ALL ABOUT IELTS

What is IELTS?

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.

IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.

IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

Note: This website is NOT the same or connected or associated with any of the IELTS Test Partners. If you want to prepare yourself for IELTS exam, you are in the right place! But if you are looking for information about registering for the IELTS, test dates or test fees, visit the official IELTS website, www.ielts.org.


Where can I take IELTS?
More than 400 test centers around the world administer IELTS. Most test centers are run by the British Council, IELTS Australia, or universities and language schools. Some testing centers also offer off-site testing for large groups by prior arrangement with IELTS. Contact your local examination center or visit www.iefts.org to find out where the nearest IELTS test center is located.

Where can I find information about registering for the test?
You can contact your nearest examination center or visit the official IELTS website for more information about application procedures and the location of a test center near you.

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:

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.

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What is the pass mark IELTS?

IELTS is a fixed pass mark.However, as a general rule, scores below Band
5 in any one skill is too low to educational Study, the best way to score above Band 6 are considered adequate. Overall band score of 5 or 6 on the line and can not be acceptable in many institutions.Then you about your level of English should consult a teacher. Remember you test between each effort should allow at least 3 months.
For more information about the trial, all IELTS test centers and handbooks are also available from UCLES (University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate), I see DP Education Australia and the British Council center.

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How is IELTS scored?

Your ability to use English for IELTS provides a profile.9 shows a scale of 1 is rated in each skill. Overall, nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9 Expert User
Appropriate, accurate and complete understanding of the language fluently, is fully operational command.

8 Very good user
With only occasional unsystematic error and inappropriacies command language is fully operational. Misconceptions can be in unknown condition. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
 
7 Good User
Operational command of language, though occasionally inaccura cies inappropriacies, and in some cases with misunderstandings. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Authorized Line 6
Slip of the tongue, inappropriacies and misunderstanding is still generally effective command. Use familiar with and understand the particular circumstances of the fair COM plex language.

5 simple user
Partial command of language is, in most cases as a whole is faced with meaning, although it is likely many mistakes. Able to handle basic communication in own field should be.

4 Limited User 
Basic eligibility is limited to familiar situations. Understanding and expression is a frequent problem. Is not able to use complex language.

3 very limited user
I was told and just generally feels very familiar situations. Breakdowns in communication occur frequently.

2 Intermittent User 
What is great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1 Non User 
Not primarily out of a few isolated words have the ability to use language.

0 tests did not try
No assessable information provided

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FREE IELTS PREPARATION GUIDELINES

What is IELTS? This test is for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking  IELTS is jointly managed by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) through more than 350 locations in 120 countries. Who is the 'IELTS Examination Preparation' course for? This course is suitable for students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate university courses, who already have an Upper-Intermediate level or higher of General English. What does the exam involve? Listening -This is a test of listening comprehension in the context of general language proficiency. The test is in four sections. The first two sections are concerned with social needs, while the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to educational or training contexts. Texts include both monologues and dialogues between two or three people, and are heard once only. Reading -The Academic Reading module consists of texts of general interest dealing with issues which are appropriate for, and accessible to, candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. The module consists of three passages or sections with forty questions. Question types include multiple choice, sentence or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases and identifying writers' views/attitudes.A variety of question types are used for the forty items, including multiple choice, short answer questions, notes/summary/flow chart completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram and matching. Writing - Appropriate responses for the Academic Writing module are short essays or general reports, addressed to tutors or to an educated non-specialist audience. There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1, requires at least 150 words. Task 2, the more heavily weighted, requires at least 250. words. In Task 1, Academic Writing module candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table or data and to present the information in their own words.In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to provide general factual information, outline and/or present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence. Speaking -The Speaking Module takes between 11 and 14 minutes. It consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. There are three main parts. Each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and candidate output. In Part 1 the candidate answers general questions about themselves, their homes/families, their jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes. In Part 2 the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions. In Part 3 the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2.The discussion lasts between four and five minutes. Why choose IELTS? IELTS is recognized as an entrance requirement by universities in UK,  Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA. When can I take the examination? Students can take the IELTS examination in India any month. When are the results published? Results are normally issued within two weeks of a candidate taking the test. IELTS provides a test Report Form giving a profile of ability to use English as assessed by the Test. A score in each of the four modules, and an overall score, are recorded as levels of ability, called 'Bands'. These Band scores are recorded on the candidate's Test Report Form. Each Band corresponds to a generalized descriptive statement of a candidate's English at that level. The profile provided on an IELTS Test Report Form is normally valid for a period of two years. IELTS Tips and Information: Preparing to Take: IELTS tests your ability to use English for academic or training purposes - for example, your ability to write assignments or interpret academic texts. You’ll probably get a better result in the test if you prepare properly. Ways of Preparing: Read the latest version of the IELTS Handbook (we can lend you one of these). The Handbook explains the test format and has examples of questions. Buy some IELTS practice materials - available in the Library. If you haven't got much time, or if you feel you need individual tuition to help you with any particular problems, we can offer 1-to-1 lessons as well as our English for IELTS group course. Take an IELTS pre-test - this will give you an indication of your present IELTS level in the reading and writing modules. The Director of Studies can give you the pre-test. How Do I Apply? You can get an application form from the Library. Please ask the Library staff. The Director of Studies will help you complete the form and will check available examination dates.

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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN IELTS AND TOEFL

You have spent many hours learning English, whether for your work or school situation. Now you need to prove that you do, in fact, know the language as well as you need to for the program you are entering. How can you do this? You can prove your knowledge of the language by taking a test. Two of the most popular are the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). While these two tests have a similar goal - to show that you know English - they are different in many ways. Difference in Intent One difference in the two tests is in the intent. The main intent of the TOEFL is to determine whether or not the test taker can speak, read, understand, and write English well enough to attend college in an English-speaking program. The questions, reading material, and listening material are all designed on a college level. While there is one version of the IELTS that is designed for college applicants, the Academic Version, the IELTS also comes in a General Training Version. This is used for those who are looking to head to an English-speaking country for work or immigration. Many companies who are looking to hire non-native English speakers need to know that their employees can speak and understand English, and they require a test to show this. Also, Australia and Canada require those who are immigrating to their countries to pass the test as part of their citizenship requirements. Difference in Focus Another difference between the two tests is the focus. The TOEFL is designed for North American speakers and hearers. The spoken portions are read by native North American speakers. The questions of form and style are based on North American English. On the other hand, the IELTS is designed to fit a variety of accents and situations. The writing styles and accents incorporated into the test are designed to mimic the accent and style of many different countries. This makes this test ideal for those who are looking to test their ability to speak and read English, but do not necessarily need to speak and read North American English. The Structure of the IELTS Candidates who are taking the IELTS are required to complete four modules. These are speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Once complete, the applicant will receive a band, or score, which will be displayed on the IELTS Test Report Form. The highest possible score is a 9 band score, which means the individual is completely competent in all tested areas. The Listening and Speaking Modules are the same for both the academic and general versions of the exam, but the Reading and Writing Modules are not. The test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The Listening, Reading, and Writing Modules must be completed in that order on the same day without a break. The Speaking Module can be completed within a week prior to or following the written portion of the test. The Structure of the TOEFL The TOEFL can be taken online or at a testing center. When taken online, the applicant has four hours to complete the Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing sections of the test. Each section has its own time limit. The paper-based test is similar in structure. However, it has a structure and written expression section rather than a speaking section. These test similar skills, just in a different format. The Internet based version has a highest possible score of 120 and a lowest possible score of 0. The paper version is scored in a range between 310 and 577, with each section scored separately, but the writing section not included in the final score. While the TOEFL and the IELTS have significant differences, both are good ways to judge whether or not an English speaker truly knows the language. If you are trying to decide which test to take, contact the school or company with which you are applying to see which test they prefer.

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ALL ABOUT IELTS TEST LISTENING PREPARATION

Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?
No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading Question paper?
Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

What kind of accents will I hear in the Listening and Speaking tests? 
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these examinations.

What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is conducted with a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

What should the candidate bring for the Speaking test?
The candidate needs to bring the same identification documents they supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to the candidate entering the interview room.

What kind of accents will I hear in the Listening and Speaking tests? 
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these examinations.

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An independent website for anyone taking the IELTS Test..

Many people Dream of Education or advancing their careers in a country like Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United Kingdom. For most, the first Step to Fulfilling this ambition is the IELTS test.The objective of IELTSTips.com (IELTS Tips) is simple: to help IELTS candidates achieve a better IELTS score!

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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).

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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+	C2	CPE
6.5 / 7.0	C1	CAE
5.0 / 5.5 / 6.0	B2	FCE
3.5 / 4.0 / 4.5	B1	PET
3.0	A2	KET

* Please note that the IELTS scores referred to in the table are the overall scores and not the individual module scores

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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 Read the IELTS information sheet Check the IELTS Information for Candidates Check IELTS calendar In case you wish to query your result - IELTS Enquiry Results form Application for the issue of additional TRF Test date transfer and cancellation policy British Council IELTS on-line results service Change to the General Training Reading Paper Step 2 Registration check availability of your desired test date- IELTS calendar download IELTS Registration Form check notes on the application form 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.

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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.

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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.

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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 Read the IELTS information sheet Check the IELTS Information for Candidates Check IELTS calendar In case you wish to query your result - IELTS Enquiry Results form Application for the issue of additional TRF Test date transfer and cancellation policy British Council IELTS on-line results service Change to the General Training Reading Paper Step 2 Registration check availability of your desired test date- IELTS calendar download IELTS Registration Form check notes on the application form 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.

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HOW TO USE IELTS for immigration purposes

A number of Commonwealth countries use IELTS scores as a proof of prospective immigrants' competence in English.

Australia

Australia's immigration authorities have used IELTS to assess English proficiency of prospective migrants since May 1998, when this test replaced the access: test that had been previously used.

Presently, to demonstrate the "proficient" level of English, applicants for Australia's Independent Migrant visa (permanent residence) must either score at least 7 on each of the modules of IELTS, or score at least "B" on Australia's Occupational English Test.

One can receive a "partial credit" (fewer points on the point test that determines one's eligibility for the migrant's visa) for having merely a "competent" level of English, which requires scoring at least 6 on each of the modules of IELTS. Prospective migrants who are citizens of the majority-English-speaking countries (United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, or Republic of Ireland) may choose to automatically receive the credit for the "competent" level of English merely by virtue of their citizenship, without taking tests; however, if they desire to show the "proficient" level (e.g. in order to obtain a sufficiently high overall score on the migration point test) they still must take the IELTS or OET.

New Zealand

New Zealand has used the IELTS test since 1995. Initially, level 5 scores in each of the four modules were required of the prospective applicants; those who could not achieve required scores could pay a NZ$20,000 fee instead, which would be fully or partially refunded later if the migrant were able to successfully take the test within a certain period (3 to 12 months) after his or her arrival to the country. A few years later, the policy was changed: the fee was reduced, and, instead of being potentially refundable, it became treated as a "pre-purchase" of post-arrival ESL tuition.

Presently, applicants desiring to achieve permanent residence in New Zealand via the "Entrepreneur Category" migration program must prove a "reasonable" level of competence in English. Unless the applicant has studied and/or work for a sufficiently long period in New Zealand or other English-speaking countries, this normally should be demonstrated by achieving the overall band of 6.5 on the IELTS.

Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada uses the results of IELTS and/or TEF as a conclusive evidence of one's ability to communicate in English and/or French.[18] For the purposes of the skill-based immigration points test, one receives separate points based on his or her performance on each of the four modules (reading, writing, speaking, and listening) or IELTS; the score of 6.5 on a particular IELTS module is sufficient to earn the maximum points for this particular capacity, except for the listening module, which requires the score of 7.5 to earn the maximum points.

The CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) test scores are mentioned by the Canadian immigration application forms as an alternative to IELTS.

United Kingdom

Under the UK's "Points Based System Tier 1" (General Migrant) programme, applicants can receive 10 points for their English language qualification if it is deemed "equivalent to the Council of Europe's Common European Framework for Language Learning level C1", which is said to approximately equivalent to IELTS level 6.5, or GCSE Grade C. Having had earned a university degree from an English-medium institution is an acceptable alternative proof of one's English level.

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