELTS test 

The IELTS test includes 4 main parts:

• Listening: It consists of 40 questions Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time for the paper-based test)

The test includes some pieces in several areas, in addition to the general areas of the English language.

• Reading: It consists of 40 questions for 60 minutes, and its content is to understand complex information in detailed text.
• Writing: It consists of 2 tasks to be completed within one hour. The test involves the examinee using English for a variety of purposes and demonstrating the extent to which he or she adapts written English to different topics and how to use words, grammar, and connections.
• Speaking: Includes 3 parts in 11–14 minutes. Each part follows a specific pattern of tasks to test your speaking ability in various ways. 

The first 5 minutes are devoted to the introduction and general topics. The second part of the test assesses the test taker's ability to talk about a random topic. The final part adds more complexity to the second part, as it is concerned with pronunciation, lexical resources, and fluency.

The Speaking and Listening sections are the same in both academic and general IELTS tests, but the Reading and Writing sections are different.

Also read: English language test dates in Turkish universities 2024

Score on IELTS test 

An undergraduate degree requires an IELTS score of at least 6. For postgraduate studies, the test score is 6,5. 

To study specialist courses such as medicine, students need a grade of 7,0. However, each university and course varies in the required test score, so you must check the requirements of each institution before applying.

The IELTS exam does not involve success or failure, but the examinee’s performance is evaluated and given a grade or classification according to his performance in the test, from lowest to highest:

Non-practitioner, intermittent practitioner, very limited, mediocre, competent, good, very good, and excellent practitioner.

The cost of IELTS test 

The cost of IELTS test varies depending on the country in which the test is taken. 

• For example, it costs $280 - $340  in the USA, depending on location, and about 8000 EGP in Egypt.
• The test fee is £215 – £220 in the UK and ranges between $322 and $352 in Canada.
• The cost of Academic or General Training IELTS in Turkey is 6000 TRY.

Preparing for IELTS exam 

When to take the test depends on your readiness and current ability. Therefore, you should start preparation lessons two months before the test date.

Here is a set of necessary steps to help you get started:

• Take a practice test
• Understand the test format
• Know the time frame allocated for the exam
• Develop your English language abilities and IELTS strategies
• Multi-task when listening in English
• Develop reading skills
• Use appropriate English terms when writing
• Speak fluently or coherently in direct communication
• Immersion in English

Also read: Differences between YöS and SAT exams

The best sites to prepare for IELTS test 

• IELTS  Liz
• IELTS  Buddy
• IELTS  Mentor
• IELTS  6 to 9 Website
• IELTS Test Preparation Course Magoosh
• Free IELTS Online Course British Council 
• IELTS Band 7+ Complete Prep Course Udemy 
• Cambridge English 
• IDP IELTS
• Engvid

Conclusion

The IELTS test is the main and approved test for admission to universities that teach in the English language or for immigration. You must be sufficiently familiar with all parts of the test and prepare well for it to obtain the score that qualifies you for your purpose.

FAQ about IELTS test 

How long is IELTS test result valid? 

The IELTS test result remains valid for two years after the test is taken and the result is published.

What is IELTS for UKVI? 

 It is a visa and study requirement for international students to study a course at a certain level of the program in the UK. UKVI is similar in content and format to Academic IELTS, but slightly more expensive.

When do I get IELTS test results? 

Results appear after two weeks of testing.

If you wanted to know more or have any questions, we are here to help you and you can always contact us:

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