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IELTS

WHAT IS IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is the world’s number one English language test, taken by over 1.4 million people every year from across the world.

Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focussed test which is a reliable indicator of a candidate’s ability to communicate in English.

IELTS has been developed by the British Council in partnership with IELTS Australia and Cambridge ESOL on the strength of 40 years of research.

WHY TAKE IELTS?

Taking an IELTS test will help to open doors to international education and employment all over the globe. Moreover, candidates with high scores are particularly sought after by universities and employers in English-speaking countries.

IELTS tests are guaranteed to show your true ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking, in a way that is relevant to the real world.

Over 6,000 institutions, including 2,000 US universities recognise IELTS .The list of US universities includes all Ivy League Colleges.

IELTS is used as proof of your language ability for immigration purposes to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

  • The UK Border Agency has announced that skilled workers can use IELTS results for the new UK points-based immigration system.
  • The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, New Zealand Immigration Service and Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools and National Council of State Boards of Nursing USA already recognise or require applicants to hold an IELTS test.
WHAT DOES THE EXAM INVOLVE?

There is only one type of IELTS test, but it is available in two formats – Academic and General Training.

If you are planning to do an internship, finish secondary studies in English speaking institutions, request a residence visa in Australia, Canada or New Zealand, choose the General training modality.

If you are planning to undertake academic study in a higher education institution, then choose the Academic modality.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to tell the Administrator which version they need to take.

How the test works

IELTS tests a complete range of skills commonly needed by students or professionals when studying or training in English. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules, and the Reading and Writing vary according to the modality of the exam.

The Academic Reading and Writing Modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in the medium of English at an undergraduate or postgraduate level.

The General Training Reading and Writing Modules are not designed to test the full range of formal language skills required for academic purposes, but emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social context.

Test Flow Chart

The Listening Module takes around 30 minutes. There are 40 questions. There are four sections. The Listening Module is recorded on a tape and is heard ONCE only. During the test, time is given for candidates to read the questions and enter and then check their answers. Answers are entered, as candidates listen, on the Question Paper. When the tape ends 10 minutes are allowed for candidates to transfer their answers to an Answer Sheet.

Sample: Look at the picture below and listen to the MP3 audio file (2.5 Mb).

The Reading Module takes 60 minutes. There are 40 questions. There are three reading passages with a total of 1,500 to 2,500 words. A variety of questions are used, chosen from the following types: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/summary/diagram/flow chart/table completion, choosing from a 'heading bank' for identified paragraphs/sections of the text, identification of writer's views/attitudes/claims-yes, no or not given classification, matching lists/phrases.

Academic Reading Sample
General Training Reading Sample

The Writing Module takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. In Task 1 candidates are asked to look at a diagram or table, and to present the information in their own words. Task 1 requires candidates to write at least 150 words. In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view or argument or problem. Task 2 requires at least 250 words.

Academic Writing Sample
General Training Writing Sample

The Speaking Module takes 11-14 minutes. It consists of an oral interview, a conversation, between the candidate and an examiner.

Speaking Part Two sample
Speaking Audio File (3.9 Mb)

MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION

In Argentina, IELTS is administered by the Asociación Argentina de Cultura Inglesa (AACI).

IELTS and the Common European Framework

In here you can find more information about IELTS and the common european framework.

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