IELTS Wrntn + introduction to the exam + your questions answered + skills development section + exam strategies and tips teaching rare not just testing Vanessa Jakeman Clare McDowellSa Co) ee eS olay 1. What level of English do | need to take IELTS? > IELTS can provide a test result for all candidates from beginner to very advanced. Remember however, that the examination is pitched at intermediate level and above How often can | sit IELTS? > There is no limit to the number of times ye However, you are not permitted to re-sit the i three months at the centre where you last took it, or at any other centre in the world ay sit IELTS. TS test within How often is IELTS available? > There are no set dates for JELTS. Most test centres offer the test at least once a month and busy centres may conduct more sessions at peak times of the year 4 Where is IELTS available? > There are over 250 approved test centres in over 105 different countries. Contact UCLES, the British Council or 10° Education Australia for an up-to-date ist of centres. The IELTS Handbook can answer more of your questions 5. Do receive a certificate? > No. You will receive a Test Report Form (TRF) from the centre where you sat the fest showing your band score in each part of the test 6 How long is a test score valid? > As with all language proficiency tests, a result has a maximum ‘shelf lie’ of approximately two years To be valid after two years, an IELTS TRF should be accompanied by evidence that you have maintained your level of English through study or effective use of the language, 7 What score do I need to get into university? > This depends upon the institution to which you are applying, While some will accept you at Band 5, most universities require @ minimum score of 6.5 overall with a minimum score of 6 in each sub-test. Some courses with a heavy emphasis on language may ask for a higher score. You should seek advice from the Faculty or University to which you are applying. 8 Do I need to pass each paper to pass IELTS? > There is no actual ‘pass mark’ for IELTS. You wil receive a TRF which shows your performance on the 9 band scale in each of the four modules. These four scores are then combined to produce your overall band score. There are no IELTS certificates — just this form. 9 How long does it take to get an IELTS result? > You will receive your result within two weeks of sitting the fest. The result will come from the centre where you sat the test. 10 Hf reach a satisfactory level in one part of the test but not in other parts, do I have to sit the whole test again? > es "OL fave to stall four Modules each time you sit IELTS. 22° = catsof the ycied on each TRE 11 How long does it take to go from one Band level to the next? > This depends on your personal circumstances ~ your motivation to learn, your exposure to English and the amount of time you spend studying, Studtes show that it can take 200 hours of study t0 improve by one IELTS band. 12 Do | have to study at an English language schoo! before | take IELTS? > No. However itis important to be familar with the types of questions you will meetin the test. Spending time in an IELTS preparation class with other students will certainly be helpful because IELTS dtfers from other English examinations 13 Do | have to sit all parts of the test on the same day? > The Listening, Reading and Writing modules are taken on the same day. The Speaking test is usually an this day but may be hele up 10 two days later ~ at the discretion of the centre. 14 [s IELTS available on computer? > A computerised version of IELTS - known as CBIELTS — will be avalable at some centres for the Listening and Reading tests, You can choose whether to take the Wing test 0 screen or on paper However, you will always be able to take pen and paper version of the test at all centres, 15 What age must I be to sit IELTS? > IELTS is not recommended for candidates under tt of 16. age 16 Is there a difference between an Academic and a General Training IELTS score? > Yes. The Academic module is designed to assess whether you are ready to study in an English language medium at undergraduate or postgraduate level. A General Training score cannot be used for entry to a university as the emphasis of GT is on basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context. The results are not interchangeable, 17 Which module should | sit if | want to emigrate to Australia or New Zealand? Id sit the General Training Module. A score of 5.5 is generally required. 18 How many times will I hear the Listening module? > There are four sections to the Listening module and you wall hear each part ONCE only. 19 Will | be penalised if | cannot spell a word properly in the Listening test? > Poor spelling and grammar in your answers wl be penalised though minor misspelings are overlooked. Both British and American spelling is accepted, however 20 Is there a choice of questions in the Wri > No, There wil question. You d 9 Test? and one Task 2 ns in the time be one Task 7 quest answer both quest alIELTS Practice Tests » Plus