A Complete Overview of IELTS and Its Ever Increasing Popularity

As the education scenario takes a turn every day for the modern generation, one can see how the extent of migration has increased in the world. An Indian student is a graduate of an American university where as an Irish student is pursuing his higher studies in a reputed college of Canada. There are a number of factors which hold a prime importance when it comes to migration of an individual to another country and one among them is the mode of communication. To overcome this language barrier (which is wide spread on account of this highly diverse world), experts have settled on a common means of communicating which can be easily spoken, read, written and listened to. That one language which has been and will keep on serving as a tool to express us is none other than English.  

English language, on the other hand, is not restricted to the English only. Different communities have their own version of English. This calls for a standardized version which everybody can easily acquainted with and that version comes in the form of IELTS. International English Language Testing System or the IELTS is a test which checks the proficiency of an individual in English language. It has been designed specifically for the non-native speakers of English with an intention to migrate and continue their studies or jobs in countries where English is the primary language of communication. Conducted every month, this test follows a particular pattern of testing an individual’s efficiency in the language. A blend of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, it tests the candidate from all perspectives. Let’s throw some light on the pattern first. 

Concluded in two days, the test consists of four sections which are namely – Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. The exam has further been divided into two categories based upon the purpose of migration. If a candidate is looking forward to continue his or her studies, IELTS conducts and IELTS Academic test for that, however, for the purpose of attaining a permanent residency in country or apply for a job there, the test conducted is IELTS General Training. In both the tests, the Listening and Speaking part remains same; however, Reading and Writing differ. Let’s understand each module separately:

Listening: It majorly checks a candidate’s ability to understand different ascents of English language. To do so, the examinee is required to listen to few recordings during the examination and answer questions based upon proper listening of that recording. The recordings are everyday conversations or lectures and generally involve two speakers. It lasts for 30 minutes and is divided into 4 sections with 40 questions being asked in total.  

Speaking: Speaking continues for not more than 20-25 minutes. It can be described as a one on one conversation with the examiner. The first phase starts with a general introduction in which questions around an individual’s personal introduction like his job, hobbies, likes and dislikes is being asked. In the second phase, a situation is given and the candidate is required to speak on that situation for a time period of 1-2 minutes. The final phase consists of a series of questions in relation to the situation put forward in second phase. Whole conversation is recorded for a later analysis. During second phase, one gets a time to think for 1 minute and can also use a notepad to write few pointers. It is conducted within 7 days before or after the reading, listening and writing tests which are conducted on the same day. 

Both these test patterns remain same for Academic as well as General Training IELTS. 

Reading: A one hour test with 40 questions in total tests a candidate’s efficiency in reading a given passage, understanding it thoroughly and based upon that, answering the questions asked afterwards. In Academic IELTS, there are 3 sections which talk about different subjects and in General Training IELTS, there are 4-5 sections which are comparatively easier that the Academic test. Questions range from True-False, Multiple choice answers to fill in the blanks etc. 

Writing: The final module, i.e. writing tests a candidate’s ability to think logically, precisely and put forward his or her points regarding a topic of discussion. There are two writing tasks which are to be completed in a time span of 1 hour. The second task which is to write an essay on a given topic remains same for both the test patterns whereas the first one is different. In Academic IELTS, one is required to write a report interpreting data given in the form of a graphical representation where as in General Training, a letter (formal, semi-formal or informal) is required to be written. 

With increasing popularity of the exam, various coaching centers have been opened to help candidates prepare well for the exam. Along with other states and cities, IELTS coaching institute in Chandigarh have also gained a lot of popularity. One can learn a number of required tips and tricks which are beneficial in preparing for the exam. New Cambridge College provides one of the best IELTS coaching in Chandigarh and has been helping students get their required bands. Grab the opportunity and experience a totally different experience of IELTS learning.