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IELTS is an English Language Proficiency test that is required to be
taken by non-native students for study in countries where the medium of
instruction is English. Among the popular study destinations IELTS is
accepted by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and
Canada. It has become a mandatory test for study in Australia.
You cannot be granted an Australian student visa without an IELTS
score, TOEFL is not accepted.
All other study destinations either require you to take the TOEFL or
IELTS. IELTS is however not accepted by most universities in USA, the
TOEFL is required for study there.
The test is conducted by the
British Council. You can contact your local British Council
office to find out where your nearest test centre is located.
Most centres normally have a testing session about once a month. You
should contact the test centre to find out the date of the next test and
collect the IELTS handbook and an application form. The filled
application form should be sent back to the test centre with the test
fee. You will be given a date and time of your test.
The British Council also runs short
courses to prepare you for IELTS. Check details about
the same from your test centre.
The test results are normally made
available within two weeks of taking the test. You can also ask for more
copies of your test results.
The test has different
sections:
The Listening Section - Duration :
30 minutes
Academic reading/general training
reading section - Duration : 60 minutes
Academic writing/general training
writing section - Duration : 60 minutes
Speaking Section : Duration : 11 -
14 minutes
Total test time : 2 hours and
45 minutes
You will receive a separate Band
Score. The four Band Scores, one for each section are added together and
averaged for an Overall Band Score. Each Band has a statement giving a
summary of the English at that level. There are nine Band levels, from
one (non-user) to nine (expert user).
The minimum score accepted for a
course ranges from 5.0 to 7.5, depending upon courses and institutes you
are applying to. The most common requirement is a band score of
6 to 6.5.
Test Reports have a validity of two years.
You can retake the test if you donot achieve the
desired score but not before three months of the first
test date. |
