Types of IELTS Tests
IELTS offers a comprehensive range of tests to assess your English language proficiency. These test types cover all the essential skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. With a comprehensive and highly secure testing system, these tests accurately evaluate an individual’s proficiency in the English language. You can choose the test type according to your entry requirements.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is specifically tailored to evaluate individuals considering migrating to an English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the UK. It is also helpful in assessing candidates interested in pursuing training or studying at a level below a degree.
In IELTS general training, there are four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking modules are the same in the Academic and General Training tests, but the Reading and Writing modules differ.
Listening:
The listening part is divided into four sections containing ten thought-provoking questions. When answering the questions, it’s important to note that they follow the same sequence as the information provided in the recording. This means that the response to the initial question will precede the reaction to the subsequent question, and so forth.
Sections 1 and 2 focus on various everyday social situations. In Part 1, you’ll find a conversation between two speakers. It could be about something exciting, like making travel arrangements. In Part 2, we are introduced to a single speaker who discusses the various local facilities in the area.
The following sections, 3 and 4, include educational and training scenarios. Part features an engaging dialogue between two prominent individuals. These individuals could be university students engaging in a thought-provoking discussion, possibly under the guidance of a knowledgeable tutor. Part 4 focuses on individuals who share their expertise on an academic topic.
The recording for listening is played just once, and it exhibits different accents, e.g., British, North American, New Zealand, and Australian.
Main Points in Brief:
Time allowed:
Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers to an answer sheet)
Several sections:
The test has four sections.
Several questions:
The test consists of 40 questions.
Marking Scheme:
Each correct answer receives one mark. The final score is a band score in whole or half bands, e.g., 5.5 or 7.0.
General Training Reading:
Three distinct sections in this module gradually increase in difficulty.
The texts in Section 1 cover a range of everyday topics, making them essential for anyone living in an English-speaking country. Understanding these texts is crucial for effective communication and integration. Regarding test-taking, individuals must be able to extract critical details from various sources such as notices, advertisements, and timetables.
The texts in Section 2 cover various work-related subjects, such as job descriptions, contracts, staff development, and training materials.
The texts in Section 3 deal with the general nature of topics. The writing style is characterized by its descriptive nature, providing readers with detailed information and an instructive tone, guiding them on how to accomplish specific tasks. Compared to the texts found in Sections 1 and 2, Section 3 is notably lengthier and more intricate. Section 3 texts are sourced from various reliable and diverse sources, including newspapers, magazines, books, and online resources.
Main points in Brief:
Time allowed: 60 minutes
Number of sections: The test consists of 3 sections.
Number of questions: The test has 40 questions.
Marking scheme: Each correct answer receives one mark. The final score is given as a band score from 1 to 9 in whole or half bands, e.g., 4 or 6.5.
General Training Writing:
Two writing tasks need to be completed in the given time frame.
In Task 1, test takers respond to a situation by writing a letter, explaining a problem, or asking for information. They must complete 150 words in almost 20 minutes.
In Task 2, the test takers must discuss a point of view, an argument, or a problem. The word limit is 250, and the time allowed is 40 minutes.
Test takers need to write answers employing complete sentences rather than in the form of notes or bullet points.
Main points in Brief:
Time allowed: 60 minutes
Number of tasks: This section contains two tasks.
Marking scheme: Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Speaking:
During the Speaking test, test takers engage in a personal interview with an examiner. During this part of the exam, your responses are captured and saved for evaluation. This allows the examiners to assess your speaking skills and provide accurate feedback carefully. It consists of three distinct parts. Each part has its own unique set of tasks designed to assess your speaking skills from various angles.
In part 1, test takers are asked questions about themselves and the known topics, such as home, family, studies, professions, or hobbies.
In part 2, the test takers are shown a card with a topic written on it, asking about a particular subject. After 1 minute of thought, they have to speak extempore for 1-2 minutes.
In part 3, more discussion questions are asked about the topic given in part 2.
Main points in Brief:
Time allowed: 12-15 minutes
Number of parts: The test contains three parts.
Which IELTS Test Type is suitable for your needs?
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