IELTS
International English Language Testing Systems
IELTS is the form of test designed for those who wish to attend Universities abroad and several International Universities in Indonesia. Additionally, the IELTS test is considered as one of the qualifications for attaining certain jobs and permanent resident in Singapore and Australia. IELTS modules are divided into 2 types : Academic module (study and work) and General Training Module (Permanent resident).
The test result is published in the form of a report, which places candidates on a scale of one to nine according to language ability. There is a score for each of the four modules and also an overall score. Most universities and collages require IELTS score of 6.0 or more, but it’s important to check the specific requirement for the intended course of study.
IELTS can be taken at test centres in over 100 countries. Test dates are fixed, and tests are normally available throughout the year in most areas. Futher information and a list of local centres is available on the IELTS website www.ielts.org
IELTS Academic Modules in brief
1. Listening Time : 30 Minutes
There are four sections and a total of 40 questions, testing different listening skills. You will hear a variety of recorded texts, including monologues and dialogues. Texts and tasks become more difficult as the test progresses.The recording is played only once, but you are allowed time to read the questions beforehand. There is an extra ten minutes at the end for you to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
2. Academic Reading Time : 60 Minutes
There are three reading passages and a total of 40 questions, which test range of reading skills. Passages come from magazines, journals, books, and newspapers, and the topics are of general interest. Texts and tasks become more difficult as the test progresses. There is no extra time for transferring your answers to the answer sheet.
3. Academic Writing Time : 60 Minutes
There are two tasks, task 1 of at least 150 words and task2 of at least 250 words. In task 1, you have to look at a diagram or data of some kind and present the information in your own words. In task 2, you have to discuss a current issue, present and justify an opinion or analyse and assess a development or problem.
4. Speaking Time : 11-14 Minutes
The interview between the candidate and an examiner has three main parts. In part 1, you are asked general questions about yourself, your home and family, your job or studies, etc. In part 2, you are given a topic card and allowed one minute to prepare. You then have to talk on the topic between one and two minutes. Part 3 is a discussion of more abstract issues related to the topic given in the part 2.
IELTS General Training Modules in brief
1. Listening Time : 30 Minutes
There are four sections and a total of 40 questions, testing different listening skills. You will hear a variety of recorded texts, including monologues and dialogues. Texts and tasks become more difficult as the test progresses. The recording is played only once, but you are allowed time to read the questions beforehand. There is an extra ten minutes at the end for you to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
2. Academic Reading Time : 60 Minutes
There are three reading passages and a total of 40 questions, which test range of reading skills. Passages come from magazines, journals, books, and newspapers, and the topics are of general interest. Texts and tasks become more difficult as the test progresses. There is no extra time for transferring your answers to the answer sheet.
3. Academic Writing Time : 60 Minutes
There are two tasks, task 1 of at least 150 words and task2 of at least 250 words. In task 1, you have to look write a letter depending on certain formal or informal situations in your own words. In task 2, you have to discuss a current issue, present and justify an opinion or analyse and assess a development or problem.
4. Speaking Time : 11-14 Minutes
The interview between the candidate and an examiner has three main parts. In part 1, you are asked general questions about yourself, your home and family, your job or studies, etc. In part 2, you are given a topic card and allowed one minute to prepare. You then have to talk on the topic between one and two minutes. Part 3 is a discussion of more abstract issues related to the topic given in the part 2.
IELTS Modules : details
Listening
The first two sections are concerned with social needs. In section 1, you will hear a conversation in a social situation, for example, two friends discussing holiday plans or an interview at an accomodation agency. In section 2, you will hear a monologue on general subject, for example, a short talk on healthy eating or tourist information.
The last two sections are concerned with educational or training contexts. In section 3, you will hear a conversation between up to four people, for example, a tutorial discussion between tutor and student, or several students discussing assignment. In section 4, you will hear a monologue, for example, a lecture or talk of general academic interest.The recording may include a range of accents including British, American, or Australia.
Questions
Questions include multiple choice, short-answer questions, completion and matching tasks, and diagram labelling. Each one requires a specific approach and specific skills.You are allowed an extra ten minutes at the end of the test to transfer your answer onto the answer sheet.
NB take care when transferring the answers – you will lose marks if you make spelling or grammar mistakes.
Markings
One mark is awarded for each of the 40 questions, and the result is translated into a score on the IELTS nine-band scale.
Reading (Academic Module)
The three reading passages contain up to 2.700 words, which means that you will need to read efficiently, using appropriate reading skills for each task, in order to complete the paper in the time allowed. The course includes a varied selection of reading texts, and you can help yourself further by reading from as wide a range of sources as possible, such as newspapers, magazines and journals.
Questions
Questions include multiple choice, short-answer questions, completion and matching tasks, and Yes/No/Not given or True/false/Not Given. Each one requires specific approach and skills.
You must write your answer on an answer sheet, but there is no extra time for this.
NB take care when transferring your anwers – you will lose marks if you make spelling or grammar mistakes.
Markings
One mark is awarded for each of the 40 questions, and the result is translated into a score on the IELTS nine-band scale.
Reading (General Training Module)
This test consists of three sections with 40 questions. The texts are taken from notices, advertisements, leaflets, newspapers, instruction manuals, books, and magazines. The frist section contains text relevant to basic linguistic survival in English, with tasks mainly concerned with providing factual information. The second section focuses on the work context and involves texts of more complex language. The third section involves reading more extended texts, with a more complex structure, but with the emphasis on descriptive and instructive rather than argumentative texts.
A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/summary/flow-chart/table completion, diagram label completion, classification, matching, choosing suitable paragraph headings from a list, identification of writer’s views/ claims, Yes/No/Not Given, True/False/Not Given. You must write your answer on an answer sheet, but there is no extra time for this.
NB take care when transferring your anwers – you will lose marks if you make spelling or grammar mistakes.
Markings
One mark is awarded for each of the 40 questions, and the result is translated into a score on the IELTS nine-band scale.
Writing
There are two tasks. The instructions specify the minimum number of words for each task and also recommend the amount of time you should spend on each one. It’s important to follow these guidelines, because task 2 carries more weight in marking than task 1, and you will need to give the appropriate time to each part in order to get good marks. Answers must be written on the answer sheet. They must be written in full, not in note form.
Task 1 : you are given a diagram or data of some kind and you have to present the information in your own words. For example, you may have to consider a set of statistics and then write a description outlining the key features; you may have to study diagram of a machine and explain how it works; or you may have to look at flow chart and describe the main stages in a process. Additionally, for the General Training Module, you are expected to write a letter considering certain topics for se
You have to write at least 150 words for task 1 and you are recommended to spend 20 minutes on it.
Task 2 : You are given brief details of an opinion, an argument or a problem, and you have to write an essay in response. For example, you may have to consider an opinion in relation to evidence, or weigh up the pros and cons of an argument before presenting your own view on the matter. You may also have to discuss various aspects of a problem and then outline your ideas for solving it.
You have to write at least 250 words for task 2 and you are recommended to spend 40 minutes on it.
NB you will lose marks if you write less than the required number of words
Marking
Scripts are assessed according to the following criteria:
Task Achievement (Task 1) : Have you satisfied all the requirements of the task? Have you presented a clear, accurate and relevant description of the information?
Task Response (Task 2): Have you discussed all parts of the task? Have you developed and supported relevant ideas and arguments, and made your position clear?
Coherence and Cohesion (Task 1 & 2): is your writing well-organized? Is there a clear progression of information and ideas? Are sentences and paragraphs logically linked?
Lexical Resource ( Task 1 & 2): Have you used a good variety of appropriate vocabulary? Is your spelling and word formation reasonably accurate?
Grammatical Range and Accuracy (Task 1 & 2): Have you used a good variety of structures? Is your grammar and punctuation reasonably accurate?
Speaking
This test takes between 11 and 15 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner. There are three parts:
Part 1
The candidate and the examiner introduce themselves. Candidates then answer general questions about themselves, their home/family, their jobs/studies, their interests and a wide range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
Part 2
The candidate is given a task card with prompts and is asked to talk on particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare and they can make some notes if they wish, before speaking for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
Part 3
The examiner and the candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues which are thematically linked to the topic in part 2. The discussion lasts between four and 5 minutes.
The speaking test assesses whether candidates can communicate effectively in English. The assessment takes into account Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
IELTS SCORE
IELTS results are reported on a nine-band scale. In addition to the score for overall language ability, IELTS provides a score in the form of a profile for each of the four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). These scores are also reported on the nine-band scale. All scores are recorded on the Test Report Form along with details of candidate’s nationality, first language and date of birth. Each Overall Band Score corresponds to a descriptive statement which gives a summary of the English language ability of a candidate classified at that level. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:
9 Expert User – Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding
8 Very Good – Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstanding may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User – Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User – Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User – Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4 Limited User – Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User – Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User – No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non user – Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test – No assessable information provided.
IELTS Result
Results will be issued 13 days after the test. At some test centres candidates can collect their results on the 13th day; at other test centres results are mailed to candidates on the 13th day. Test centres are not permitted to give results out over the phone or by fax or email.
How Should You Interpret Your Scores?
At the end of each Listening and Reading Answer Key, you will find a chart which will help you assess whether, on the basis of your practice test results, you are ready to take the IELTS test.
In interpreting your score, there are a number of points you should bear in mind. Your performance in the real IELTS test will be reported in two ways: there will be a Band score from 1 to 9 for each of the components and an Overall Band Score from 1 to 9, which is the average of your scores in the four components. However, institutions considering your application are advised to look at both the Overall band score and the Bands for each component in order to determine whether you have the language skills needed for a particular course of study. For example, if your course has a lot of reading and writing, but no lectures, listening skills might be less important and a score of 5 in Listening might be acceptable if the Overall Band score was 7. However, for a course which has lots of lectures and spoken instructions, a score of 5 in Listening might be unacceptable even though the Overall Band Score was 7.
Once you have marked your tests, you should have some idea of whether your listening and reading skills are good enough for you to try the IELTS test. If you did well enough in one component but not in others, you will have to decide for yourself whether you are ready to take the test.
Further Information
For more information about IELTS or any other University of Cambridge ESOL examination, write to:
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations Telephone: +44 1223553355
1 Hills Road Fax : +44 1223 460278
Cambridge e-mail: esolhelpdesk@cambridgeesol.org
CB1 2EU http://www.cambridgeesol.org
United Kingdom http://www.ielts.org
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION(S)
IELTS | Test Takers - About the IELTS test
1. Why are there two versions of the test?
IELTS has two versions – Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
2. Which version should I do?
Read the explanation of the Academic and General Training tests, then contact the organisation or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires.
3. What help is available for disabled candidates?
Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates. It is our aim for all candidates to be assessed fairly and objectively. If you have a special need, talk to your local test centre when registering. Centres may need three months to organise arrangements.
4. What photographs do I need to provide in my IELTS application?
To apply for an IELTS test you will need to provide two identical passport-sized colour photographs that are no more than six months old. You will need to sign the back of each photo. You must not wear glasses in your application photographs.
5. What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?
If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge.
If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
6. What if I am absent or sick on the test day?
If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
7. Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
8. What if I am delayed by circumstances beyond my control (eg a transport strike)?
The test centre may offer you a test on the next available test date.
9. What can I bring into the examination room?
Only pens, pencils and erasers. You must bring the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test.
You must leave everything else outside the examination room. Mobile phones and pagers must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor. If you do not switch off your phone/pager or keep it on you, you will be disqualified. Find out more about test day.
10. Which part do I take first?
You do the Listening test first following by the Reading and Writing components of the test. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date
11. What kinds of accents can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests?
As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.
12. Does the Listening tape provide instructions and pauses?
Yes. At the beginning, you hear instructions and a sample question. Then you read section 1 questions, listen to section 1 and answer the questions.
The same procedure follows for sections 2, 3 and 4. In the final 10 minutes, you transfer your answers onto the answer sheet.
13. Is there a similar period of 10 minutes in the Reading test to transfer answer?
No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.
14. Can I use a pen for the Listening and Reading tests?
No. You must do it in pencil. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.
15. Can I make notes on the Listening and Reading question papers?
Yes. The IELTS Examiner will not see your question paper.
16. What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audiocassette or a digital recorder.
17. What do I need for the Speaking test?
You must bring the same identification documents you supplied on your IELTS Application Form and used for the rest of the test. Your ID will be checked before you enter the interview room.
18. How soon can I re-sit the test?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centres offer preparatory courses and language classes. You can also improve your skills by using the Official IELTS Practice Materials.
19. What if I feel my test result is wrong?
You can apply for an Enquiry on Results procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band score changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.
IELTS
IELTS CERTIFICATE SAMPLE
TOEFL
Test of English as a Foreign Language
The TOEFL test is a test to measure the English proficiency of non-native speakers of English. It is required primarily by English-Language colleges and universities. Additionally, institutions such as government agencies, businesses, or scholarship programs may require this test. The TOEFL test currently exists in paper (PBT) and computer (iBT) formats.
Description of the Test
The paper version of the TOEFL test currently has the following sections:
Listening Comprehension: To demonstrate their ability to understand spoken English, examinees must listen to various types of passages on a recording and respond to multiple choice questions about the passages.
Structure and Written Expression: To demonstrate their ability to recognize grammatically correct English, examinees must either choose the correct way to complete sentences or find errors in sentences.
Reading Comprehension: To demonstrate their ability to understand written English, examinees must answer multiple choice questions about the ideas and the meaning of words in reading passages.
Test of Written English (TWE): To demonstrate their ability to produce correct, organized, and meaningful English, examinees must write an essay on a given topic in thirty minutes. The TWE is not given with every administration of the paper TOEFL test and its score is not included in the overall TOEFL score. It is possible for you to determine whether or not the TWE will be given at a particular administration of the TOEFL test when you register for the test.
The probable format of a paper TOEFL test is outlined. (It should be noted that on certain unannounced occasions a longer version of the paper TOEFL test is given)
Section
Questions
Time
Listening Comprehension
50 Multiple choice questions
35 minutes
Structure and Written Expression
40 Multiple choice questions
25 minutes
Reading Comprehension
50 Multiple choice questions
55 minutes
Test of Written English (TWE)
1 essay question
30 minutes
HOW THE TEST IS SCORED?
Students should keep the following information in mind about the scoring of the paper TOEFL test:
The paper version of the TOEFL test is scored on a scale of 217 to 677 points.
There is no passing score on the TOEFL test, but various institutions and organizations have their own TOEFL requirements. It is important for students to find out from each institution or organization what TOEFL score is required by that institution and organization.
The test of Written English (TWE) may or may not be given at a particular administration of the TOEFL test. If the TWE is given, it is scored of 1 to 6, and this score is not included in the overall TOEFL score.
EAP
English for Academic Purposes
EAP is the program used mainly for those who want to prepare the Academic English and cross cultural skills prior to the beginning of the College or university. The main objective of EAP is to equip students with Academic materials, such as Academic Reading, Academic Writing, Listening, and Reading Comprehension. The materials used in this program are adjusted with the education qualifications for college and university.
Summary of English Language Examinations and Recommended Periods of EAP Preparation before Starting Academic Course
Skill Booster
The skill booster program is mainly designed for those who want to enhance certain skill(s) : Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Grammar. The program is divided into 3 classes:
Academic Writing
The academic Writing program caters to the need of the students in terms of the writing design and development. The materials discussed in the program relate to the academic background. Additionally, the students are trained to be able to handle the project paper and oral presentation. The classes are classified according to each student’s ability. There are : basic, intermediate, and advanced level.
Conversation
This program is designed to engage the students with the daily conversation in places such as: schools/ universities, offices, shopping centre, bank, etc. Besides, the students are also equipped with the grammar reinforcement to strengthen the communicative skills. The classes are classified according to each student’s ability. There are : basic, intermediate, and advanced level.
IETLS/ TOEFL Preparation Plus
This program is designed solely for those who have taken the International test of IELTS or TOEFL, but want to increase the score. The subject trained is limited to 2 skills only.
General English
This program is designed to prepare the student from the basic skills until the advance level. The materials used are taken from various English sources which are proven valid and reliable to develop student’s ability to reach the mastery level. The classes are classified according to each student’s ability. There are : Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Level.
