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Introduction:
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication.
IELTS is owned by three partners, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Limited (through its subsidiary company, IELTS Australia Pty Limited).
What is the test format?
IELTS consists of six components. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Tests. There is a choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidate is taking the Academic or General Training module
- Academic: For candidates wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.
- General Training: For candidates wishing to migrate to an English speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level
The test components are taken in the following order:
- Listening: 4 sections, 40 items, approximately 30 minutes.
- Academic Reading or General Training Reading: 3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
- Academic Writing or General Training Writing: 2 tasks, 60 minutes
- Speaking: 3 parts, from 11-14 minutes.
Total Test Time: 2 hours 44 minutes
Academic modules and General Training modules do not carry the same weight and are not interchangeable.
How is IELTS scored?
IELTS results are reported on a nine-band scale. In addition to the score or overall language ability, IELTS provides a score in the form of a profile for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). These scores are also reported on a nine-band scale. All scored are recorded on the Test Report Form along with details of the candidate’s nationality, first language and date of birth. Each Overall Band Score corresponds to a descriptive statement which gives a summery of the English language ability of a candidate classified at that level. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follow:
9. Expert User: Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8. Very Good User: Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7. Good User: Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6. Competent User: Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understanding fairly complex language, particular in familiar situations.
5. Modest User: Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4. Limited User: Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3. Extremely Limited User: Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns un communication occur.
2. Intermittent User: No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated word or short formulae on familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1. Non User: Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possible a few isolated words.
0. Did not attempt the test: No assessable information provided.
(Vanessa Jakeman & Clare McDowell – Cambridge IELTS)