what is ielts course

by Krystina Maggio 4 min read

The IELTS course is a very intensive programme focusing on all of the skills you need: reading, writing, listening and speaking, as well as improving vocabulary and grammar. You will also concentrate on developing effective examination techniques.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.

Full Answer

How to prepare for IELTS?

11 rows · IELTS is developed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of English language proficiency. Test questions are developed by language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS test content reflects everyday situations.

How to decide between the IELTS or TOEFL exams?

During our 12-week IELTS online preparation course, you will find out about each section of the IELTS test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Face to face preparation courses Take your test with confidence – sign up for an IELTS preparatory course …

How to take IELTS exam?

Feb 25, 2022 · IELTS is a test that assesses all four language skills (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) and is accessible in two versions: Academic and General. Academic General Training Candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests, but the general Training and Academic have different writing and reading tests.

What does IELTS stand for?

4 rows · IELTS is a test of all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will ...

What is the eligibility for IELTS exam?

IELTS can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion, however, the IELTS test is not recommended for those under 16 years of age.

Is IELTS course free?

Yes, it's totally free!

What is IELTS course fees in India?

IELTS Coaching Fees at SI-UK IndiaCourseDurationPriceIELTS30 Hour Regular Batch (Mon - Fri)Rs. 9500IELTS Made Easy12 hours weekend batch (SAT-SUN)Rs. 4000Private tutoring1 hour eachRs. 1250IELTS Leap90 hours Premium long termRs. 350001 more row

Is IELTS difficult?

The world's leading test of English language proficiency, IELTS is not difficult in itself. In less than 3 hours, it assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Is 7.5 A good IELTS score?

5, for example, 6.5, 7.5., 8.5. Each individual IELTS Skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) gets a band score in this range. You also get an overall band score for your whole test....What Is a Good IELTS Score?IELTS Band ScoreSkill Level8Very good7Good6Competent5Modest5 more rows•Feb 20, 2016

What is the age limit for IELTS?

What is the age limit to take up the IELTS examination? IELTS is a language test simply designed to assess the English language skills of an individual. Therefore, you can take up the examination at any age. However, the minimum age to take up the exam is 16 years.

Is passport required for IELTS?

6. No Passport, No Test Policy: All candidates must bring their original valid passport, a copy of which was submitted with the application, to the speaking test and listening, reading and writing test. If the candidate does not bring their original passport on the test day, they will be refused entry to the test.

What is the pass mark for IELTS?

There is no pass or fail score in IELTS. Your test results are reported in band scores from 1.0, the lowest, to 9.0, the highest, in half band increments. You will receive an overall band score, as well as individual band scores for each test section - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

What is the IELTS test?

IELTS Academic - 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.

What countries use IELTS?

Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications.

How many organisations trust IELTS?

More than 11,000 organisations globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognised by educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies around the world.

Do I need to take IELTS for UK visa?

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.

What is IELTS Academic?

The Academic version is for test takers who want to study at tertiary level in an English-speaking country or seek professional registration.

What is the IELTS test?

IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world. IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, European, Irish and New Zealand academic institutions, by over 3,000 academic institutions in the United States, and by various professional organisations across the world.

What is the minimum score for IELTS?

Just over half (51%) of test takers take IELTS to enter higher education in a foreign country. The IELTS minimum scores required by academic institutions and by course vary. As a general rule, the top ranked universities in the United States tend to require a higher IELTS band (typically 7.0). Most universities accept scores between 6-7 as being suitable for undergraduate study in English.

How many sections are there in the IELTS speaking test?

The speaking test contains three sections. Section 1: introduction and interview (4–5 minutes). Test takers may be asked about their home, family, work, studies, hobbies, interests, reasons for taking IELTS exam as well as other general topics such as clothing, free time, computers and the Internet.

How long does it take to write a paper?

Writing. The Writing paper has two tasks which must both be completed. In task 1 test takers write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. In task 2 test takers write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

What is the minimum score for a Canadian university?

Most top ranked Canadian universities, as listed by the TES 2015 World University Rankings, require a minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum subscore of 6.0 for each individual part.

When did IELTS go live?

This international partnership was reflected in the new name for the test: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). IELTS went live in 1989. Test takers took two non-specialised modules, Listening and Speaking, and two specialised modules, Reading and Writing.

Free online resources: Road to IELTS

As the British Council's most popular online preparation course, Road to IELTS will help you to get ready for a great IELTS score!

Online courses: Understanding IELTS

During our 12-week IELTS online preparation course, you will find out about each section of the IELTS test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Face to face preparation courses

Take your test with confidence – sign up for an IELTS preparatory course designed by experts at the British Council.

What Is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System, and over 2.9 million people have taken the test in the last year. IELTS is available in over 135 countries, and its results are accepted by over 10,000 organizations and institutions worldwide.

Types of IELTS Tests

IELTS tests are divided into two categories: Academic and General Training. The same four skills are assessed in both tests: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS Test Format

Both versions of IELTS tests include four sections. The listening, reading and writing components take two hours and 45 minutes to complete on the same day with no breaks. On the other hand, The speaking section is performed one week earlier or after the other three tests because it is done one-on-one with a certified proctor.

Why choose IELTS?

The study test − IELTS scores are accepted as proof of English language proficiency by thousands of the world’s most prestigious universities and colleges.

What is the main purpose of the IELTS?

English Skills are in high demand all over the world. Furthermore, it is estimated that around 1.5 billion people worldwide are learning English. The IELTS allows students to show their English proficiency fairly and accurately.

Who is eligible for the IELTS?

The IELTS framework was created to provide a fair and accurate assessment for English learners worldwide. As a result, everyone above the age of 16 is eligible to take the IELTS exam.

IELTS Fees

Another factor to consider when selecting whether or not to take the IELTS is the price. Fees vary depending on where you are located in the world. In the United Kingdom, for example, the cost of the test varies between £170 and £195.

What is the IELTS writing test?

The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking. The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English skills. The test is recorded and conducted in three parts.

What is the format of IELTS?

IELTS test format. IELTS is a test of all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time.

How many times a year do IELTS exams take place in India?

The IELTS test dates in India are available four times a month or 48 times a year (for paper-based) and are generally held on Saturdays and Thursdays to provide flexibility and convenience to the test seekers. If you opt for computer-delivered IELTS, you can choose from multiple dates and time slots and get your results within 3-5 days. However, the availability of the IELTS dates may differ as per the test type and module you have opted for - Academic or General Training.

How long is the IELTS listening test?

IELTS Listening test (30 minutes) You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes. IELTS Reading test. (60 minutes)

How long does it take to get IELTS results?

If you opt for computer-delivered IELTS, you can choose from multiple dates and time slots and get your results within 3-5 days. However, the availability of the IELTS dates may differ as per the test type and module you have opted for - Academic or General Training.

How many questions are asked in the IELTS reading test?

The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on an array of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers’ attitudes, opinions and intentions. IELTS Writing test (60 minutes)

What is the most popular English language test?

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English language test for work, study, and migration. More than 10,000 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English.

What is IELTS preparation?

The IELTS Preparation courses in this specialization are intended for those seeking to boost their scores on the IELTS exam. Whether you have taken the test before, these courses will help you to become more familiar with the various types of questions on the test. The many tips and strategies demonstrated in the courses will prepare you ...

What is the benefit of taking the IELTS writing course?

The lessons in this course will improve your overall skills in writing and prepare you for every type of writing prompt on the test, increasing your chances of getting your target band score.

What is a Coursera specialization?

A Coursera Specialization is a series of courses that helps you master a skill. To begin, enroll in the Specialization directly, or review its courses and choose the one you'd like to start with. When you subscribe to a course that is part of a Specialization, you’re automatically subscribed to the full Specialization.

Do you need to finish a hands-on project to get a certificate?

Every Specialization includes a hands-on project. You'll need to successfully finish the project (s) to complete the Specialization and earn your certificate. If the Specialization includes a separate course for the hands-on project, you'll need to finish each of the other courses before you can start it.

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Overview

The International English Language Testing System , is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the major English-language tests in the world.

History

The English Language Testing Service (IELTS), as IELTS was then known, was launched in 1980 by Cambridge English Language Assessment (then known as UCLES) and the British Council. It had an innovative format, which reflected changes in language learning and teaching, including the growth in ‘communicative’ language learning and ‘English for specific purposes’. Test tasks were intended to reflect the use of English language in the ‘real world’.

IELTS characteristics

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are designed to cover the full range of abilities from non-user to expert user. The Academic version is for test takers who want to study at the tertiary level in an English-speaking country or seek professional registration. The General Training version is for test takers who want to work, train, study at a secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country.

IELTS test structure

There are two modules of the IELTS:
• Academic Module and
• General Training Module
There's also a separate test offered by the IELTS test partners, called IELTS Life Skills:
• IELTS Academic is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher …

Results

For a computer-delivered test, results are released between 3–5 days. For a paper-based test, a Test Report Form is posted to test takers 13 days after their test. It shows:
• An Overall Band Score (from 1–9)
• A band score (from 1–9) for each section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)

Locations and test dates

Test takers can take IELTS in more than 140 countries and in over 1,600 locations.
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers tests up to four times a month depending on local demand. The Academic version is available on all 48 dates per year and the General Training version is available on 24 dates.
There used to be a minimum time limit of 90 days before which a person was not allowed to ret…

IELTS use for immigration purposes

A number of Commonwealth countries use IELTS scores as a proof of prospective immigrants' competence in English.
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.
There are different IELTS score requirements for different types of visa.

Other English proficiency tests

• ACTFL Assessment of Progress toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL)
• Cambridge English Language Assessment
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
• Cambridge English: First