IELTS Preparation and coaching

IELTS Preparation and coaching

What is IELTS?
IELTS(International English Language Testing System) as it is popularly called, is an English Language proficiency test i.e., required to be taken by non-native students so as to study in countries where the medium of instruction is English. IELTS is accepted by Universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It has become a mandatory test for study in Australia. One cannot be granted an Australian Student Visa without an IELTS Score. All other study destinations require one to appear for either the TOEFL or the IELTS.

The IELTS tests all four language communication skills like: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The structure of the IELTS is as follows:

Reading (60 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
Reading has 3 passages and 40 items questions. Each item is worth one mark.

Writing (60 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
It consists of 2 tasks (Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2) and candidates must answer BOTH tasks.

Listening (40 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
IELTS Listening has four sections, each with 10 questions. Each item is worth one mark.

Speaking (11-14 minutes) (Scoring scale: 0-9 bands)
IELTS Speaking is a one-to-one interaction between the candidate and an examiner

FAQs on IELTS

Q1. What is the cost/registration fee for IELTS?

Q2. How do I register for the IELTS?

Q3. How many times in a year is IELTS exam held?

Q4. How many times can I take IELTS?

Q5. What is the validity of the IELTS exam?

Q6. What is the scoring pattern?

Q7. How soon do I get my score?

Q8. How do I pass on my score to the college?

Q9. If I take IELTS more than once, which score will be considered by the universities?

Q10. Do I need to have the IELTS score at the time of applying to universities?

Q11. Do US schools accept IELTS score?

Answers For Above Questions:

1Ans. The registration fee for taking IELTS is Rs. 7200 (Rs. 7400, if you pay by credit card).

2Ans. You can register online or in person at IDP or British Council. The detailed information about registering for the IELTS can be found at www.idp.org and www.britishcouncil.org

3Ans. IELTS is offered on specific days of the year. One can access the whole schedule which can vary depending on the country by following the given link www.ielts.org

4Ans. IELTS can be taken unlimited number of times.(It is highly advisable not to appear for IELTS too many times as it may affect the applicant’s candidature).

5Ans. Your IELTS score will be valid for 2 years after from the date the test was taken.

6Ans. Scoring is between 0 (Minimum) and 9 (Maximum) with 0.5 band increment. Four scores are reported on the IELTS:

- Reading score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Listening score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Writing score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment
- Speaking score reported on a 0-9 band scale, with 0.5 band increment

7Ans. The scores are available 13 days after the exam date.

8Ans. You may request for additional Test Report Form (TRF) to be dispatched directly by the test centre to the recognising institution / body. There is NO CHARGE for the additional TRF, but the candidate will have to pay a dispatch charge of Rs. 1,000/- if the candidate wishes to order dispatch by Courier or Rs. 250/- if the dispatch is by Registered Post

9Ans. Almost all the universities take the best score.

10Ans. No, you do not need to have the IELTS score with you at the time of applying.

11Ans. US schools have started accepting IELTS score. More than 550 US schools accept IELTS score. The complete list of US schools accepting IELTS is available at http://www.ielts.org/usa/USA_Recognition_List.pdf