What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System, known as IELTS, is the global test for assessing your English language skills. Many countries worldwide accept the IELTS test for Student Visas, PR visas & Work Visa, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA.
IELTS assesses your language proficiency in all four aspects: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Why do people take the IELTS test?
IELTS measures your English language skills in four aspects and scores them from grade 1 to 9.
To work, study or stay permanently in an English-speaking country, you must prove your English language proficiency.
Spoken by 379 million of population, English is a global language. And it opens the doors of many career opportunities.
Band Scores
The scoring of the IELTS exam is called a Band score. You get a band score for each part of the exam and an average band score as the overall test score.
The following are the Band Scores based on the English language proficiency levels.
IELTS Purpose
IELTS for Migration
Counties like Canada, Newzealand, the UK, and the USA accept the IELTS test. All these countries have English as their primary language.
When you immigrate to an English-speaking country, either for work or study, you have to prove your ability to speak English. You must demonstrate your ability to speak, write, read, and understand their language. And each country sets a benchmark for immigrants.
IELTS for Work
Dreaming to get a job abroad is not enough. You have to be eligible to apply in that country. Employers want workers who can communicate well and handle work-related responsibilities in their native language. It is a mandatory requirement that you must fulfil to be eligible.
In Canada, for example, you have to have a minimum CLB 7 (Canadian Level Benchmark) to apply for a PR visa through EE.
IELTS for Study
Studying in a country whose first language is English, want their immigrants to have a minimum level of proficiency in the country's native language. Every university and college will have English speakers. So, to study in such an environment, you have to prove your English language skills.
For example, most Canadian universities require a score of approx. 6.5 to be eligible.
Types of IELTS
1. IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is the most popular choice among students who intend to study abroad in English-speaking countries.
2. IELTS General
Applicants who want to migrate or work in a foreign country can take the IELTS General test.
Time duration for IELTS Test
1. Listening- 30 minutes
2. Writing- 60 minutes
3. Reading- 60 minutes
4. Speaking- 11-14 minutes
Two ways to take the IELTS test
1. On paper test
2. Online test
How to prepare for IELTS
Preparation of IELTS test or any exam differs from person to person. You could have better language proficiency in speaking than writing and reading. Or you can be good at speaking, reading, and listening but not writing. So in such a case, you need to focus on those parts of the language where you feel stuck.
Understand the Test Format
First and foremost, exam preparation advice is to understand the format of the exam. Check out the previous or related exam papers.
Time duration
Once you know the exam pattern, next, get the information about the time duration divided for each section.
Understand their English
Different countries have different accents for the same language. Just like Hindi has variations when you hear it from people, so too does English.
You can practice listening to different types of English videos and audio.
Vocabulary
Read and listen more and more to understand different words, idioms, and types of sentences. A good vocabulary will not only help you for IELTS but in general too.
Practice
Focus on the aspect of language where you feel underconfident. Practice online and offline, take the help of English books, and practice.
Find a Mentor
You can also find a mentor who can help you improve your English language skills. The right mentor can fast-track your preparation with their guidance.
IELTS Practice Test
You can use a practice test to understand which part of the exam to focus on so that you can prepare and gain confidence before the final exam.
Also, you can take the help of our free IELTS study material that we provide to visa seekers.
Understand the Scoring System
The IELTS exam consists of four sections. And each one is scaled on different scores. Understand the scoring system and analyze which sections take you more time.
Practice Everyday
Last but not least. Practice every day. There is no other magic than practising and implementing the strategy you have.
Want to know more about IELTS?
Connect with our immigration consultant and have a detailed discussion.
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