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IELTS covers the four communication skills present in situations experienced in the professional and academic lives of applicants: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking modules are the same for all applicants. For Reading and Writing, there are two possible versions: Academic or General Training. Academic - for applicants who wish to study in a foreign institution. General Training - ideal for applicants who are trying to obtain immigration visas or for professional purposes. Back to top
- 30 minutes for the Listening test
- 60 minutes for the Reading test
- 60 minutes for the Writing test
- 11-14 minutes for the Speaking test
However, as interviews are individual, candidates might have to wait their turn, making the total time inside the test centre vary according to the number of candidates and the number of interviewers allocated for each specific test session. The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken in the morning. Interviews are usually scheduled on a separate day so applicants need to be available. Please clarify this when you register for the IELTS. Back to top
The British Council administers the IELTS upon request. We cannot tell you if you should or should not take the test. The High Commission/Embassy concerned makes this decision. Back to top
This will need to be clarified by the authority that instructed you to take this test. The British Council will not advise on scores required under any circumstances. Furthermore, should you have taken the wrong version of the test (General or Academic), the British Council will not accept responsibility thereof, and you will have to re-take the correct version – as required – at your own cost. Back to top
No. There is no minimum age to sit IELTS test, but it is not recommended for candidates under the age of 16. Back to top
We have preparation materials at the Library and Information Centres in Yangon and Mandalay for loan and reference. You can register at our centres if you live in these cities. You can also take a look at our main IELTS page or the official IELTS website for information about the test, examples of past papers etc. On both websites you will find lots of information to help you prepare for the test. You can also register for the IELTS preparation courses at our Teaching Centre. Back to top
There is no required English language level, but IELTS is an examination which is recommended for those people who have studied English for a number of years. Back to top
No. Both modules are set at exactly the same level of language proficiency. As part of the test development process the test questions are pre-tested globally to ensure that levels of difficulty are directly calibrated to internal test levels and as such you can be sure that your score, whether it is in the General Training or Academic Modules, is an accurate, valid and reliable measurement of your English language ability in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Back to top
Yes. Back to top
- IELTS is a joint British Council, University of Cambridge ESOL and IDP IELTS Australia test.
- IELTS awards a grade according to your level whereas ESOL exams have a particular exam for different levels.
- IELTS is a test that certifies your English Knowledge whereas Cambridge ESOL awards a Certificate.
- IELTS is valid for two years while Cambridge ESOL has no expiry date.
IELTS is recognised by most universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Back to top
Typical requirements for UK universities are as follows:
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IELTS |
| Undergraduate |
Band 6 |
| Post-graduate |
Bands 6.5 - 7 |
| PLAB |
Band 7 (minimum of 6 each module) |
| Doctors |
Band 7 (minimum of 7 each module) |
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The chart below illustrates how the IELTS band scores, Cambridge Main Suite, BEC and CELS examinations align with one other and with the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference and the UK National Qualifications Framework. Note that the IELTS band scores referred to are the overall band scores, not the individual module band scores.
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IELTS is an examination in English language proficiency prepared by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, in association with the British Council and IDP Australia. This examination is an internationally recognised examination in communicative skills in English in two modules - Academic and General training. All candidates receive an overall result for the exam, as well as individual assessments of each of the four language skills.
The TOEFL exam is similar in its objectives, and is an American test of English as a foreign language and is primarily used to access US University education. Remember that the IELTS is now recognised by over 850 universities, educational institutions and professional organisations. Back to top
The IELTS and the TOEFL are different exams and as such measure different aspects of English Language ability. There is no direct comparison between the two tests. However, as you will see, there are many benefits in taking the IELTS over the TOEFL, particularly ease of registration, availability of test dates, test preparation documents and quick results. Furthermore the IELTS has been increasingly recognised in many of the countries (particularly the United States) where the TOEFL is used. The partners in the IELTS (British Council, University of Cambridge ESOL and IDP IELTS Australia) firmly believe that the IELTS is the world’s proven English language test and that:
- IELTS is SECURE
- IELTS is GLOBAL
- IELTS is AUTHENTIC
- IELTS CARES
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