Instructions for the IELTS Test

1. Test Fee is PKR 12,000.
2. Test Report Form remains valid for 2 years.
3. There are two examination bodies for IELTS:
   • British Council
   • AEO
4. Test Centers of British council in Pakistan are:
   • Lahore
   • Karachi
   • Islamabad
   • Multan
   • Faisalabad
   • Hyderabad
5. Test centers of AEO are
   • Islamabad
   • Karachi
   • Lahore
6. You must try to register for IELTS test at least 2 months before your chosen test date as later on you may find difficulty in finding a seat.
7. You can check for IELTS results after 13 days of your test.
8. You can repeat the test as often as you like to improve your score.
9. Answer all questions. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
10. Total Test Duration 2 hours 45 minutes.
11. Make sure you have visited the venue of the test a few days before the test date. Arrive at least half an hour earlier than the reporting time specified. Arriving late could send your tension levels soaring and the exam requires you to be absolutely relaxed and ready to give of your best.
12. The British Council offers preparatory courses for IELTS. A four day intensive course is held before the date of the test. The course might be a good idea as it gives you an insight into IELTS along with lots of practice. I think it would not help those whose level is very poor. It would be most useful for those who lie somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. Similarly AEO also offer courses.
13. There is no break between the components of the test. This means that for around 3 to 3.5 hours, you can't eat, drink or visit the restroom. So be ready for it.
14. Carry your original and valid passport as it is mandatory. Also take the letter which gave you the venue of the test and your roll number. The receipt for the IELTS fee is another document that is sometimes asked for. Take it too.
15. Take a number of sharpened pencils, a pencil sharpener, an eraser and pens. Do all the components of the test in pencil. For listening and reading, use of a pencil is mandatory.
16. Time is a crucial factor so take a watch with you and give appropriate time to each section.

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IELTS Test Format

To succeed in the IELTS exam, a candidate has to know the test pattern and the particular techniques for answering questions. Make sure you are fully prepared with this knowledge. Don't believe people who tell you that IELTS needs no preparation if your English is good. Even if it is, you still require learning the right abilities for the test. Experts suggested a period of two weeks as preparation time, though this would vary depending on your level of familiarity with English. The test fees are high and if you don't get the band score that you need, you have to take test again. Like in all other exams, practice is the key to doing well in the IELTS. Make sure you have done it before you appear for the test. Make well-known yourself with the test format.
All candidates must complete four Modules:
1. Listening
2. Reading
3. Writing
4. Speaking

1. Listening
   This module consists of four sections and each has 10 questions. Candidates will be given question paper consisting of variety of questions including: multiple choice, short answer questions, and sentence completion, summary, labeling a map/diagram/plan, matching etc. Candidates will hear the recording once only and answer the questions as they listen. Ten minutes are allowed at the end of recordings.
2. Reading
   There are two types of reading modules one for Academic Version another for General Training Version, each has three sections with 40 questions. Candidates will be given three readings which may be taken from advertisements, leaflets, newspapers, books and magazines. The first section contains texts relevant to basic linguistic survival in English while the next sections are more difficult. Candidate has 20 minutes for completion of each section.
3. Writing
   There are two types of writing modules one for Academic Version another for General Training Version. In each module candidates have 20 minutes for the task 1 and write 150 words and 40 minutes for task 2 which requires 250 words.
   Candidates will be given a diagram or some data (graphs, table or chart) in task 1 and they have to present the given information in their own words.
   In task 2 there is a point of view, argument or problem and candidates have to give their opinion with arguments and illustrations.
4. Speaking
   This module consists of an oral interview between the candidate and an examiner. It takes 11 to 15 minutes. It has three parts, in first part candidate will introduce himself to the examiner and answer the general questions asked by examiner. It takes 4 to 5 minutes.
   In second part candidates have to talk on a particular topic for 2 to 3 minutes and he has one minute to prepare himself or make notes about the topic. Examiner can ask questions about the discussion. In third part examiner and candidate engage in a dialogue on an abstract issue which is linked to the topic of second part for 5 minutes.
   This module will assess whether candidates can communicate effectively in English. The assessment takes on fluency, consistency and grammatical accuracy.

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.

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Online Service for IELTS Students Worried About the Speaking Test

IELTS One-to-One is an online coaching service for people who want to develop their speaking skills for the IELTS speaking test. As the name suggests, IELTS One-to-One provides online face-to-face tuition via Skype™ that demystifies the IELTS Speaking test and provides a step-by-step approach its various components and requirements. One-to-One trainers focus on the individual needs of students by addressing habitual errors and mistakes and then extending their range of grammar and vocabulary. Click here for more information about this online IELTS speakingservice.

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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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FREE IELTS Preparation Online Course

If a Canadian immigration visa officer requests that you take the IELTS, this may be the test that determines whether or not you will be able to immigrate to Canada. 

Prepare yourself and get the results you need.

An online preparation course is now available to Canadavisa visitors through a third party (free for new clients of Campbell Cohen Law Firm as of June 26th, 2010). The course will provide you with expert information, guidance, and support that will help you obtain your best possible results on the IELTS.

Prepared and managed by IELTS professionals with 20 years of experience in the industry, this online preparation course offers:

• More than 50 structured lessons covering all the skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as lessons on essential academic skills, grammar, and vocabulary.
• Instant feedback on your answers as you progress through the lessons.
• End of lesson practice tests throughout the course plus up to 10 full and complete IELTS practice tests, depending on which plan you choose. Tests are authentic and up-to-date.
• Access to an extensive dictionary of academic words, phrases and to vocabulary practice tests.
• Over 350 video presentations with audio and transcripts.
• Personal IELTS Tutor
  • Full support throughout the course from a personal IELTS professional tutor. You will have access to your tutor by e-mail and via the course discussion boards.

By taking this online course, you will be able to prepare yourself for the IELTS in your own time and on your schedule. You can retake practice tests as often as you like and you can review the interactive lessons until you feel confident with the material.

Outline of the IELTS Preparation Online Course

• As a member of the course, you will have access to all the lessons, resources, and practice tests for a period of up to 90 days, depending on which plan you choose.
• You will have access to a personal tutor, who will answer your questions via email or through the program discussion board.

The lessons are split into the four sections of the IELTS: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

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