IELTS is very important if you want to study, live or work in Australia. A score of 7 or above would be accepted by almost every course that Australian universities offer. A high score in your IELTS examination can also allow you to gain more points in the points test and allow you to apply for different visas.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS Is an English Test used all over the world to evaluate someone’s level of English.
The test is made up of 4 components which are:
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
- Listening
And you will be tested in all 4 of these components, which will contribute, to your overall score. IELTS can be done just about anywhere in the world making it accessible to just about everyone.
What is the Difference Between General And Academic IELTS?
There are two different IELTS tests – Academic or General Training – depending on their academic or professional aims, or visa requirements. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking components but different Reading and Writing components depending on whether or not they opted for general or Academic IELTS.
Who needs to take IELTS?
If you are from a country where English is not your first language, you may need to provide proof of your English Language Ability. IELTS is generally the simplest way to do this as it is recognized by every institution and Government Authority.
Do I have to do IELTS?
For study purposes, not everyone has to do IELTS. Depending on where you come from you may be able to prove your English ability n other ways. For example Senior School English Score’s, Previous study or the school itself may have their own in-house English test.
For Migration Purposes, even native speakers may choose to undertake an IELTS exam as it allows them to gain extra points for migration purposes. Therefore increasing their chances of migration.
Example IELTS test format:
Listening:
There are 40 Questions. Made up of a variety of question types.
Section 1:
Is a conversation people set in an every day social setting. (e.g Conversation in a hostel)
Section 2:
Is a monologue set in an everyday social context. (e.g Talk about the arrangements for meals at a conference)
Section 3:
Is a group conversation of up to 4 people. (e.g. University student and professor discussing the results of a test.)
Section 4:
Is a monologue on an academic subject (e.g. University lecture)
Reading:
There are 40 questions made up of a wide variety of question types.
Section 1:
Contains 2 or 3 factual texts that people would find in everyday life, in an English speaking country.
Section 2:
Contains 2 short factual texts focusing on work-related issues. (e.g. Applying for jobs, company policies.)
Section 3:
Contains one much longer complex text in a general interest area.
Writing:
Section 1:
You are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words.
Section 2:
You are asked to write a response to an argument, view or problem.
Speaking:
Section 1:
The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to do the same. They then will ask a series of general questions.
Section 2:
You will be given a task card that will list some topics you can talk about. you will be given a short amount of time to prepare what you want to say. The instructor can then ask you a few questions on your topic.
Section 3:
The assessor will then ask more questions on the topic you chose in section 2. they will be looking for more in-depth answers.
General English Requirements for Study Purposes:
Knowing the scores you have to achieve is important as different Programs may have different IELTS requirements. Generally speaking, most education courses require the below results
- Vocational Programs overall 5.5
- Higher Education 6 – 7 overall
- Nursing and Teaching and several other courses usually require IELTS 7+
What if I don’t get the score I need?
If you don’t get the score you needed, you may have a few options:
- There is no limit to how many times you sit the test. You may have had an off day and simply re-sitting the test, may help you to achieve the score you require.
- If you are studying, you may be able to package your course with English study. It is very common for students who have not obtained the required IELTS level to package their course of study with English Classes. Generally speaking for every 0.5 you need to achieve in IELTS allow 10 weeks of general English study.
- Private Tutoring… There is no shortage of IELTS tutors. A quick Google or Youtube search will show you this and it is a great way to get someone on one training for the IELTS test.
IELTS Preparation Courses:
As an international student in Australia, you have numerous schools and locations wear you can take part in an IELTS preparation course. The duration of your IELTS preparation course is dependent on your level of English. It is strongly advised to do a General English course before undertaking IELTS prep if your English level is very low.
Common Myths about IELTS.
1) If you take the IELTS test in your home country you will get a better score.
This is simply not true. IELTS examiners are held to the same standard all over the world. The way they mark or carry out the test does not change from country to country.
2) Examiners at some IELTS centres are stricter than others.
This is just like the above “myth”. IELTS Examiners are held to a worldwide standard and that does not change, no matter wear you sit the test.
3) There will be certain question types at certain times of the year.
Yes, this one is also false. IELTS would not be so predictable as to use certain questions on certain months.
Top 5 Tips For the IELTS Test.
1)
At the beginning of the listening, sections follow the recording with the answer sheet.
2)
To prepare yourself for the reading section it is a good idea to read a wide variety of different English texts. To familiarise yourself with different writing styles
3)
For the writing section, it is important to use your own words. Don’t just restate the question if you are looking to make up the word count.
4)
In the lead up to your IELTS test, it is very important to practice English with friends, family, work colleges and anyone who will listen. Having conversations with people in English is the best way to improve your own English skills.
5)
The texts of the reading sections always contain the answers. so be sure to read through it thoroughly.