Wednesday

FREE IELTS Preparation Tips

The following study tips will help you in the weeks leading up to the IELTS.
  • Become familiar with the test as early as possible. The skills being tested in the IELTS take a period of time to build up. Cramming is not an effective study technique for IELTS.
  • Use your study time efficiently. Study when you are fresh and, after you have planned a timetable, make sure that you keep to it. Set goals and ensure that you have adequate breaks. In the IELTS test, each of the four Band Modules ListeningReadingWriting and Speaking carries the same weight. Study each skill carefully and spend more time on the skills in which you feel you are weak.
  • Be aware of the exact procedure for the test. Be very clear on the order of each section, its length and the specific question types. There are many resourcesavailable to help you practice these skills. 
  • Having a study partner or a study group is an excellent idea. Other students may raise issues that you may not have considered.
  • Seek help from teachers, friends.

Monday

Frequently asked questions


About the test

Registering for the test

Sitting the test

Test results

IELTS Test Fee

IELTS has a set fee for its test. The Academic and General Training tests are the same cost. You must pay your fee when you put in your IELTS Application Form (PDF, 273KB).

To find out the test fee in your local currency, check the IELTS Worldwide Search for your nearest centre. It also has information on terms and conditions for payment and cancellations.

IELTS test fees are used to ensure the quality and security of the test process.

For more information, see Frequently asked questions or download the Information for candidates booklet (PDF, 935KB).

IELTS band score chart

IELTS TEST STRUCTURE

The test has four parts covering all four language skills:

  • Listening (30 minutes)
  • Reading (60 minutes)
  • Writing (60 minutes)
  • Speaking (11 – 14 minutes)
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Register for free and findIELTS Mock papers at our LearnEnglish website.
The first three parts are completed in one day, while the speaking part may be take in the period of seven days before or after the other parts.

IELTS BAND SCORES AND VALIDITY

All candidates are given a report on their English language ability which gives them a band score according to a scale of 0 to 9 – from Non User to Expert User. The report contains five scores, one for each of the modules and an overall score. The report is normally valid for two years.
The chart below illustrates how the IELTS band scores compare with the Common European Framework (CEF) levels and other University of Cambridge ESOL exams:


IELTS
band score
Corresponding
CEF level
Corresponding
Cambridge exam
7.5+C2CPE
6.5 / 7.0C1CAE
5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0   B2FCE
3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5B1PET
3.0A2KET
* Please note that the IELTS scores referred to in the table are the overall scores and not the individual module scores

IELTS Test Structure



IELTS test structure
All candidates must complete four Modules - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking - to obtain a band score, which is shown on the IELTS Test Report Form (TRF). All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, while the Reading and Writing Modules differ depending on whether the candidate is taking the Academic or General Training Versions of the Test.
Listening
The listening module comprises four sections. Each section begins with a short introduction telling the candidates about the situation and the speakers. They then have some time to look through the questions. The first three sections have a break in the middle allowing candidates to look at the remaining questions. Each section is heard only once.
Reading
In the academic module the reading test comprises three sections, with 3 texts normally followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions overall. The General test also has 3 sections. However the texts are shorter, so there can be up to 5 texts to read.
Writing
This consists of two sections. First section is where all candidates need to describe a diagram and with the second section taking the form of an essay.
Speaking
The speaking test contains three sections. The first section takes the form of an interview during which candidates may be asked about their hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers and the internet or family. In the second section candidates are given a topic card and then have one minute to prepare after which they must speak about the given topic. The third section involves a discussion between the examiner and the candidate, generally on questions relating to the theme which they have already spoken about in part 2.
Duration
The total test duration is around 2 hours and 45 minutes for Listening, Reading and Writing modules.
§  Listening: 40 minutes, 30 minutes for which a recording is played centrally and additional 10 minutes for transferring answers onto the OMR answer sheet.
§  Reading: 60 minutes.
§  Writing: 60 minutes.
§  Speaking: 10–14 minutes.
No additional time is given for transfer of answers in Reading and Writing modules
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing (always in that order) - are completed in one day, and in fact are taken with no break in between. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other Modules.
The tests are designed to cover the full range of ability from non-user to expert user.



Candidates are tested in listeningreadingwriting and speaking. All candidates take the sameListening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules. The General Training Reading and Writing Modules emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context.
· Listening module (4 sections, 40 questions) ---> duration 30 minutes
· Academic reading/general training reading module (3 sections, 40 questions) ---> duration 60 minutes
· Academic writing/general training writing (2 tasks, 150 and 250 words) ---> duration 60 minutes
· Speaking module (a face-to-face interview) ---> duration 11 - 14 minutes

The first three modules - ListeningReading and Writing - must be completed in one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other modules.

A computerised version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing Modules (CBIELTS) is available at selected centres, but all centres will continue to offer paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium in which they wish to take the test.


Sunday

IELTS Exams


To help universities and colleges select students with sufficient English skills to succeed in their courses, The IELTS test was introduced in 1989 to assess “whether candidates are ready to train in the medium of English”. It is now used for this purpose around the globe.

Depending in the course of study that students plan to take, students must elect to sit either the AcademicIELTS test or the General Training IELTS test. This choice must be made when applying to sit the test. The Academic IELTS test is necessary for students who plan to study at university (undergraduate or postgraduate courses), and will test the student’s ability both to understand and to use complex academic language. The General Training IELTS test is required by other institutions, such as colleges and high schools, for courses that require less complex language skills, and is also as a general test of English proficiency e.g. for immigration purposes in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
The Test Format
There are four sub-tests, or modules, to the IELTS test: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Students must sit all four sub-tests. While all students take the same Listening and Speaking tests, they sit different Reading and Writing tests, depending on whether they have selected the Academic IELTS test or the General Training IELTS test.

On the day of the test, the four subsections will be taken in the following order:

IELTS Test Structure
Total Test Time
2 hours 45 minutes
The Speaking test may even take place a day or two later at some centres.

IELTS listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It consists of four sections, played on cassette tape, in order of increasing difficulty. Each section might be a dialogue or a monologue. The test is played once only, and the questions for each section must be answered while listening, although time is given for students to check their answers.

IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. Students are given an Academic Reading test, or a General Training Reading test. Both tests consist of three sections, and in both tests the sections are in order of increasing difficulty.

IELTS Writing test also lasts for 60 minutes. Again, students take either an Academic test, or a General Training test. Students must perform two writing tasks, which require different styles of writing. There is no choice of question topics.

IELTS Speaking test consists of a one-to-one interview with a specially trained examiner. The examiner will lead the candidate through the three parts of the test:
An introduction and interview, an individual long turn where the candidate speaks for one or two minutes on a particular topic, and a two-way discussion thematically linked to the individual long turn. This interview will last for approximately 11-14 minutes.

How to Register IELTS


 Legal Disclaimer Statement: “The British Council and the UK examining boards take all responsible steps to provide continuity of services. We feel sure you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control or any loss or damage or injury or death is caused to any candidate at the examination venue during examination due to any act of terrorism or otherwise. If examinations or there results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s responsibility will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or re-testing at a later stage.”
Important Notice to IELTS Candidates

  • British Council IELTS Test fee has been increased from 1 July, 2010. Those who wish to register for IELTS test date, scheduled 1 July 2010 onwards, will have to pay PKR 12000/- IELTS test fee.
  • In line with advice from government immigration agencies, a change to the regulations relating to IELTS candidate photographs was implemented on 1 January 2010. Candidates registering for IELTS now, must not wear glasses in the photographs they submit for IELTS test registration.
Step 1
Information

Step 2
Registration

Step 3
Payment

  • Deposit the IELTS test fee in your respective branch of Standard Chartered Bank
  • British Council IELTS Test fee has been increased from 1 July, 2010. Those who wish to appear for IELTS test, scheduled from 1 July 2010 onwards, will have to pay PKR 12000/- IELTS test fee.
Step 4
  • Send your complete IELTS Application form by post / courier to your nearest British Council office along with Clear photocopy of your valid Computerised National Identity Card OR Passport (The one you have mentioned on the form), two coloured passport size photographs with out eyeglasses (not older than six months) and your payment proof (SCB deposit slip or Demand Draft) of PKR12000/- in favour of your respective British Council office. The application will be processed upon receipt at British Council and seat will be allocated to you, subject to availability.
Please note that you must bring the same original ID document (passport or computerised national identity card), as the one recorded and attach with your IELTS application form, with you on the day of the test.

IELTS Registration


How to Register for IELTS

REGISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM

Below given is the whole criteria for the IELTS Registration in Pakistan and Pakistan education system support the registration of International English Language Testing System in Pakistan which is the IELTS Pakistan examination every year and according to the requirement and applications receive in Pakistan.
You can apply in British Council and AEO in Pakistan for the IELTS.
AEO offices are situated in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. You have to visit the offices to get form or download it from their official website.
British Council offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Hyderabad offer full testing services on a regular basis. It is not required to attend a preparation course though it is a good initiative to practice thoroughly ahead of time.
You can get IELTS Registration Form from Standard Chartered Bank or download from the British Council official website.
You have to attach a clear photocopy of your valid Computerize National Identity Card or Passport, two colored passport size photographs without eye glasses (not older than six months) and your payment deposit slip of Standard Chartered Bank (Demand Draft in favor of respective British Council office). Banks details where you can deposit fee given at the end.

How to Register for IELTS


How to Register for IELTS

REGISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM

Below given is the whole criteria for the IELTS Registration in Pakistan and Pakistan education system support the registration of International English Language Testing System in Pakistan which is the IELTS Pakistan examination every year and according to the requirement and applications receive in Pakistan.
You can apply in British Council and AEO in Pakistan for the IELTS.
AEO offices are situated in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. You have to visit the offices to get form or download it from their official website.
British Council offices in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad and Hyderabad offer full testing services on a regular basis. It is not required to attend a preparation course though it is a good initiative to practice thoroughly ahead of time.
You can get IELTS Registration Form from Standard Chartered Bank or download from the British Council official website.
You have to attach a clear photocopy of your valid Computerize National Identity Card or Passport, two colored passport size photographs without eye glasses (not older than six months) and your payment deposit slip of Standard Chartered Bank (Demand Draft in favor of respective British Council office). Banks details where you can deposit fee given at the end.

Register for IELTS


Register for IELTS
Legal Disclaimer Statement: “The British Council and the UK examining boards take all responsible steps to provide continuity of services. We feel sure you will understand, however, that we cannot be held responsible for any interruptions caused by circumstances beyond our control or any loss or damage or injury or death is caused to any candidate at the examination venue during examination due to any act of terrorism or otherwise. If examinations or there results are disrupted, cancelled or delayed, every effort will be made to resume normal service as soon as possible. The British Council’s responsibility will be limited to the refund of the registration fee or re-testing at a later stage.”
Important Notice to IELTS Candidates
  • British Council IELTS Test fee has been increased from 1 July, 2010. Those who wish to register for IELTS test date, scheduled 1 July 2010 onwards, will have to pay PKR 12000/- IELTS test fee.
  • In line with advice from government immigration agencies, a change to the regulations relating to IELTS candidate photographs was implemented on 1 January 2010. Candidates registering for IELTS now, must not wear glasses in the photographs they submit for IELTS test registration.
Step 1
Information

Step 2
Registration

Step 3
Payment
  • Deposit the IELTS test fee in your respective branch of Standard Chartered Bank
  • British Council IELTS Test fee has been increased from 1 July, 2010. Those who wish to appear for IELTS test, scheduled from 1 July 2010 onwards, will have to pay PKR 12000/- IELTS test fee.
Step 4
  • Send your complete IELTS Application form by post / courier to your nearest British Council office along with Clear photocopy of your valid Computerised National Identity Card OR Passport (The one you have mentioned on the form), two coloured passport size photographs with out eyeglasses (not older than six months) and your payment proof (SCB deposit slip or Demand Draft) of PKR12000/- in favour of your respective British Council office. The application will be processed upon receipt at British Council and seat will be allocated to you, subject to availability.
Please note that you must bring the same original ID document (passport or computerised national identity card), as the one recorded and attach with your IELTS application form, with you on the day of the test.

Monday

IELTS CALENDAR 2011


An annual calendar for IELTS to help you organise the registration and preparation processes, wherever you are in Pakistan!
Important Note: Although a test date below may presently show as available, please be informed that this does not guarantee registration for that date.
Registrations are made on a first come first serve basis following receipt of a complete application form at your test centre.

ISLAMABADOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Saturday, 07             
Thursday, 19             

June 2011 
Saturday, 11             
Saturday, 25             

July 2011 
Saturday, 09             
Saturday, 30             

August 2011 
Saturday, 13             
Thursday, 25             

September 2011 
Saturday, 03             
Saturday, 24             
KARACHIOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Saturday, 07             
Thursday, 19             

June 2011 
Saturday, 11             
Saturday, 25             

July 2011 
Saturday, 09             
Saturday, 16            N/A 
Saturday, 30             

August 2011 
Saturday, 13             
Thursday, 25             

September 2011 
Saturday, 03             
Saturday, 24             
LAHOREOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Saturday, 07             
Thursday, 19             
Saturday, 28            N/A 

June 2011 
Saturday, 11             
Saturday, 25             

July 2011 
Saturday, 09             
Saturday, 16            N/A 
Saturday, 30             

August 2011 
Saturday, 13             
Thursday, 25             

September 2011 
Thursday, 15            N/A 
Saturday, 24             
MULTANOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Saturday, 07             

June 2011 
Saturday, 11             

July 2011 
Saturday, 09             

August 2011 
Saturday, 13             

September 2011 
Thursday, 15            N/A 
PESHAWAROrange lozenge left

Note:

Prospective test takers should register with our Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad centres.
QUETTAOrange lozenge left

Note:

Prospective test takers should register with our Islamabad, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Karachi, Hyderabad centres.
FAISALABADOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Saturday, 28            N/A 

June 2011 
Saturday, 25             

July 2011 
Saturday, 30             

August 2011 
Thursday, 25             

September 2011 
Saturday, 24             
HYDERABADOrange lozenge left
Academic  General
Training
 

May 2011 
Thursday, 19             

June 2011 
Saturday, 25             

July 2011 
Saturday, 30             

August 2011 
Thursday, 25             

September 2011 
Saturday, 24             

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