IELTS

1.What is IELTS?

-The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely used English language competence test in the world for higher education and international migration.

2. What is the difference between Academic IELTS and General IELTS?

-The academic test will cover subjects that are appropriate for students entering Colleges, universities or professional institutions to cover their English Language Proficiency. Topics of general interest will be covered in the General Training test. Whether you decide to take the IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training test, the listening and speaking portions of the exam are the same.

3.What does IELTS for UKVI mean?

-Both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are part of it. However, if you want to study Pathway or an Undergraduate Programme in the UK, you must take an IELTS exam called IELTS for UKVI, which has been authorized for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) purposes. Everyone who immigrates from a non-English-speaking nation must follow these rules.

4. Is IELTS easier with IDP or British Council?

-Both the British Council and IDP administer the exact identical test. The same international standard is used for marking by all examiners. IELTS is the most reputable test in the world in part because of this.

5.What is the structure of IELTS exam?

– IELTS consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Listening and Speaking are the same in both general training and academic versions of the exam. However, candidates taking the academic module face more complex assignments in IELTS Reading and Writing section.

Listening: The IELTS Listening section is divided into four segments,. Each section consists of a brief chat (or monologue) followed by a series of questions. Considering that each text is only played once, it is crucial that you study for the section and are familiar with all the IELTS Listening tips and tactics. You have 40 minutes to answer all 40 questions.

Reading: In the Reading section of the academic version of the test candidates are presented with three texts and 40 questions (13-14 for each text). In the general training module, texts tend to be shorter. Candidates are given 60 minutes to read all the texts and fill in the answer sheet.

Writing:  IELTS Writing consists of two tasks: task 1 in the academic module asks students to describe a graph, diagram, or chart before responding to an argument. In general training version, you have to write a letter and a short essay. IELTS essay writing demands a lot of practice. Students have 60 minutes to complete the portion, same like in reading.

Speaking: The entire test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete (listening, reading, and writing). IELTS Speaking comprises of three segments and will take an additional 10-15 minutes.The examiner will start by asking a candidate about his or her interests, hobbies, and motivations for taking the test. Candidates for Task 2 receive a cue card and have one minute to prepare the answer. The third section of the IELTS Speaking test entails a conversation with the examiner regarding the subject covered in the first two sections.

6.How long does it take to get the IELTS score?

-If you take the standard or UKVI IELTS on paper, you will be able to check your scores after 13 calendar days from the test date. You will have the access to preview the IELTS results on the Test Taker Portal. If you take the computer-delivered test, you can get your results after 3 to 5 calendar days from the test date.

7.How is IELTS score calculated?

Should I take paper-based IELTS or Computer-delivered IELTS?

–              The decision is completely depends on you. If you are a computer person and good at typing, you definitely should go for the computer delivered test. However, if you are uncomfortable to be in front of computer for a long period of time and unable to type faster, you better take the paper based one.

Let’s check the pros and cons of both methods!

Pros of taking a computer-delivered test

• You can edit your answers simply

Many of the students discovered that editing their writing was easier when they took the test on computer. As a result, they found that organizing and structuring their essay was lot simpler.

• You don’t have to count the words

The number of words in your essay will be automatically counted by the computer. Most of the students felt that having one less item to think about during the exam made it a little less stressful.

• Test centres are less crowded

IELTS test centres that use computers are often more organized and less busy. As a result, it helps the test takers to concentrate more. Besides, each student gets individual computer to take the test.

• Your handwriting won’t be an issue

The computer-based examination is the best option if you are concerned that your messy handwriting would make it difficult for an IELTS examiner to grasp what you are writing.

• You don’t have to flip the pages over and over

The text and the questions will be separated on the screen for the Reading segment. This implies that you won’t have to continuously turning pages like you would in a test on the paper

• Your results will be available within 3-5 days from your test date

Cons of taking computer- delivered test

• You should skip this test if you can not see the computer screen for a long time.
• This will be difficult for you if your typing skills are not up to the mark
• You can be distracted by the typing sounds of others’
• Repeated reading can cause eye strain.

Pros of taking paper based test

• You can easily highlight the keywords
• You can read the text easily again and again
• This is a good choice if your not good at typing

Cons of taking paper based exam

• Your score may decrease if other people have trouble reading your handwriting.
• If something is written wrongly, it should be erased which kills time.
• You have to count the words which is a hassle
• These exam centres are frequently overcrowded.
• You will get the result after 13 days

Now, No one knows better which test type would be best for you than you. You must be aware of all the points that are mentioned. Think properly while choosing the test type. You have to be confident and comfortable on the test date which matter the most!