What is IELTS?
If you are preparing to pursue higher education in a foreign country or have decided to migrate abroad, in all likelihood, you will have heard of the IELTS exam. Together owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment, IELTS is an international standardised English proficiency test for candidates who do not belong to countries where English is considered a Native language. The full form of IELTS is The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
WHY TAKE THE IELTS EXAM?
A prospective candidate who wishes to study, work, or find residence abroad has to appear for this exam to prove to the immigration authorities/school systems/organisations of the prospective country that he/she/they can speak, understand, and communicate well in English. The test is significant to your candidature because English is the most common language of communication for business and education around the globe. Infact, the IELTS test is of utmost importance if you want to go to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, where English is used as a native language. However, different countries, schools, companies, or universities may insist on different IELTS score requirements. Your IELTS score indicates your understanding of the English language and further attests to your ability to communicate in English. Thus, the score that will help you succeed indeed depends on whether you wish to study in a particular country or work there.
EVALUATE YOUR SKILLS
The mock test prepares you for the big score through a route of small achievements.
WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF THE IELTS EXAM?
The IELTS exam assesses a candidate’s ability to listen, read, write and speak in English and comprises two Modules: An academic Module and a General Training Module. The Academic is for those who want to go abroad for their higher education and also for medical doctors or nurses who want to study or practise in an English-speaking country.
The total time that any candidate is allotted for their IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The test is essentially divided into four parts: Listening, which is allotted 30 minutes, Reading which is allotted 60 minutes, Writing, which is allotted 60 minutes, and Speaking, which is allotted 11–14 minutes. Listening, Reading and Writing are completed in one sitting. The candidate can choose to take the Speaking test seven days before or after the original exam.
The Listening part of the IELTS test has four sections, each with ten questions. The candidates ought to complete the listening part within 40 minutes. All four sections of the Listening part require the candidate to listen to different types of English conversations happening between two speakers or one orator.
The Reading part of the IELTS test has three sections. This part includes everything from multiple-choice questions and short-answer questions to labelling diagrams, completing a summary and more. Spelling mistakes and grammatical errors are to be avoided at all costs in this section.
The Writing part of the IELTS test has two compulsory tasks. The first task requires candidates to write at least 150 words in 20 minutes on a given topic; in the second task, candidates are supposed to write a minimum of 250 words in about 40 minutes on a given topic. Short answers or answers unrelated to the given topic cost candidates their marks.
The speaking test of the IELTS exam is different from the other three tests because it is conducted in a face-to-face interview-like situation that happens between the candidate and an examiner. Comprising three sections, the speaking part included an introduction and interview of about 5 minutes. This is closely followed by the candidate preparing to talk about a given topic for one to two minutes. The third section is a discussion of 5 minutes that the candidate undertakes with the examiner.
Candidates receive the score for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking separately. The Overall Band Score is essentially an average of the four parts. The candidate then achieves a band score which falls within the scale of 1-9. Where a score of 9 means that the candidate is an Expert User of the English language, and 1 denotes Non-User. Scores 8, 7, 6 and 5 are allocated to Very Good User, Good User, Competent User, and Modest user, respectively. All countries prefer candidates who fall within a score of 5.5 and above.
Why mock tests are important?
Mock Tests are of extreme importance in order to understand the entire universe of the IELTS exam in a practical scenario. First and foremost, these Mock Tests will help you understand the exact difference between an academic Module and a General Training Module.
At any given time, many candidates appear for their IELTS exam, and the only way to gain a competitive edge in such an environment is by familiarizing yourself with the subtleties of the test which can only be achieved through constant practice using Mock Test. The more you get acquainted with the format of the test, the more confident you will become about appearing for it.
These mock tests will help you chart a course for yourself while appearing for the test. Thus, you will know how to deal with questions beforehand. The saying ‘Practice makes one perfect’ is most applicable to the mock test because your practice on mock tests will help you evade confusion.
For any non-native speaker of the English language, such proficiency exams can cause a lot of stress as their future depends on the results they acquire in it. The stress is caused because IELTS is a highly time-intensive undertaking. Many students end up with low scores they leave the test incomplete because of the anxiety the stress causes them. The mock test will help you manage your time better thus reducing stress.
The Mock Tests are the best way to gauge your performance and learn for yourself where you stand and how you can improve. Candidates can use their mock test performance to strategize their goals for the final IELTS exam. Each new strategy can then be utilised in a new mock test because it is not advisable to try something new on the final day of the exam.
At any given time, many candidates appear for their IELTS exam, and the only way to gain a competitive edge in such an environment is by familiarizing yourself with the subtleties of the test which can only be achieved through constant practice using Mock Test. The more you get acquainted with the format of the test, the more confident you will become about appearing for it.
At any given time, many candidates appear for their IELTS exam, and the only way to gain a competitive edge in such an environment is by familiarizing yourself with the subtleties of the test whEach time to give an IELTS Mock Test, you can make notes for yourself and prepare a repository of tips and tricks that can be used on the final day.ich can only be achieved through constant practice using Mock Test. The more you get acquainted with the format of the test, the more confident you will become about appearing for it.
It is very understandable factor that there is no room to make mistakes on the day of the final IELTS exam. However, the Mock Test allow you the liberty to make mistakes and learn from them. Every small achievement makes a big difference in the overall band score in an IELTS exam. It will teach you to write without spelling errors, speak confidently and even prepare you for unforeseen circumstances.
comparison with PTE & TOEFL
Many candidates choose IELTS over GRE, PTE, and TOEFL because it is considered to be easier than the rest three. One of the strengths of IELTS is that it is a combination of a paper-based, computer-delivered, and Face-to-face exam which makes it very comprehensive, as opposed to TOEFL which is largely internet-based and PTE which is computer-centric. With a 164-minute cumulative time limit, it is also the fastest as compared to TOEFL and PTE. For Indian candidates, IELTS, at INR 13250/- is less expensive than TOEFL which costs nearly INR 15000/-.
HOW CAN CARPS OVERSEAS ASSIST ME?
- Helping you choose the right programme and University
- Assitance with IELTS
- Profile building and eligibility criteria
- Fast Track Application Process to Universities
- Fast Track Preparation for Visa
Taking your first step into a completely new country for your career can be a stressful and daunting task. Get in touch with us today with our free consultation services and let us guide you every step of the way.