IELTS, short for the International English Language Testing System, is a test that evaluates your proficiency in the English language. It’s created and managed by the British Council in collaboration with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.
What is IELTS
IELTS is well-respected and globally acknowledged as the most widely used English language proficiency test for those aiming for higher education or planning to migrate internationally. Whether your goal is to pursue further studies, advance your career, or establish yourself in an English-speaking country, IELTS is a valuable pathway.
Types of IELTS Exams
The IELTS exam has two types
IELTS Academic
IELTS Academic is designed for individuals seeking higher education or professional registration in countries where English is the primary language. The primary purpose of the exam is to assess whether a candidate is prepared to start studying or training in English. Recognized by countries such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, IELTS Academic is crucial for those planning to pursue education or registration in these regions.
IELTS General Training
IELTS General Training is intended for individuals aspiring to migrate to New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the US, and the UK or those applying for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment. This exam evaluates a candidate’s fundamental survival skills in a broad social and workplace context.
How to apply for IELTS Exam Revaluation?
To request a revaluation of your IELTS exam, follow these steps:
- Go to the IDP (International Development Program) website.
- Log in using your IELTS exam ID and password.
- Look for the “Enquiry on Results (EOR)” option and click on it.
- Provide your passport details and the date of your test.
- Choose the subject you want to be re-evaluated and make the required payment.
- The head office will inform you of the re-marked results within 21 days after receiving all the necessary exam materials and documents.
- Remember that the IELTS exam fees remain the same for both Academic and General Training, whether a Paper-based or Computer-delivered Test. Usually, the fees are updated in April each year.
IELTS EXAM FEES
If you plan to take the IELTS test in the coming months, this section is your one-stop requirement. The IELTS registration fee is Rs 16,250 if you take the exam through IDP.
| Countries Accept IELTS | UK, CANADA, USA, ETC |
| Purpose of IELTS | Studying and Working Abroad |
| Types of IELTS | Academic and General Training Test. |
| Mode of IELTS Exam | Paper-Based and Computer-Based |
| Conducted By | IDP Education Ltd |
| Contact For Enquiry | BC 0120-4569000, IDP +91-124-4445999 |
| IELTS Exam Fee | INR 16,250 |
IELTS Exam Rescheduling Fee
Rescheduling your IELTS exam date with IDP is straightforward. If you need to change your test dates due to unforeseen circumstances, you can request a transfer at least five weeks before the original date. Remember that there’s a cancellation/postponement fee, and the new test date must be within three months of the original. The transfer incurs an administrative charge of INR 3,300, including all taxes.
IELTS Exam Cancellation Fee
If you cancel your IELTS exam with IDP, there are a few considerations. Cancelling more than five weeks before the test date will result in a refund minus a 25% administrative fee. Refunds are only provided for cancellations within five weeks of the test date, and if you miss the test with a valid reason, it is considered a cancellation. However, candidates with a genuine medical certificate within five days of the test date can receive a refund after deducting local administrative fees.
IELTS Exam Revaluation Fee
If your IELTS score falls below your expectations, IDP allows you to request a revaluation of your results. Contact the test center where you took the exam to initiate the process. Unaware of your original score, a senior IELTS examiner will evaluate your test. A new Test Report Form (TRF) will be issued if there are changes. The revaluation fee, including GST, is INR 11,025.
Importance of IELTS in academic and professional contexts
IELTS is crucial for academic and professional endeavors. Universities and employers across the globe rely on IELTS scores to assess individuals’ language proficiency. It’s frequently a prerequisite for university admissions and is commonly sought after by professionals for immigration or job applications.
What sets IELTS apart?
For over 30 years, the IELTS system has been the go-to standard for testing English language proficiency. Trusted by over 12,000 organizations across 140 countries worldwide, taking an IELTS test ensures your results will be recognized by educational institutions, employers, professional bodies, and governments needing to assess your English language skills. Notably, the governments of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom rely on IELTS to process immigration applications.
How does IELTS work?
Top language assessment experts worldwide created IELTS to evaluate a person’s comprehensive skills required for successful study or work in an English-speaking country.
It assesses four essential skills, as detailed below.
- Listening: In this part, we check how well you grasp concepts, identify opinions, and track the progression of an argument.
- Reading: This section evaluates your reading ability for overall understanding, identifying main ideas and details, and comprehending the author’s inferences and opinions.
- Writing: Here, we assess your skill in organizing ideas and crafting accurate responses. We also look at your proficiency in using diverse vocabulary and proper grammar.
- Speaking: This section examines your proficiency in expressing opinions and sharing information on everyday topics and common experiences. Additionally, we evaluate how well you articulate and justify your opinions.
Current IELTS Exam Dates
IDP and Cambridge English Language Assessment jointly own and organize the IELTS exam. IDP conducts it four times a month and schedules it 48 days per year. Here, we have provided the current date sheet for the exam that will be held in the coming months.
IDP IELTS Exam Dates in February 2024
| Test Dates | Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees |
| Saturday, 3 February 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
| Thursday, 8 February 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
| Wednesday, 17 February 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
| Saturday, 24 February 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
IDP IELTS Exam Dates in March 2024
| Test Dates | Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees |
| Thursday, 7 March 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
| Saturday, 9 March 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
| Saturday, 16 March 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
| Saturday, 23 March 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
IDP IELTS Exam Dates in April 2024
| Test Dates | Test Type | IELTS Exam Fees |
| Monday, 1 April 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
| Monday, 15 April 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
| Saturday, 20 April 2024 | Academic Only | INR 16,250 |
| Monday, 29 April 2024 | Academic and General Training | INR 16,250 |
IELTS Syllabus
The IELTS syllabus encompasses four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS Listening Syllabus
| Part | Type of Recording | Number of Questions | Key Aspects |
| 1 | Conversation (two speakers) | 10 | Social context; everyday topics |
| 2 | Monologue (one speaker) | 10 | Social context; everyday topics |
| 3 | Conversation (up to four speakers) | 10 | Academic context; educational or training-related topics |
| 4 | Monologue (one speaker) | 10 | Academic context; lecture or talk on an academic subject |
IELTS Reading Syllabus
| Part | Academic IELTS | General Training IELTS |
| Passages | 3 passages from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers | Section 1: 2-3 short texts; Section 2: 2 texts; Section 3: 1 long text |
| Time | 60 minutes | 60 minutes |
| Questions | 40 questions total | 40 questions total |
| Types | Multiple choice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), identifying writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary/note/table/flow-chart completion, diagram labeling, short-answer questions | Multiple choice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), identifying writer’s views/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary/note/table/flow-chart completion, diagram labeling, short-answer questions |
| Topics | Wide-ranging subjects, such as science, history, culture, or environmental issues | Section 1: Everyday social context; Section 2: Workplace context; Section 3: General reading texts |
| Skills | Reading comprehension, skimming, scanning, identifying main ideas, understanding specific details, recognizing opinions and attitudes, inferring, and summarizing | Reading comprehension, skimming, scanning, identifying main ideas, understanding specific details, recognizing opinions and attitudes, inferring, and summarizing |
IELTS Speaking Syllabus
| Part | Task Description | Time Allotted | Key Aspects |
| 1 | Answer general questions about your background, interests, and experiences | 4-5 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, and pronunciation |
| 2 | Speak on a given topic for 1-2 minutes (prepare for 1 minute with a prompt card) | 3-4 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, pronunciation, and ability to organize thoughts and ideas |
| 3 | Two-way discussion based on the topic in Part 2; the examiner will ask further questions related to the topic | 4-5 minutes | Fluency, accuracy, vocabulary, pronunciation, and ability to express and justify opinions |
IELTS Writing Syllabus
| Part | Academic IELTS | General Training IELTS | Time Allotted | Key Aspects |
| 1 | Describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram | Write a letter (formal or informal) | 20 minutes | Clarity, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and appropriate tone |
| 2 | Write an essay on a given topic | Write an essay on a given topic | 40 minutes | Clarity, coherence, grammar, vocabulary, and ability to address the topic and support arguments |
Highlights of the IELTS Exam Pattern 2024
| Section | Description | Duration |
| Listening | It encompasses four recorded monologues and conversations | 30 Minutes |
| Reading | Three long reading passages with tasks. Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical and include non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations texts are authentic (taken from books, journals, and newspapers) | 60 Minutes |
| Writing | A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must summarize, describe, or explain a table, graph, chart, or diagram, and another short essay task of at least 250 words | 60 Minutes |
| Speaking | The face-to-face interview includes short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, and a structured discussion. | 11-14 Minutes |
IELTS Preparation Tips
1. General study strategies
Set a study schedule with dedicated time for each section.
Immerse yourself in English media (movies, books, podcasts) to enhance language skills.
Practice regularly to build stamina and familiarity with the test format.
2. Section-specific preparation tips
For Listening
- Develop active listening skills.
- Practice with various accents.
- Familiarize yourself with different question types.
For Reading
- Enhance skimming and scanning techniques.
- Build vocabulary to grasp nuanced meanings.
- Practice time management during practice tests.
For Writing
- Focus on coherence, cohesion, and proper essay structure.
- Seek feedback on your writing from teachers or peers.
For Speaking
- Engage in mock interviews with a study partner.
- Record and assess your speaking responses for improvement.
- Work on fluency, pronunciation, and maintaining coherence.
3. Importance of practice tests
It’s really important to regularly practice by taking full-length tests within a set time limit. This helps create a realistic exam experience, spot weak areas, and boost confidence.
Additional Preparation Tips
Here are some tips for preparing for the IELTS
- Start early: Avoid procrastinating and begin your study sessions well in advance. The more time you invest in preparation, the higher the likelihood of succeeding.
- Set realistic goals: Instead of aiming for a flawless score immediately, set practical objectives that you can gradually work towards, ensuring a more sustainable and effective learning process.
- Practice all four test sections: Given that the IELTS evaluates your overall English proficiency, practice each section comprehensively to enhance your performance.
- Use various resources: To enrich your IELTS preparation, take advantage of the various resources available, including practice tests, study guides, and online courses.
IELTS Official Practice books
Here’s a list of 15 highly recommended books for IELTS preparation, along with a brief detail about each:
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS by Cambridge: This guide provides comprehensive information about the test and includes authentic practice tests.
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack: This superpack includes study materials, practice tests, and audio CDs, offering a well-rounded approach to IELTS preparation.
- Collins Vocabulary for IELTS and Collins Grammar for IELTS: This book helps strengthen your vocabulary and grammar skills, which are crucial for success in the IELTS exam.
- IELTS Trainer by Cambridge English: A book that provides authentic practice tests with detailed explanations and guidance for each section.
- Road to IELTS by British Council: This online resource is complemented by a book, offering interactive exercises, practice tests, and expert advice.
- Ace the IELTS by Brandon Heng: A comprehensive guide covering all four test sections, providing strategies and practice exercises.
- High-Scorer’s Choice IELTS Vocabulary Writing, Speaking + Synonyms: This book focuses on vocabulary enhancement, particularly for writing and speaking sections.
- Advanced Trainer by Cambridge English: Offers advanced-level practice tests with detailed explanations, suitable for candidates aiming for higher band scores.
- IELTS Cambridge Series (1-16): Cambridge’s official practice test books are invaluable resources for exam preparation.
- Collins Vocabulary for IELTS and Collins Grammar for IELTS: These books specifically target vocabulary and grammar skills essential for success in the IELTS exam.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the IELTS requires a comprehensive approach that includes understanding the test structure, strategic preparation, and effective time management. By following the provided tips and utilizing available resources, test-takers can enhance their English language skills and increase their chances of success.
Good luck on your IELTS journey!
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