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September 20, 2023How should I prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test?
September 22, 2023
Ultimate Guide to IELTS
The International English Language Testing System, better known as IELTS, is a pivotal examination for individuals looking to study abroad, immigrate, or enhance their career prospects. Whether your goal is pursuing higher education, securing your dream job, or simply exploring new horizons, achieving a high score in IELTS can open doors to countless opportunities. In this comprehensive blog, we will delve into the intricacies of the IELTS exam, offering valuable insights, strategies, and tips to help you embark on your journey to success.
IELTS 2023 Highlights
| Exam Name | IELTS |
|---|---|
| IELTS Full Form | International English Language Testing System |
| Official Website | https://www.ielts.org/ |
| Most Popular For | Studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries like Australia, New Zealand, and the UK |
| Also Accepted By | Canada and USA |
| Conducted By | IDP Education Ltd. |
| Mode of Exam | Computer and Paper – delivered test |
| IELTS Exam Fees | INR 16,250 |
| Score Range | On a scale of 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest) |
Why IELTS is required?
The IELTS 2023 exam is required for migration as well as academic purposes abroad in English-speaking countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada. The IELTS exam is one of the English Language Tests approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa applicants applying both outside and inside the UK. A lot of students get confused about the importance of IELTS scores. The simple answer to this is that foreign universities and visa-granting authorities need to be sure that you will not have communication issues while staying in the country. You need to show a good understanding and strong command of the English language and that is why your overall IELTS band scores are so important. Another familiar doubt students have is whether IELTS is a compulsory exam or not. No, IELTS isn’t mandatory in all university admissions. Many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission purposes. But remember that if you don’t give IELTS, your chances of getting the student visa might suffer as the visa officers may not be convinced about your English proficiency without an IELTS score. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least 6 bands overall.
Candidates can register for the paper-delivered IELTS exam 2023 with IDP up to once a week or four times a month making a total of 48 fixed test dates in one calendar year. With the number of IELTS test takers growing to a record of 3.5 million in the year 2018, it has become a leader in the area of international higher education. The IELTS exam is accepted by 100% of universities in the UK and Australia. Also, it is accepted by more than 11,000 organizations in more than 140 countries. These include institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English-speaking countries.
Advantages of IELTS exam:
- The IDP IELTS test facility is available in over 140 countries thus providing you with maximum accessibility to the IELTS exam
- The IELTS exam is accepted by over 11,000 organisations throughout the world
- The IELTS scoring mechanism ensures that all tests are scored fairly and accurately. Candidates should note that scores of the IELTS on Computer are delivered in 3 - 5 days and it takes 13 calendar days for IELTS Paper based scores to be made available to test takers.
- IELTS Scores also add weight to your PR applications and prove to be helpful at every stage of your career.
Types of IELTS
There are two types of IELTS exams: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. While the IELTS Listening and IELTS Speaking sections are identical for both these tests, however, the subject matter for the IELTS Writing and IELTS Reading sections are different depending on which test one takes. The Reading, Writing, and Listening sections of the IELTS tests are completed on the same day of the test with no breaks between them. However, the Speaking section can be completed either a week before or after the other test date. This information can be taken from your test centre. Read: Which exam to give for which course to study abroad
IELTS Academic Test
The IELTS Academic Test is taken by students who are looking to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate courses in universities and colleges in an English-speaking country. The test has been designed to assess how ready students are to begin studying or training in an environment where English is a primary language of communication. There are four sections to the IELTS Academic exam - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are held on the same day, one after another, without any breaks. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. To book the Speaking test, candidates are required to book a slot online on their preferred date and time. If the candidate fails to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to them. The IELTS Academic is available on paper and computer-delivered modules and candidates can select any one based on their convenience. The IELTS Academic Fee is INR 16, 250 and the total duration of the IELTS Academic is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training is for candidates who are applying for secondary education, professionals seeking work experience and people seeking immigration to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The IELTS General test has been designed to assess English language proficiency in a very everyday, practical context. There are four sections to the IELTS General Training exam - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. While the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are held on the same day one after another without any breaks. The Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day or any day up to a week before or after the test date. To book the Speaking test, candidates are required to book a slot online on their preferred date and time. If the candidate fails to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to them. The IELTS General Training is available on paper and computer-delivered modules and candidates can select any one based on their convenience. The IELTS General Training Fee is INR 16, 250 and the total duration of the IELTS General Training is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Know all about the IELTS Academic and General Traning differences in this webinar conducted by our in-house IELTS Expert.
IELTS Eligibility 2023
IELTS 2023 can be taken by anyone irrespective of age, gender, race, nationality, or religion, however, the IELTS exam 2023 is not recommended for those under 16 years of age.
IELTS Eligibility: What is the IELTS Exam Age Limit?
IDP IELTS - the conducting body of the IELTS exam in India has not set any age limit for candidates looking to take the IELTS exam. However, the test is not recommended for candidates below 16 years. Although if they wish, they can also take the test.
IELTS Eligibility: Qualification for IELTS exam
As such, there are no prescribed qualifications for IELTS exam set by the IDP, the conducting body of IELTS. Anyone who wishes to pursue higher studies abroad or wants to work abroad can attempt the IELTS IDP exam (both Academic and General Training). However, candidates should always check the eligibility criteria set by the educational institution or organization to which they are applying.
IELTS Registration 2023
IELTS Exam Registration: Candidates looking to take the IELTS exam are required to go ahead with their IDP IELTS registration on the official IDP IELTS India website. IELTS test takers can register for the IELTS exam online or visit their nearest IDP branch to book it offline. Continue reading to know, how to apply for IELTS exam 2023.
How to Apply for IELTS Exam 2023 (step-by-step)
- Candidates are required to log into their IDP IELTS India website
- They would be then required to select: 'Register for IELTS' to create their IDP IELTS Login
- Candidates would be required to select their preferred test – computer-delivered IELTS/ paper-based IELTS exam
- Candidates would be then required to select their test type/module – Academic or General Training for IELTS (be extremely careful while choosing the module you wish to take)
- Candidates are required to pick their desired test location/city (from the available IELTS test centres in India)
- On completion of the above-mentioned steps, candidates would find a list of dates available for their preferences. Select your desired date and time slot
- Candidates would be required to fill up their details and complete their online application. Remember, you will also have to upload a clear, scanned colour copy of your passport to complete the process
- Candidates would be then required to select the list of colleges they would want to send their Test Report Form (TRF)
- Candidates would be then required to pay the IELTS exam fee of INR 16,250
- Review your details one last time before making payment.
- Once your test date is booked, candidates will receive an acknowledgement on their registered email/phone number. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time (Only applicable for Paper-based IELTS). If you fail to choose a slot within the stated time period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.
IELTS Exam Fees 2023
The IELTS exam fees in India is INR 16,250. Candidates looking to take the IELTS exam are required to pay an IELTS Registration Fee of INR 16,250 every time they book their IELTS exam.
What is the IELTS Cancellation Fee?
- If you cancel your IELTS application more than five weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus a 25% administrative fee.
- If you cancel the IELTS exam less than five weeks ahead of the test date, you will receive no refund.
- In case you fail to appear for the test, then also you will not receive any refund. This is also considered a cancellation.
Those who can produce a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date can receive a refund after deducting the local administrative cost.
What is IELTS Reschedule Fee?
If you want to change your test date, then you can request a test day transfer at least five weeks before their already booked test date. Also, make sure the new test date must be within three months of the original test date. Candidates need to pay an administrative charge of INR 3,300 inclusive of all taxes for the transfer of the test date.
What is IELTS Revaluation Fee?
IELTS test takers who are not satisfied with their IELTS results can apply for an IELTS exam revaluation. Referred to as 'Enquiries on Results (EOR) - which means having your IELTS test re-marked. Candidates would be required to submit their EOR application online by visiting their candidate login section. No physical (offline) applications for EOR would be accepted. Test takers are required to raise this request within six weeks of their test date. Candidates can choose to have one or more parts of their test re-marked. The fee is the same regardless. Currently, the IELTS Exam Revaluation Fee is INR 12,200 (inclusive of all taxes). Note, candidates would be entitled to receive a full refund if their IELTS score is changed to a higher band score.
IELTS 2023 Exam Pattern
It is important for candidates looking to score well in their IELTS Test to understand the IELTS Exam Pattern and IELTS Syllabus in detail. IELTS Syllabus includes four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Students get marked on these four sections and get the IELTS total score as well. Aspirants show know how to approach each section of the IELTS. The total score is the sum of the scores in the four skill areas. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Here is the IELTS Exam pattern – At a Glance
The IELTS Exam consists of four sections:
- IELTS Listening section
- IELTS Reading section
- IELTS Writing section
- IELTS Speaking section
IELTS Syllabus 2023
IELTS Syllabus: The IELTS Academic exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here's a brief description of each section:
- IELTS Syllabus Listening Section (approximately 30 minutes): This section assesses your ability to understand spoken English through a range of recordings, including conversations, monologues, and lectures.
- IELTS Syllabus Reading Section (60 minutes): The reading section evaluates your reading comprehension skills by presenting a variety of texts, such as articles, essays, and graphs. The texts are academic in nature and are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
- IELTS Exam Syllabus Writing Section (60 minutes): The writing section consists of two tasks. Task 1 requires you to summarize, describe, or explain visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams. Task 2 is an essay where you respond to a given prompt and present arguments or express your opinion on a topic.
- IELTS Exam Syllabus Speaking Section (11-14 minutes): The speaking section assesses your ability to communicate orally in English. It consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner and includes a variety of questions and tasks related to personal experiences, opinions, and abstract topics.
The IELTS Academic exam is designed to evaluate your English language proficiency for academic purposes, such as studying in an English-speaking university or institution. It assesses your ability to comprehend academic texts, communicate effectively in academic contexts, and engage in academic discussions.
How is IELTS Scored?
IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test. You need to have some idea about how the scoring pattern works to better understand how your IELTS score will be calculated.
How to get your IELTS Exam Result?
Once you are done with the IELTS, then comes your wait for the result. The good thing about these exams is that the results are usually declared within a fortnight. In this case, if you have given the computer-based exam, your results will be declared within 3-5 days or within a week.
- Offline Mode: For offline or paper-based tests, you will receive your results within 13 calendar days from the day of your exam.
- Online Mode: Candidates will receive the results of computer-delivered tests within 3-5 days. On the day of your result, you will receive an intimation from your Test Centre about the results. You can simply log in with your ID, password, passport number, and test date information to view your result. From the time of declaration of the result, your results will be available online for the next 28 days
What is the difference between IELTS on computer and IELTS on paper?
If you’re familiar with the paper test, you might notice a few changes between the paper test and the computer test. The obvious change is the paper tests uses a pencil, while in the computer test you type. The order of the test is different and the Listening test is shorter. Also, you get headphones for the Listening test. What hasn’t changed is the Speaking test.
Pencil or keyboard?
We’ll give you a pencil and an answer sheet for IELTS on paper. You need to write your answers on the answer sheet before the time runs out. With IELTS on computer, you type your answers in the corresponding boxes on your screen. We’ll still give you a pencil or pen and paper to make notes – even if you do IELTS on computer. Are you concerned about not typing fast enough? There’s no need to worry: the computer test is designed for people with normal typing skills. If you can write an email, you can do the test on a computer.
The order of the test is different
In Australia, the IELTS on paper starts with Writing, then Reading, and finally Listening. Sometimes you do your Speaking straight after this. But some test centers may offer your Speaking test on a different day. The IELTS test on computer starts with Listening, followed by Reading and then Writing. The Speaking test takes place on the same day, either before or after your computer test.
The Listening test is shorter
If you’ve done an IELTS test on paper before, you may remember that you need to write your answers in the question booklet while you listen to the recording. So, in the paper test, you get 10 minutes at the end of the Listening section to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. In the computer test, you type your answers in their appropriate places on the screen. You do get time between sections to check your answers, but no extra time at the end. Because you’ve already completed your answers, the 10 minutes is not needed. Besides, you won’t miss it.
The exam venue
Have you done a paper test before? Maybe not in Australia, but overseas? If so, you might remember that IELTS on paper tests are usually conducted in a larger room. Sometimes at a university, or at a hotel which is centrally located. IELTS on computer tests are done in smaller, custom-built, brand-new rooms. Everything in the test room is designed for your comfort.
You get headphones
Apart from a new test room, everyone doing IELTS on computer has their own computer, a quality screen and your own headphones for the Listening test. You don’t need to talk to a machine with IELTS, so there is no microphone in your way. Even better, we make sure that our headphones are good. Most test centres offer noise-cancelling headphones, so you can focus on your own performance.
