The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native speakers who intend to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries.
The test is jointly owned and administered by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS scores are recognized by over 10,000 organizations in more than 140 countries around the world.
The IELTS test is divided into two types: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is designed for individuals who intend to pursue higher education or professional registration in English-speaking countries, while the General Training test is designed for those who plan to migrate to an English-speaking country or seek employment.
The IELTS test consists of four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Reading section comprises three passages with 13-14 questions each, which are designed to test the candidate’s ability to read and understand academic English. The Writing section consists of two tasks, where Task 1 requires the candidate to describe a graph, chart, or diagram, and Task 2 requires them to write an essay on a given topic. The Listening section comprises four sections, with 10 questions each, which test the candidate’s ability to understand a variety of spoken English. Finally, the Speaking section lasts for 11-14 minutes and involves a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner.
The IELTS test is scored on a scale of 0-9, with 9 being the highest possible score. The scores from the four sections are then averaged to give an overall band score, which ranges from 0-9. The band score is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities to determine the candidate’s level of English proficiency.
In summary, the IELTS is a standardized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. The test is divided into Academic and General Training types and consists of four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. IELTS scores are widely recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities and are an essential requirement for individuals who wish to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries.