IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is specifically designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study, work or live where English is the medium of communication. It measures the test takers’ ability to communicate in English across all four basic language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
There are two versions of IELTS:
The Academic Module
The General Training Module
The module that you take depends on the reason that you are taking it for. Generally speaking, the Academic Module is for those people who are trying to gain entry onto undergraduate or postgraduate education courses or for professional reasons. The General Training Module is for those people who wish to join some kinds of vocational or training courses, secondary schools or for immigration purposes. Both Academic and General Training modules try and reflect real life situations to test whether a candidate would survive in English speaking social and academic environments. Moreover, the Academic module is harder than the General Training Module as it is the most advanced test.
IELTS is administered by 4 organizations:
University of Cambridge ESOL Exams
The British Council
IDP Education Australia
IELTS Australia
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure global authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Over 5,000 education institutions, faculties, government agencies and professional organizations around the world recognize IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of proficiency in the English language.
Global Presence
IELTS is available worldwide and is internationally accredited. It is indeed the only true global test with global presence, which you can trust to represent your English Language skills precisely and take you where you want to go.
Over 1,100 US universities and professional bodies accept IELTS scores as proof of English Language skills. Over 938,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, is one of the fastest growing English Language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.
Recognition
If you want to study, travel or migrate to an English-speaking country, IELTS is the test for you. IELTS is trusted and recognized by Universities, immigration authorities and government departments in almost all English-speaking countries including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United Kingdom and United States.
IELTS is also used by employers and public bodies in many other countries throughout the world as a bench-mark for English Language proficiency.
Some Facts on IELTS
• IELTS is the world’s proven English language test.
• IELTS is universally recognized by organizations, educational institutions, employers, professional associations and government bodies as a secure, reliable and valid indicator of the ability to communicate in English.
• IELTS is a truly global test which reflects and respects international diversity.
• IELTS is one of the most frequently available tests administered up to 4 times a month.
• IELTS is used for membership and admission purposes by more than 4,000 organizations across 120 countries.
• IELTS is one of the fastest growing English tests in the world, with over 700,000 people taking it every year.
• You, and those relying on your results, benefit from the test’s authenticity – IELTS encourages, reflects and tests the use of English for study, work and life.
• The IELTS face-to face speaking test reflects real life situations. IELTS gives you an accurate assessment of your ability to communicate effectively in English.
IELTS TESTING AREAS
The IELTS test (both Academic and General Training modules) is divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
| ACADEMIC | GENERAL TRAINING | |
| Listening | 4 sections; 40 questions, 30 minutes +10 minutes extra time | 4 sections; 40 questions, 30 minutes + 10 minutes extra time |
| Reading | 3 Passages 40 Questions (Approx.) 60 Minutes | 3 Passages 40 Questions (Approx.) 60 Minutes |
| Writing | 2 Tasks 60 Minutes | 2 Tasks 60 Minutes |
| Speaking | 3 Sections 11 - 14 Minutes | 3 Sections 11 - 14 Minutes |
HOW THE IELTS TEST IS BANDED?
The results IELTS candidates are graded/banded using a 9 BAND scale. The candidate will be given a Test Report Form on which they will find a full or half band for each part of the test and a final full or half band along with details of the candidate's nationality, first language and date of birth. The 9 bands correspond to a series of descriptions that relates to the candidate's English ability at that level. These band descriptors for the IELTS results are as follows:
BAND 9 Expert user. Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.
BAND 8 Very Good 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.
BAND 7 Good User. Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
BAND 6 Competent User. Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
BAND 5 Modest User. Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
BAND 4 Limited User. Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
BAND 3 Extremely Limited User. Conveys and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
BAND 2 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.
BAND 1 Non User. Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
BAND 0 Did not attempt the test. No assessable information provided.
Who can take the test?
Students applying to study in the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, US & Europe.
Medical professionals planning to work or follow further study in the UK, Australia or the US. People planning to emigrate to UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand.
If I am under 16 years old, can I take the test?
You can take the test but IELTS is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16.
Is IELTS accepted in the US?
Yes! Almost all American universities and institutions recognize IELTS, including seven of the eight ‘Ivy League’ universities, CGFNS and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Why Study IELTS at Webster?
Teaching with American Digi-Syllabus-first time in the history Nepal
Very affordable fee structure
Free online access, tests and tutorials for all enrolled students
Homely & tranquil ambience
Year round class schedules
Cozy and small classrooms with projector added tutorials
Result-oriented package with individual care
Weekly pre & mock test to monitor your progress
Latest & wide range of test preparation materials
Free test preparation kit with every course
Free voice and accent training for all students
Native and top notch faculties (foreign university graduates)
Central and convenient location
Effective learning outcomes
Innovative, proven and global teaching strategies
Individual attention in small classes
Motivating instructors
Well equipped modern audio-visual lab
Ultra-modern self access lab with computer added tutorials
Modern well-equipped library with a wide range of latest books
Free Processing for abroad study for all test prep students
Unprecedented record of success stories