If you have plans to study or work abroad or know someone who does, you must have heard of IELTS. You are living under a rock if you haven’t. The International English Language Testing System is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. The English proficiency test assesses language competence at a phoneme level against the pronunciation, grammar, fluency and lexical stress of native speakers. The test helps identify critical errors in sentence correction, sentence reading, and impromptu speech.
IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad. There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do.
IELTS Academic
This test measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying. You should take this test if you want to study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level anywhere in the world, apply for a Tier 4 Student Visa at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor in the UK or work in a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.
IELTS General Training
This measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations. If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to work, live or study in the UK, you may need to take the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Academic or General Training or the IELTS for Life Skills test.
Why Choose IELTS?
IELTS is not the only English proficiency test. Other tests include TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP and the Cambridge English Qualifications of KET, PET, FCE, CAE and CPE. However, IELTS and TOEFL are in a different league from the rest, because they are recognised and accepted by a large number of organisations, both in English-speaking and non-English-speaking countries. IELTS is designed to assess the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. It is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, recognized by over 11, 500 organisations worldwide.
How to Prepare
No matter how good you think you are with the English Language, it is important to prepare for your IELTS test.
Access your English
Before taking the test, it is important to check your English language level. Take some mock tests to get the real feel of the IELTS. Mock tests can be very helpful. You will get to know about the difficulties that are there in the test. You will also learn to master time management skills. As in the IELTS, it is very important that you should manage your time smartly.
Understand the Test Format
Remember that all sections are equally important. Do not prioritize one over the other. Before you begin practising, it’s extremely important that you know what to expect from the test format. Familiarise yourself with it by reviewing the content of the test, as well as the question and task types for each section. Remember the key to success in any examination and not just IELTS is a sound familiarity with the test pattern and format.
Learn to Multitask
The IELTS test is demanding. You will have to provide answers to 40 questions throughout 4 recordings. The recordings will be played only once. Typical questions include sentence completion, summary completion, form completion and multiple choice. It is essential to understand how to follow a conversation, even if you miss something and how you can recover to continue answering the next questions.
Learn to Speak Clearly
For the speaking test, the examiner will examine your speaking ability. Do not memorize answers. Try to speak naturally. Do not fake an accent. Speak confidently and avoid using filler words(e.g. like, you know, umm, ehh, well, yeah). We generally use fillers when we don’t know what to say, however, this shows the examiner that you can’t access the appropriate language or ideas.
Practice Writing
Whether you’re writing for the Academic or General Testmake sure you understand exactly what the prompt is asking you to do. If you are describing graphs or processes, first identify what the graphs show, then identify the main trends and useful features to compare. Before you start writing, you should make an outline. An outline will save you time by keeping you focused as you write, so you don’t deviate from the topic. You will impress the reader by presenting clear, concise, and cohesive arguments, so this should be your focus while writing. Proofread after writing. Read your essay and make sure that it is cohesive, and add sentences or phrases to make stronger connections between ideas if you need to.
Be Ready for Test Day
You will need to arrive in good time for your IELTS test. Your confirmation email will provide you with the timings and procedures on the test day. If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test. You will receive an email at least three days before the test so you will know at what time your test starts. The British Council advises that you bring the following:
- Your International Passport (not a copy)
- a pencil and a pen (a pencil will be needed for Listening and Reading)
- an eraser
- A transparent bottle of water
Note: You will not be able to take anything else into the test room.
Switch off your mobile phone and any other electronic devices. You will be asked to place these with other personal belongings outside the test room.
Summary
If English is your first language, or you’ve been speaking English from birth, IELTS will be less difficult for you. Especially if it was your language of instruction for primary and secondary education. Nonetheless, if you don’t prepare you will not do well. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the test format and practice. Be calm, and do not exaggerate with your speaking or writing. Be wary of videos online with unfounded information. Follow the IELTS guidelines and materials. You will be fine.
