What is IELTS?
IELTS exam is designed to test the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. Students wishing to study in countries like USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK need to take Academic IELTS exam as part of their application process. Students will be assessed on their ability to listen, read, write and speak in English during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9. IELTS is jointly owned and administered by British Council, IDP (https://www.ielts.org/).
IELTS Exam Structure
The total test time is 2 hours 45 minutes. The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. The Speaking module may be taken, at the test center’s discretion, in the period seven days before or after the other modules.
| Listening | 40 questions | Approximately 30 minutes
(plus 10 minutes’ transfer time) |
| Reading | 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts | 11–14 minutes |
Source: https://www.ielts.org/
IELTS Exam Score
Students will be given a score of 1-9 for each part of the test. Your average score produces an overall IELTS band score, and you can be graded on whole or half points.
| Score | Skill | Skill Overview |
| Band 9 | Expert user | Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very good user | Fully operational command of the language with only occasional inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well. |
| Band 7 | Good user | Operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Competent user | Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. |
| Band 5 | Modest user | 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. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited user | Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur. |
| Band 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. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | No assessable information provided. Did not take the test. |
Source: https://www.ielts.org/
What is a good IELTS score?
For an undergraduate degree, a minimum IELTS score of 6 is generally required, while at graduate level the average required score is 6.5. For specialist courses such as medicine, students will need a score of 7.0. Each university has different policies on IELTS admission scores, so it is recommended to contact university before applying. IELTS score is valid for two years after your test.
Prepare for your IELTS Exam with American Academy!
With Intensive IELTS Preparation course from American Academy you will get:
- Live online group classes
- Prepare for Academic IELTS
- Improve test-related skills for all sections of the test: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
- Learn useful grammar and vocabulary.
- Gain test awareness: Learn about the test format and different question types.
- Develop effective test strategies, tips, and techniques to help you perform better.
- Get IELTS ready and be calm and confident on your test day.
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