IELTS or International English Language Testing System is the most popular English language proficiency systematic test for global migration and higher studies. The IELTS is available mainly in two types: One is the IELTS Academic and the other is IELTS General Training. The test is chosen based on the requirement.
There are two ways to apply for IELTS. One is from the British council and the other is IDP: IELTS Australia. You can choose one of these two according to your preference.
The test format, however, is of two types:
1). Paper based
2). Computer-based
The paper exam duration is 2 hours 40 minutes. For this, you have to book the paper. On the first day, it would cover Listening, Reading, and Writing. On the other day, you have to give the exam for Speaking. The speaking section continues for 11 to 14 minutes. The fee for the exam is Rs140000, you can book the exam from the sites, and they will schedule the dates of your exam. For your better understanding, we will now discuss all the sections one after another.
IELTS training covers a few sections. Those are :
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
LISTENING
|
Type |
Time |
Sections |
Number of questions |
|
Paper Based Exam |
40 Minutes ( 30 minutes plus 10 minutes transfer time) |
4 |
40 |
|
Computer Based Exam |
30 minutes ( no extra time ) |
4 |
40 |
Section 1: In this part, there is a conversation between two people that can happen in an everyday context. (For Example a conversation in an accommodation agency, travel agency, etc.)
This conversation can be something like someone is planning for a trip and the travel agent or the agency is having a conversation with the person.
Section 2: This section is a monologue set in an everyday social context (For example a speech about local families).
A monologue is something where one person delivers a speech and the others listen to it.
Section 3: This is a conversation between a few people, which can increase to four people, which takes place in an educational or training context (For example a university tutor and student discussing an assignment).
This background of the conversation can be set in a college or a group discussion.
Section 4: This is a monologue based on an academic subject (For example a university lecture).
The audio questions will be played and you have to listen to those very carefully and then mark the answers.
READING
Time: 60 minutes
Passages: 3
Questions: 40
As mentioned earlier we will now discuss according to the types of IELTS you have applied for
|
Academic |
General |
|
|
Content |
Three long texts that range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The academic part is more factual and descriptive in comparison to the General category. |
Three sections where the topics are relevant to everyday life in an English speaking country like a text about work-related issues and a more complex topic of general interest. This part is more about everyday content, which means the way we speak with everyone. This is thus a lot easier than the Academic part. |
|
sources |
These are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers and might be supplemented with diagrams, graphs, or illustrations that the test-taker needs to understand. |
They are taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books, magazines, and newspapers. |
|
passages |
3 long passages. |
|
WRITING
Time: 60 minutes
Tasks: 2
Task 1:
You will have to look into a diagram, graph, table, or short piece of text and then present the information in your words.
(For General the text can be any type of letter.)
Task 2:
You will have to present an argument or discuss a problem.
Easy writing for both the General and Academics.
SPEAKING
Time: 11-14 minutes
Tasks: 3 tasks
Task 1
Introduction and interview round
In this round, you will be asked about your background. Why you are applying abroad. They can ask you about your hobbies or some random question, which can vary from what is your favourite cuisine to what are the restaurants you like to visit on the weekends etc.
Task 2
Long Run
In this task, they give you a situation and they will ask questions based on such a situation. It will be a 2-3 mins session.
Task 3
Discussion
They will give you questions based on the situation that you were questioned in task 2. The only difference is that the answer to the questions on this round will be lengthier than task 2.
Tutor Bio- Sakshi Kanwar is an IELTS trainer and is in this field for five years. Besides being an IELTS trainer, she is also a spoken English teacher. She belongs from New Delhi and is associated with UrbanPro.
