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What Is IELTS?

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WHAT IS IELTS?

WHAT IS THE IELTS - INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM?

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a globally recognized assessment designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of individuals. IELTS holds opportunities in education, employment, or migration. Annually, it attracts over 2 million test takers across 800 centers in 130 countries, offering both Academic and General Training versions to cater to diverse needs and accepted by over 12,000 organizations in more than 140 countries.

The IELTS Test is administered jointly by the British Council in conjunction with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. It is accepted as a requirement for university admissions in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA, and Canada and has become the global house hold name in international higher education.

WHY DO PEOPLE TAKE THE IELTS TEST?

So many people find it difficult to understand why the IELTS is considered as a requirement. The simple answer to this lies in the fact that most of the people intending to travel abroad are non-native speakers. 

Therefore, in applying for scholarships or visas, the foreign universities and visa granting authorities need to be certain that the candidate coming into their territory will not find it difficult communicating in English while still staying in the country.

Therefore it is required for migration and academic purposes in English-speaking countries like USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada. The IELTS has also become the only approved English proficiency test that has been approved by the UK Visas and Immigration, hence the acronym, IELTS UKVI.

 Conversely, some universities might not require the IELTS scores for admission purposes but remember that your chances of being granted the student visa might be slim because the visa officers may not be satisfied or convinced about your English Language proficiency when there is nothing to support your claim.  So it is safer to take the test and have a band score of 8.

You can register for the test through Oxford Test Prep.

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WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF IELTS?

IELTS encompasses two versions: Academic and General Training. Note that the listening and speaking sections are the same for the two versions of the test; the topics for the writing and reading sections are different. It all depends on the test being taken. Also, the Speaking section is completed on a date different from the Listening, Writing and Reading sections. The interval is not more than one week before or after.

  • The IELTS Academic Training- It is for those aiming for higher education, including professionals seeking English-speaking study or practice opportunities.
  • IELTS General Training- It is intended for non-academic training, work experience, or immigration purposes.
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IELTS EXAM PATTERN

The IELTS exam pattern consists of four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Each module assesses specific language skills, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation. Understanding the structure of the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.

  • The listening component: It evaluates your capacity to comprehend spoken English in diverse accents and contexts. Through a series of recordings, individuals must answer questions that gauge their ability to extract information, identify key points, and understand the nuances of the spoken language.
  • The reading section of IELTS: This challenges candidates with a range of written materials, testing their comprehension and interpretation skills. From articles and essays to graphs and diagrams, the reading section assesses how well you can navigate and understand various types of written information.
  • The writing segment: This focuses on your ability to articulate thoughts coherently and construct well-structured essays. This section involves two tasks: task 1, which requires describing visual information, and Task 2, where test takers must respond to an argument or provide their opinion on a given topic.
  • The speaking test: This is often perceived as the most interactive component, and assesses your ability to communicate verbally. The speaking test is divided into three parts: the general topics, a short speech, and a discussion. Fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary usage, and grammatical accuracy play pivotal roles in this section.

IELTS TEST FORMAT/ SECTIONS AND DURATION

IELTS test format tests four skills which are divided into four modules. Each module focuses on a particular skill and has a time frame for which the module must be completed.

Sections
Durations
Questions
Tasks
Listening Module
30 minutes
40
Four recorded sections played on tape. Questions: Understanding main ideas, Understanding detailed factual information, Understanding opinions, Understanding the attitudes of the speakers
Reading Module
60 minutes
40
Three or four reading passages of increasing difficulty; 40 questions on Gist Main ideas Detail Skimming Logical argument Recognizing opinions
Writing Module
60 minutes
2
Task 1: Interpreting visual information (graphs, charts, diagrams) in at least 150 words. Task 2: A written argument on a given topic (250 words). Ability to organize thoughts, present arguments, and support points with examples.
Speaking Module
11-14 Minutes
3
Format: A one-on-one interaction with an examiner divided into 3 parts Part 1: Introduction and interview (4-5) Part 2: Long turn, where the candidate receives a task card with a topic and has one minute to prepare and take notes before speaking for 1-2 minutes Part 3: Discussion, where the examiner and candidate engage in a more extended discussion related to the topic (4-5 minutes)

The overall duration of the IELTS exam is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes. However, the Speaking Module may be taken up to seven days before or after the other three modules. The first three modules-Listening, Reading, and Writing- are completed on the same day with no breaks in between.

IELTS for UKVI

IELTS for UKVI, or International English Language Testing System for UK Visas and Immigration, is designed to meet specific requirements set by the UK government for visa applications.

It’s a bit like the regular IELTS but with a focus on ensuring that individuals have the necessary English language skills to move to or stay in the United Kingdom.

The test has 3 variants each serving different purposes. They are:

  • IELTS for UKVI Academic: If you're planning to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels in the UK, or if you're seeking professional registration in the country, this version is tailored for you. It assesses your proficiency in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • IELTS for UKVI General Training: This version is for those intending to migrate to the UK or seeking training or study opportunities below degree level. Like the Academic version, it covers Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
  • IELTS Life Skills: This version assesses your speaking and listening skills only. It's specifically for individuals applying for certain visas or residency in the UK, and the test is available at different levels (A1, A2, B1) based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
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IELTS EXAM BOOKING/REGISTRATION

IELTS Exam Booking is the process through which individuals secure a slot to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination. 

Exam booking involves a series of processes such as selecting a test type; choosing a test centre; checking availability; registration process; payment; confirmation and test details; preparation period; test and receiving of results.

Rather than go through the hassle, Oxford Test Prep simplifies it in 4 easy steps: Select Exam; Pick Exam Date; Complete Application, and Receive Your Test Appointment. This can be done in less than 5 minutes. 

HOW TO GET IELTS EXAM RESULT (TEST REPORT FORM)

Oxford Test Prep advices test takers to make sure they have a very valid address when registering for the IELTS for easy result delivery. If you are in doubt of your address, we can register you and use our office address as a delivery address so that it can be easier for you to pick it up. Even if you are unsure of your address, Oxford Test Prep will verify and validate your address. 

  • Paper-Based- You will receive your result within 13 days of taking the test.
  • Computer-Based- You can receive your result within 5 days and your test centre can further inform you about when to check the result online.

IELTS CHARGES FOR TEST DATE TRANSFER/CANCELLATION

  • Change of Test Date: You may change the test date before the actual test and you must select a new test date within 3 months of your original test date and your test date request will be treated as cancellation if your new date is more than 3 months after your original date.
  • Cancellation: You can cancel your test before taking it. However, refunds apply to the refund policy.

FAQs

IELTS test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.

There are no scheduled breaks during the IELTS test. The four modules are taken consecutively.

Registration for the IELTS test can be done seamlessly online or in person at Oxford Test Prep in Ibadan.

IELTS tests are conducted at various test centers globally. Test takers can choose a test center that is convenient for them. See a list of available test centres.

  The cost of the IELTS test varies based on location and the administering body. Test takers can check the official website for specific pricing information.

 The IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 being for non-attempters and 9 indicating a high level of English proficiency.

 The required IELTS score for immigration purposes varies depending on the country and visa type. It is advisable to check the specific immigration requirements of the desired destination. 

 Yes, test takers can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) or a remark within six weeks of the test date if they are not satisfied with their score.

IELTS test results are typically available 13 calendar days after the test date.

 The IELTS test is both Computer-based and paper-based test.

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS. Test takers can retake the test as many times as needed.

 Test takers can request to cancel or reschedule the test, but it is subject to the policies of the administering body. There may be fees associated with these changes.

Test takers can request additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) to be sent directly to institutions during the registration process or afterward.

 In the Listening and Reading tests, test takers must use a pencil. Erasers are also allowed in case of mistakes.

Need Help?

FAQs

There is no specific waiting period to retake the IELTS test. Test takers can register for a new test whenever they feel ready.

IELTS test results are valid for two years from the date of the test.

There are no scheduled breaks during the IELTS test. The four modules are taken consecutively.

 Registration for the IELTS test can be done seamlessly online or in person at Oxford Test Prep in Ibadan.

  IELTS tests are conducted at various test centers globally. Test takers can choose a test center that is convenient for them. See a list of available test centres.

     The cost of the IELTS test varies based on location and the administering body. Test takers can check the official website for specific pricing information.

      The IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9, with 0 being for non-attempters and 9 indicating a high level of English proficiency.

The required IELTS score for immigration purposes varies depending on the country and visa type. It is advisable to check the specific immigration requirements of the desired destination. 

Yes, test takers can request an Enquiry on Results (EOR) or a remark within six weeks of the test date if they are not satisfied with their score.

IELTS test results are typically available 13 calendar days after the test date.



 The IELTS test is both Computer-based and paper-based test.

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS. Test takers can retake the test as many times as needed.

 Test takers can request to cancel or reschedule the test, but it is subject to the policies of the administering body. There may be fees associated with these changes.

Test takers can request additional Test Report Forms (TRFs) to be sent directly to institutions during the registration process or afterward.

In the Listening and Reading tests, test takers must use a pencil. Erasers are also allowed in case of mistakes.

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