The All-in-One Guide for the IELTS Exam

• IELTS Exam- An Overview
• IELTS Exam Uses | Who accepts IELTS scores?
• IELTS to Study Abroad
• IELTS for Working Professionals
• IELTS for Migration to a Commonwealth Country
• Types Of IELTS Tests
• IELTS Exam Registration
• The IELTS Exam Pattern
• IELTS Exam Syllabus/Pattern/Format
• IELTS Score Validity
• Key Tips To Crack The IELTS

Over 3 million people around the world take the IELTS test annually. This staggering number suggests the popularity and the authenticity of the IELTS exam as an English language proficiency test.

But why exactly do so many people take this standardized exam? What does the IELTS seek to measure? How do we prepare for this exam? What are the fees? These and many more such questions make the whole process of taking this exam overwhelming.

But worry not, since we are here!

In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this exam.

IELTS Exam- An Overview

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The IELTS exam is essentially a global standardized English language test designed to test the English language abilities of non-native speakers who plan to study or work where English is the language of communication.

Other tests of English proficiency include the TOEFL (primarily taken by students looking to study abroad), TOEIC (primarily taken to assess English language skills as required in the workplace), PTE: A, and OPI/OPIc.

Since 1989, when this test was first established, over 10,000 organizations in 100+ countries have come to recognize and accept the IELTS results, including universities, employers, and governments. While the TOEFL Exam is another popular option available to students, it is not currently recognized by the UK Home Office as an SELT (Secure English Language Test).

Like with most standardized tests, there is no official passing mark. You will be graded based on your skills and receive a report with results ranging from the lowest possible ‘Band 1’ (understood as a “non-user”) to the highest possible ‘Band 9’ (understood as an “expert-user”).

The IELTS is administered in two forms – as a computer-based test and a paper-based test. There is no difference between the two tests – the content, level of difficulty, and format remain the same. You can choose between the two based on what’s most convenient for you.

But that’s not the only choice you will have to make! Are there two types of the IELTS exam? One is the Academic IELTS, and the other is the General Training IELTS. Depending on your purpose, you’ll have to pick one of the two types.

A single IELTS test attempt typically costs around 200-250 USD. The IELTS exam on paper is offered up to 4 times a month on fixed dates, which are announced in the different test centers. The IELTS exam on the computer is available to be taken 7 days a week, up to 3 times a day.

In India, the test costs around 18000 INR. The registration can be done through the British Council or the IDP IELTS website.

The declaration of the results varies depending on the type of IELTS exam you have taken. For example, for the IELTS online Exam, the result is declared in 6-8 days, whereas for IELTS on computer, the result is announced in 2 days. Similarly, results for the IELTS on paper are declared in about 13 days, and the results for IELTS for UK Visas and immigration (UKVI) are announced in 13 days for the on-paper test, and in 1-5 days for the on-computer test.

IELTS Exam Uses | Who accepts IELTS scores?

The IELTS aims to test your communicative and professional English levels. To do this, you’ll be tested on the four ‘foundational’ skills you need to thrive in English-speaking countries – writing, reading, listening, and speaking. A notable feature of the IELTS test is that the ‘Speaking’ portion of the test is conducted separately, in the form of a one-on-one interview with the examiner.

The content for the test is developed by experts at Cambridge English Language Assessment with extensive research and inputs coming in from teams around the globe.

IELTS to Study Abroad

Want to study abroad? Thousands of universities across the globe will accept IELTS results as proof of your English proficiency. Nearly 51% of all IELTS test-takers do it to secure admission to a university in an English-speaking country.

IELTS scores are accepted by universities in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, and Canada, and the U.S. Universities in non-English speaking countries such as Belgium, France, Japan, and Korea also accept IELTS scores.

Though the level of proficiency required by universities will vary, generally, the top-ranked universities ask for an IELTS band of 7 or higher for those pursuing higher education. For undergraduate study, an IELTS band of 6-7 is usually sufficient.

IELTS for Working Professionals

The IELTS exam is also for those who wish to register to work in an English-speaking country. Whether in a STEM field (including medicine, nursing, engineering, science), law, or finance, most professional registration bodies accept IELTS scores.

It’s important to note that the score requirements for a professional will vary based on the standards the countries have set for different professions. Depending on the country you’re moving to, as well as your area of profession, the minimum score requirements vary.

IELTS for Migration to a Commonwealth Country

Most universities and professional organizations in Australia, the UK, Canada, the U.S., and New Zealand ask for IELTS scores as a requirement for different types of visas (Skilled Migrant, Investor and Entrepreneur, Residence from Work, Permanent Residency, Parent, etc).

Depending on your profile, you might need to take the IELTS General Training test. It’s the only non-academic test of English proficiency available to people looking to immigrate. If you’re unsure of which test to take, a quick look at the immigration website should tell you what you need to know.

Types Of IELTS Tests

A lot of people are surprised when they hear there are TWO types of IELTS tests. One is the Academic IELTS, and the other is the General Training IELTS.

IELTS Academic Test
People looking to pursue their higher education at a university in an English-speaking country take the IELTS Academic Test.

The Academic IELTS is typically considered the more difficult test because it tests your analytical and critical thinking skills appropriate for university-level learners. The content for the Reading and Writing Sections is chosen from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers.
IELTS General Training Test
People looking for work experience, to participate in specialized training programs, or for secondary education take the IELTS General Training test. It might also be a requirement for anybody looking to emigrate.

The General Training IELTS tests only your ability to comprehend and communicate well enough to survive in a new environment. You’ll be given extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines – the kind of material you’re likely to encounter regularly.

Do both follow the same exam pattern?

Both tests have the same 4 sections: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections remain the same for both types of tests, but the content of the Reading and Writing Sections will differ based on the test you take.

IELTS Exam Registration

You have a couple of options when it comes to registering for the IELTS test.

Registering on the British Council Webpage – Online
1. Using the ‘online payment’ option
Check the availability (British Council IELTS dates) and select your preferred date (you will need to select a separate test date for your Speaking test).
Create an account with the British Council.
Book and pay.
To do this, you will need:
An identification document (a valid passport is your best and sometimes the only option). Make sure you have a photocopy or a photo of the identification document at hand, as you will need to upload this as part of the booking process.
A payment card (if you wish to pay online). You also have the option of paying via Demand Draft or cash at certain banks, but an online payment is the easiest method. If you choose to pay offline, there are additional steps you must complete for a successful registration.
2. Registering on the British Council Webpage – through post/courier
Download the IELTS registration form.
Pick your preferred test date and then complete the application by entering the required details.
Pay by demand draft or by cash (To pay by cash, visit the nearest ICICI bank with the ICICI payment slip).
On the registration form, please provide a Blue Dart courier serviceable address. This is so that the IELTS study book and TRF can be sent to you.
Choose how you want to make the payment –
Cash can be made at any ICICI bank branch by filling in the ICICI deposit slip.
Demand Draft can be made in favour of ‘British Council’, payable at New Delhi.
Send in your documents –
Candidates who apply using the online application form and are paying by ICICI deposit slip or demand draft must scan the ICICI deposit slip and upload it in the candidate area or send it via courier.
3. IDP IELTS Registration Processes

Note that the IDP IELTS dates are the same as those you will find on the British Council website. In this process, you have two options –

Option 1: Register Online. Make the payment via NetBanking, Debit/Credit card, or PayTM.
Option 2: Visit your nearest IDP branch to book it offline.

Here’s how:
Visit the IDP IELTS Login page for India.
Select the option ‘Register for Test.’
Choose the test you’d like to take – computer/paper-based (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, or Life Skills).
Select your test type/module (choose carefully) – Academic or General Training for IELTS, IELTS for UKVI, A1 and B1 for Life Skills.
Pick your preferred IELTS test centre.
Once that is done, you will find a list of dates available for your preferences. Select your desired IELTS test date and time slot.
Enter the required details and complete your online application. You will be asked to upload a clear, scanned color copy of your passport to complete the process.
Proceed to pay the test fee.
Upon booking your test date, you will receive an acknowledgment on your registered email/phone number.

Note: For the Speaking module of the test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to do so within the specified period, a time slot will be automatically allocated to you.

If online registration is not something you want to do, you may register in person at the nearest IDP IELTS branch or Referral Partner. Documents required at the time of the IELTS exam registration include a photocopy of your passport ID (front and back page) and the signed & dated declaration document.

The IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS Exam Pattern is pretty straightforward – there are 4 sections on the test, each with varying numbers and types of questions.
IELTS Exam Sections:
Reading Section
Writing Section
Listening Section
Speaking Section.

The Reading, Writing, and Listening sections are tested together on a single day. The Speaking Section can be taken on any day up to 7 days before or after your chosen test day, OR the same day as the other sections. You are offered this flexibility.
The total duration of the IELTS test is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

IELTS Exam Syllabus/Pattern/Format

Let’s take a look at the IELTS Syllabus for each section.

IELTS Reading Section

In the Reading Section, you will be required to read through three texts of general interest and then answer 40 questions. Question types vary and include multiple-choice, identifying data for short-answer questions, sentence or summary completion, matching lists or phrases, and identifying writers’ views/attitudes. They aim to test your ability to understand academic reading material written in English.

IELTS Listening Section

The Listening section is divided into four activities: the first two conversations are concerned with social needs, and the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to education.

All conversations are typically three minutes long. They could be either monologues or dialogues. A variety of question types are asked, like multiple-choice, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram, etc.

The catch here is that you can only listen to these audio clips once!

Sections 1 and 2 are about everyday social situations. The first audio clip is usually a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. The second audio clip is usually a monologue set in an everyday social context.

Sections 3 and 4 are about educational and training situations. The third audio clip will be of a conversation between four people set in an educational or training context. The final audio clip will be a monologue on an academic subject, like a classroom lecture.

IELTS Writing Section
All IELTS test-takers will be required to write two short essays directed at an educated but non-specialist audience.
For the first essay, test-takers are asked to look at a diagram, table, or data and to present the information in their own words in 150 words.
For the second essay, a point of view, argument, or problem will be put forth, and you will be asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, and evaluate ideas and evidence in less than 250 words.
Please be mindful that the tasks are NOT the same across the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

Writing Module for the IELTS Academic Test
For the IELTS Academic Test, you will be given two tasks where you will be asked to write on topics that are of general interest and relevant to candidates applying to study.
The first task will require you to look at a diagram, table, or graph and summarize what you deduce from the data in your own words. You may be given a specific task, such as explaining certain data or processing the information, or a flowchart to reach a specific conclusion.
The second task will require you to elaborate (in the form of an essay) on your deductions from Task 1 and support your deductions with relevant evidence picked from the information provided. Both tasks seek to test your critical thinking skills, and so the style of writing should be strictly formal.

Writing Module for the IELTS General Training Test
The Writing section for the IELTS General Training test is much simpler than that of the IELTS Academic test.
First, you will be required to write a letter (formal or semi-formal) based on a particular situation. The intent of the letter could be to explain and support your argument to a certain authority or to request something.
For the second task, you will be asked to draft an essay based on the views or arguments you espoused in the letter above, pointing out relevant instances.

This section aims to assess whether test-takers have the requisite skills to communicate effectively in English with native-English speakers. This module is structured like an interview. The entire exercise should not last more than 15 minutes.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)
For the first part, you will be asked basic questions about yourself, including questions about your family, studies, hobbies, interests, and so on.

Part 2: Long turn (2–3 minutes)
For the second part, the examiner will hand you a flashcard containing a certain topic. You will then be given a minute or two to collect and organize your thoughts, after which you need to talk for about two minutes. After that, the examiner might ask a few questions based on your understanding of the topic.

Part 3: Discussions (5–6 minutes)
Based on your speech from Part 2, deeper questions and abstract discussions will follow to test the depth of your understanding of the topic you have just spoken about. This will go on for about 5-6 minutes.

IELTS Score Validity

Universities generally do not accept scores that are older than 2 years. So, the IELTS score validity is 2 years.

It would be prudent for all Academic IELTS students to take multiple practice tests. Here are some reasons not to miss a chance to practice the IELTS.

Assess your Ability – Taking a practice test helps identify your strengths and weaknesses. Galvanize IELTS Prep will assist you in improving weaker areas and retaking practice tests to boost your confidence. The IELTS is scored from 0 to 9, with most universities requiring at least a 6.0, while some courses may demand 7.0 or higher.

Time Management – The IELTS Academic test consists of four sections: Reading (30 mins), Writing (30 mins), Speaking (15 mins), and Listening (30 mins). Testing times may vary based on proficiency, making practice tests important. They help you manage your time effectively and ensure you won’t run out of it during the actual test.

Question Types – Attempting IELTS sample exams will improve your familiarity with the question formats. The listening section includes both monologues and conversations, while the reading section features various question types like identifying information and matching claims. The more familiar you are with the test, the easier it will be to navigate and select the correct answers.

IELTS Prep with Galvanize ensures students are well-acquainted with the IELTS Academic test pattern, sectional time limits, and the variety of questions asked. Galvanize ensures students give the required number of practice IELTS exams before they sit for their actual test. The more tests you practice, the better scores you can bag.

Key Tips To Crack The IELTS

Since IELTS is an examination comprising individual sections, a student must master all the sections and score equally well in all or most of the sections to get a good band score.

Reading
Students will be given 3 reading passages along with 40 questions in total to be answered on a separate answer sheet. The student will be given 60 minutes to complete the reading section of the test.
Students must answer to the point and be mindful of spelling and grammar.
Reread the questions to make sure you have understood them correctly. Grasping the question correctly is more than half the work done.
Come back to the question if you are struggling with it.
Explore the passages to make sure you have recognized their gist, salient points, and other notable features. This mental road map will make it easier to identify the answers.
Write down the answers directly on the answer sheet. Taking notes/writing down the answers in the question paper of the reading section will only lengthen your answering time.
Writing
Students will need to allocate their time of 60 minutes between 2 questions.
The first question will need you to respond to a diagram/graph/chart and explain the same in words. The next task will involve answering a general argument/policy and either justifying or opposing the view presented in the question.
Ideally, 20 minutes for task 1 and 40 minutes for task 2 would be sufficient.
A formal style of essay writing is recommended. The passages should have a logical flow of arguments and justification.
Bullet points are to be avoided.
Task 2 will need an introduction, body, and conclusion format. Students must remember not to repeat arguments/ideas/words in their writing.
Use of language, along with proper grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and narrative follow, will be gauged for awarding points. Logical connectors, conjunctions, and pronoun utilization will be expected.
Keep a minimum of 5 minutes for revising and proofreading both your responses for tasks 1 and 2.
Listening
There will be 4 parts (for the 4 audio recordings) with 10 questions each. Test takers can write down the answers as they listen to the audio. Then, in the last 10 minutes, copy them to the answer sheet.
A quick read-through of the questions before the start of the recording will be beneficial.
Listen very mindfully and make notes in the question paper as required.
Be very careful with the spelling and grammar of the answers written down on the sheet. Mistakes will be penalized.
Speaking
This section lasts between 11 and 14 minutes. Students must ensure they can communicate clearly with the examiner.
IELTS emphasizes enunciation. The accent is not important; the IELTS examiner must be able to understand what you are trying to convey.
Grammatical accuracy and variety in the vocabulary will also be used as indicators of proficiency in speaking.

This blog will help you prepare for your IELTS exam. We at Galvanize take the preparation for an exam like IELTS very seriously. We provide services that will not only give you the confidence to attain the highest band but also ensure that you land at your dream university.