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British Council Cuba
IELTS
Dates and fees
Preparing for IELTS
Results and scoring
IELTS y el Marco Común Europeo
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)

What is the difference between IELTS and TOEFL?
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.
What level of English do I need to take an IELTS exam?
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. In addition, IELTS is aimed at adults and is generally not suitable for people under 16 years of age.
Validation of test results for IELTS?
All IELTS tests are valid for 2 years. Generally speaking, once this period has expired you will need to take the test again.
What is the closing date for registering for a test?
We will be publishing exact dates and times for registration in this website before each exam sitting. For more information, you can either call us on 53 7 214 2271, or e-mail at information@cu.britishcouncil.org.  
Do I have to register in person?
You can send someone who lives in Havana to register for you. This person must bring two recent photos, a photocopy of your document of identification, (ID card or passport) and the completed form (which can be downloaded at www.takeielts.org). Please see  Dates and Fees page for details on how to pay for the exam.
What do the results mean?
Scores are recorded on an official Test Report Form, showing overall ability as well as performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking.  All scores are given on a nine band scale, from non-user to expert user with "a fully operational command of the language". Different institutions have their own entrance requirements and may require minimum scores in particular modules. In general, universities request an overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 for entrance to academic courses. You are advised to check the score required with the particular institution to which you are applying.
If I cannot collect the results myself, can I send someone else to do so?
Yes. You must send a photocopy of your document of identification and a letter of authorisation giving someone permission to collect your results.
Can I query my results?
Your answers to the Reading and Listening sections of the test are entered on a test grid and these are marked against acceptable answers on a master sheet. These can be checked again if requested. However, all marking and additions are double checked at the time of marking and errors are extremely infrequent. The Writing and Speaking sections are marked by trained and experienced examiners. Their assessments can only be re-marked by examiners in the UK and you must request this from our office.
I have not attained the mark I needed. When can I take the test again?
All candidates from 1 May 2006 will be able to repeat at the next available test, regardless of the date of their previous test.
How can I get extra copies?
Additional copies are not given to candidates. However, candidates can request copies of their TRFs to be sent to receiving organisations (e.g. universities or immigration officers), in which case they should cover the relevant courier costs.
Candidates with special requirements

In cooperation with Cambridge ESOL, we provide a comprehensive service for disabled candidates,  for example, candidates with a permanent  disability such as hearing/sigh impairment, dyslexia or speech impediments. We can also make special arrangements for candidates with short-term difficulties (for example, a broken arm), who may need arrangements such as modified papers, readers, or extra time. Candidates with special requirements should inform our Centre no less than 10 weeks prior the tests date so that special exam papers can be obtained from Cambridge ESOL and /or other necessary arrangements can be made.

Information for non cuban candidates

Non Cuban candidates are very welcome to take an IELTS exam in Cuba. If you do not reside in Cuba, you can register and pay for the exam from your country. Please read this document for instructions.

For more information, please contact Sandra del Pino by e-mail or by phone: 53 7 207-9605 (Dir) or 53 7 214 2266.

If you would like to make suggestions or have a complaint about our exam services, please contact Laura Pérez, tel: 53 7 214 2233.

For more information on the exam itself, visit Take IELTS.

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