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التاريخ Sat, Apr 09, 2022

Your comprehensive guide to knowing all the details of the IELTS test

Your comprehensive guide to knowing all the details of the IELTS test

It has become very necessary in our time, even essential, to have a strong English language, as this means that you have passed more than half the way to reach your goal, whether academic or practical. But how do you prove your proficiency in the English language?

There are two main international tests to prove a person’s proficiency in the English language. You can choose one of them: TOEFL or IELTS, which we will learn about in the following lines.

What is the IELTS test in detail:

IELTS is an abbreviation for International English Language Testing System. It is a test that measures your ability and skills to communicate in the English language. It is recognized all over the world, especially in Britain and Australia.

It is recognized by more than 10,000 international organizations, especially in Britain and Australia, as well as in Canada and New Zealand, and more than 3,400 institutions and organizations in the United States of America and elsewhere.

IELTS test results are accepted by more than 11,000 organisations in 140 countries worldwide, including educational institutions, businesses, professional organisations and government bodies.

The IELTS test content is developed by an international team of experts, and the test undergoes extensive research to ensure it remains fair and impartial for all candidates, regardless of nationality, cultural and social background, gender, lifestyle or location.

You can take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the institution you are applying to and your future plans.

What makes the IELTS test format fairer for test takers?

You deserve a fair chance to do your best. That’s why, unlike other tests, IELTS gives you a quiet room to take the Speaking test alone without any distractions or interruptions.

IELTS also recognises that people have different ways of answering questions. For example, in IELTS you can answer the Reading or Writing questions in the order that suits you. You can also make changes to your Reading answers during the hour of the test and amend your Writing answers during the hour of the test.

Why do you need IELTS?

It's the test you need to study - there are thousands of reputable universities and colleges worldwide that accept IELTS results as proof of your English language proficiency.

It is the required test for professionals – IELTS test results are accepted by professional registration and accreditation bodies in many fields, such as accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and teaching bodies in many countries. This means that after you have finished your studies you may need to take the IELTS test in order to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country. If you have previously taken the IELTS test for university admissions, you will be familiar with the components and format of the test when you take it again for professional registration.

It is the test required for immigration - the IELTS test is the most English language test required by governments in countries around the world in order to obtain permanent residence. It is known that the governments of the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and New Zealand accept IELTS results.

It’s also the fairest test for you – did you know that IELTS is the only major English language test where the Speaking test is conducted face-to-face with an examiner in a private room, where you won’t be interrupted or distracted by any other test takers? There are no computers, no technical issues and no distractions during the test.

Read more: Your comprehensive guide to taking the IELTS exam in the UAE

Correction and evaluation mechanism in the IELTS test:

IELTS skill scores are shown on your test certificate on a 9-point scale from 1 to 9. Each section of the test is given a single skill score for your performance. IELTS Listening and Reading are scored differently to IELTS Speaking and Writing.

In the Listening and Reading parts of the test, each part contains 40 questions and each correct answer earns you one mark. The total score of 40 is converted to the 9-band IELTS scale.

The IELTS Speaking test is assessed by certified IELTS examiners in a face-to-face interview using a range of assessment criteria to award skill scores for each of the four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range, Accuracy and Pronunciation.

The IELTS Writing test is scored in the same way, with examiners awarding skill scores for each of the four criteria that best correspond to performance at each score level for Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.

Understanding the assessment criteria can help you prepare for your test and how to best approach each section.

Is the IELTS test easy or difficult?

To answer this question we must talk about the test in detail.

Listening section :

The test is 30 minutes long and consists of 4 dialogues by English speakers using several dialects including British, Australian and Canadian. After listening to these dialogues, you will have to answer some questions that test your understanding of the main ideas discussed during the previous recordings.

Although this section is considered the easiest for many applicants, it requires a high level of concentration. You will only be able to listen to the audio recording once, which means that any confusion may cost you several answers. Also, keep in mind that spelling mistakes kill the answer.

The best way to practice for this section is to take as many practice tests as possible and try to focus on the text and pay attention to spelling mistakes.

Reading section:

The 60-minute reading test consists of 40 questions that test your ability to understand and process ideas. These questions are usually from authentic texts from books, magazines, newspapers, brochures and advertisements.

In the opinion of all applicants, this section is the most difficult as you have to read 3 texts and answer 40 questions in just 60 minutes.

Fortunately, you don’t need to know every word in the text, but understanding the ideas and finding answers quickly may be enough. The best way to prepare for this section is to take IELTS practice tests and get used to the speed of analysing texts, finding answers and translating them as quickly as possible.

Writing Section:

The writing test is conducted over 60 minutes. Applicants are asked to write two texts, the first of which relates to the interpretation of information contained in a graph or chart, and the second of which is to write a short essay in which you discuss a point of view and express your opinion on it.

My advice to you: Write something every day, read as much as you can from English-language newspapers, magazines and websites every day, take mock writing tests, try to practice allocating 20 minutes for the first text and 40 minutes for the second text. It should be taken into consideration that the second text is worth twice the mark of the first text.

Conversation section :

This test is conducted on a separate day from the previous sections, depending on the examination center's schedule.

This test is conducted in three sections, lasting between 11 and 14 minutes in total, and you will have to answer a few general questions as well as take part in a conversation that may relate to work, studies, family and other similar topics. You will also be asked to speak and answer on a specific topic and contribute your ideas.

During the interview, try to be confident and pronounce the words clearly. Do not slow down or speed up while speaking, but try to be as natural as possible. Usually, the examiner is trained for this type of interview and he has not shown you any positive or negative reaction and will not interact with you by talking, so do not panic and continue.

Test methods

  • Read the instructions for exam candidates .

Download and read the information sheet for test takers below, which contains important information about the test format, question types and results. Please note that IELTS is not suitable for candidates under the age of 16 .

  • Select the exam model that suits you

There are two versions of the IELTS exam :

  • Academic Model
  • General Training Model
  • Choose your exam center and register online

Note: The written tests (listening, reading and writing sections) are held on the same day as the exam, while the speaking test is held on the same day, or within a week before or after the main exam date. You will receive advance notice if the speaking test is held on a day other than the main exam day.

After you register you will receive an email confirming your online registration. Please read the instructions carefully and print a copy.

  • Prepare your documents and pay the fees.

To complete your examination registration you must submit a valid form of identification and make arrangements to pay the examination fee. Duration.

  • After registering for the exam, you will receive an email to specify the date and location of the speaking test and all the necessary information.

IELTS is designed to be a fair and just test, so your English language skills will be assessed objectively regardless of any special needs you may have.

School.com can assist you with any special arrangements you need for the exam.

Is there a retake of the IELTS test?

If you did not get the result you expected, you can apply for a re-marking of your exam through the results inquiry service. You can specify the exam sections you want to re-mark and you will have to request this from the examination center through which you took the exam.

You can apply for a re-score at the test centre where you took your test, within 6 weeks of the test date. You must pay a re-score fee, which will be fully refunded if your score range changes.

How to study for the IELTS test

  • Prepare well for the IELTS exam
  • Understand the IELTS exam format
  • Learn how to mark your IELTS test
  • Surround yourself with English
  • Make a good plan of action to prepare for the exam.
  • Join a preparatory course
  • Practice sample exam questions .
  • Master your IELTS skills
  • Check your progress in the preparation level
  • Book an appointment to take the IELTS exam

One of the most common questions I receive from those who want to apply for scholarships and need an IELTS certificate is: How to prepare for the IELTS exam quickly?

Honestly, the answer to this question will be different for every person reading this article, making it difficult for me to provide a single solution that will help everyone.

However, what I can tell you is how to prepare for the exam properly!

Is the IELTS exam difficult?

Quite simply, there is too much information out there and students don’t know which sources they can trust. The IELTS test can take months (sometimes years!) of hard work and thousands of dollars in tuition and test fees, so there is a lot of pressure to get it right the first time.

There are three main things you need to improve:

Improve your overall English level

IELTS is basically a test of English, so the higher your level of English, the better your score should be. Just studying IELTS exam skills and taking practice tests will not be enough if your level of English is not high enough.

As mentioned above, this is probably the slowest part of your preparation. Most English language schools recommend at least 6 months to improve a student's English level by 0.5 - 1 point.

I will show you how you can improve your overall English level.

Master your IELTS skills

The IELTS test consists of four parts – Writing, Speaking, Reading and Listening. Each part has many different possible questions and each has a specific skill that you need to learn.

For example, academic students can expect to see one of seven different types of questions in their first writing assignment. Each of these different types of questions requires different skills.

The Listening and Reading tests have over 10 different types of questions each. Again, each of these questions requires a different strategy and set of skills.

The majority of your IELTS preparation should be spent learning these skills and when combined with a high level of English, they should result in a high score.

Learning these skills doesn't take as long as learning the language itself, but it does take a long time. Most schools recommend spending 2-3 months learning these skills.

Learn how to improve your score.

TOEFL and IELTS are two of the most popular and widely accepted English language tests in the world, and they are an important tool for achieving academic and professional goals. But excelling in these tests requires preparation and effort. Now we will discuss how to improve your TOEFL and IELTS scores.

  1. Set goals carefully

Before you start preparing, define your goals clearly. Do you want to study at a certain university? Are you planning to immigrate to an English-speaking country? Defining these goals will help you determine the required degree and the skills you need to develop.

  1. Evaluate your current level

Take an assessment test to determine your English level and strengths. Are you better at reading and writing than listening and speaking?

  1. Plan your study carefully.

Preparing a solid study plan is crucial. Divide your time between your four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Make sure to set aside time to review and revise.

  1. Search for lessons and courses

Find private lessons or courses that target the TOEFL and IELTS tests. These lessons provide study structures and learning resources to help you understand the test requirements and improve your skills.

  1. Practice for actual tests

Take as many practice tests and TOEFL and IELTS tests as you can. This will help you get used to the test format and increase your confidence.

  1. Focus on listening and speaking skills

Don't get too immersed in reading and writing. Practice listening to English conversations and audio materials and try to engage in English conversations with your friends.

  1. Vocabulary building

Read books and articles in English, learn new words and use them in your daily sentences.

  1. Daily practice

Make English a part of your daily life. Read, write, listen and speak English regularly.

  1. Review and evaluation

Review your mistakes and improve them constantly. Evaluating your performance and noting your weaknesses can help you focus on improving them.

  1. Self-confidence

Remember that self-confidence plays a major role in your test performance. Be optimistic and confident.

  1. Help from others

Do not hesitate to ask your teachers, coaches or friends for help with your questions or difficulties.

With dedication and determination, you can improve your TOEFL and IELTS scores and successfully achieve your language and academic goals. Remember that the journey to improving your language skills takes time and effort, so start now and stay determined.

IELTS Exam Preparation Step by Step

Passing the IELTS exam is a significant challenge for individuals seeking to improve their English language skills and achieve their linguistic and academic goals. If you are planning to travel or study abroad, or perhaps aim to work or immigrate to an English-speaking country, passing the IELTS exam can be the key to success. In this section, we will provide you with detailed steps to prepare for the IELTS exam effectively, with the aim of increasing your chances of success and achieving the desired results. Learn with us the main steps that must be followed step by step to ensure excellence in this test.

Setting the goal and date

Before you start preparing for the IELTS test, start by identifying the main purpose of the test. Are you planning to travel or study abroad? Do you need the result for professional or immigration purposes? Identify the main purpose of the test to determine the required score.

Then, look for available IELTS dates and select a date that suits you. Make sure you allow enough time for preparation.

Assess your language level

Use an assessment test to measure your current language level. This will help you identify your strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.

Get educational resources

Get the right educational resources. This can include textbooks, smartphone apps, online classes, study groups, and online tutorials.

Preparing your study plan

Prepare a detailed study plan that includes a study schedule. Divide your time between the four IELTS skills: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Determine the days and times you will devote to each skill.

Start studying

Start studying and follow your study plan regularly. Make sure to divide your time between practice and review.

Daily practice

Practice English every day. Use apps and learning materials to improve your skills. Reading books and articles in English and watching movies and TV shows in English can also be helpful.

Solve the mock tests

Take practice tests regularly to get used to the test format and improve your performance. Free practice tests can be found online.

Focus on listening and speaking skills

Practice your listening and speaking skills in particular, as they are an important part of IELTS. Listen to conversations and texts in English and participate in discussions in English.

Vocabulary building

Expand your vocabulary regularly. Learn new words and use them in your daily sentences and conversations.

Evaluation and improvement

Review your performance regularly and improve your weaknesses. Benefit from the feedback and assessments you receive from the practice tests.

Self-confidence

Believe in your abilities and know that good preparation will help you achieve good results in the IELTS exam. Stay positive and believe in your ability to succeed.

By following these precise and structured steps, you will be better prepared for the IELTS exam and increase your chances of success in getting the score you need to achieve your language and academic goals.

Master your IELTS skills

As mentioned above, there are many different techniques and strategies you need to succeed and prepare for the IELTS exam. For example, do you know how to write an effective introduction and conclusion? Do you know how to develop your answers in the speaking test? Do you know how to quickly locate correction information in the reading test?

All of these skills will be covered below.

Improve your vocabulary

Vocabulary is a big part of the IELTS test. It covers 25% of your total Speaking and Writing score. It is also tested in the Reading and Listening tests.

Practice English Every Day

When it comes to improving your English , there's really no substitute for practicing a little every day.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways you can practice every day and IELTS tests don't have to be boring. The more you use English, the better your skills will improve and the more likely you are to get the score you need.

Practice Tests

Speaking of IELTS preparation, you should take IELTS practice tests in order to determine your current band score and also to get familiar with the test.

However, there are two things I should warn you about before doing this.

The first thing is that there are a lot of mock tests out there. These can be found online or at your local bookstore and they all claim to be official tests. The problem is that they are often written by people who know nothing about IELTS and are simply looking to make a few bucks.

Mock tests can be very misleading and often prevent students from understanding what the real test is like.

You should only take tests from official and trustworthy sources.

The second thing I would caution you about is not to make this the only part of your IELTS preparation. Lots of students I know take IELTS tests all day, every day, and most of them improve very little. They should only be used as a test of your current ability. You should spend most of your time improving your English and your IELTS skills.

If you train all week, you should only take one or two practice tests. In other words, they should be a very small, but important, part of your preparation.

Get feedback on your conversations and writing.

It is very important that you get a qualified teacher to assess your speaking and writing. They will be able to tell you where you are at the current level, but more importantly, they will be able to tell you where your weaknesses are.

This is probably the most important part of preparing for IELTS . If you don’t know what your weaknesses are, you are wasting a lot of time because you have no idea what to focus on. You should focus on the things you are not good at in order to improve them.

The most effective IELTS preparation strategy is to find your weak areas, work on them, and then come back and have your work assessed by an experienced IELTS teacher. They can then tell you if you have improved or not and advise you on what to focus on next.

How do I know if I am ready for the IELTS exam ?

Here is a checklist to make sure you do your best on test day:

  • Go to bed early. You'll need plenty of sleep.
  • Eat a good breakfast. Eat more than you normally would so you don't feel tired and hungry. Protein and fat are better than simple carbohydrates.
  • Dress comfortably. This is not the time to show off your fashion sense.
  • Don't forget to bring your ID and essential documents.
  • Make sure you know where the test center is and how to get there.
  • Go to the test centre early. Don't throw away all your IELTS preparation by being late.
  • Find out where everything is, including the exam room and toilets.
  • Bring some water and some sugary foods or drinks. Don't drink too much because bathroom breaks will take time.
  • Don't panic. Nervousness is normal. Use that nervous energy to focus, but don't let it control you.
  • Don't be afraid to ask the staff for help if you need anything. They are there to help.

IELTS Preparation Action Plan

Once you have identified what the test requires, it is time to create a solid study plan. Although everyone is different in how they prepare, there are some important points to keep in mind when creating your study schedule:

1. Set the test date:

Select your IELTS test date and indicate the number of days or weeks until the test. Is there flexibility to change the date if you need to?

2. Study timing:

Evaluate your available study time each day. Try to set aside quiet time and make it completely dedicated to studying.

3. Favorite days:

Do you have days of the week when you are more available, such as Saturday and Sunday?

4. Other obligations:

Look at your other commitments and see if you can postpone some or lighten the load so you can focus on preparing for the test.

You need to be realistic and honest with yourself about how much time you can devote to studying.

5. Current language level:

Select your current language level. Results will improve over time as your level increases.

6. Learning style:

Know your learning style. Do you absorb information quickly or do you take longer to understand it?

7. Individual or joint study:

Do you prefer to study alone or with a group of people? Choose the method that suits you best.

8. Use the calendar:

Use a calendar to schedule the days you plan to study. This will help you stay organized and reduce the stress of preparing for the test. You can use a paper calendar or online apps.

9. Check the test type:

There are two types of IELTS tests, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. Make sure you prepare for the right version that suits your personal needs.

10. Goal Orientation:

Check the university or immigration requirements of your target country before you take the test. This will help you determine your desired score and better set your goals.

By keeping these points in mind and creating a study plan that suits your needs and personal situation, you will be able to prepare better and more organized for the IELTS exam. By using these strategies, you will reduce stress and increase your chances of success in the test.

Do you prefer to study with other people or alone?

I recommend sitting down with a calendar and filling in all the days you want to study with the things you need to do above. This will help you stay organised and reduce any stress you have about preparing for your IELTS exam. It will also give you an idea of ​​how much work you will have to do each study day.

You can do this using a paper calendar or you can use one of the many apps available online.

The more organized you are now, the easier your preparation will be.

There are two types of IELTS tests to choose from, IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. All test takers take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests. Make sure you prepare for the correct version of the test.

IELTS test score is accepted in over 140 countries including UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Whether it is for study, work or immigration, you can sit for IELTS exam with a good score applicable to your preferred country. It is advisable to check the university/country requirements for IELTS before sitting for the exam.

نشرت: Sat, Apr 09, 2022

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