IELTS FAQs About the Test

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  1. What is IELTS?
    • IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. This test is conducted to test the English proficiency. It is conducted across the globe and there were 1.7 million tests conducted in 2011 globally.
  2. Which organisations accept IELTS?
    • IELTS is accepted by more than 7,000 organisations worldwide. These include universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies which are available at IELTS Global Recognition System.
  3. Who owns IELTS and who writes the test?
    • The ownership of IELTS lies in the joint hands of British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) . The test has centres at over 800 places and locations in over 130 countries. The material for the test is formed by interanational writers along with their group and is formulated by test writers from different English-speaking countries to develop IELTS content so it reflects real-life situations.
  4. Why are there two versions of the test?
    • IELTS has two versions specifically for those who want to study i.e. … Academic training and for those who either want a job, or want to join a secondary school or settle in foreign country i.e. … General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
  5. Which version should be used?
    • Read the explanation for both the versions i.e. … The Academic and General Training tests given and then contact the organisation or institution and suits to your requirements. The institution is to be contacted so as to find out what it requires.
  6. What is the test format and how long will it take?
    • IELTS has four parts-Listening (30 minutes) , Reading (60 minutes) , Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11 − 14 minutes) . The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The initial three tests are conducted on the same day. However the Speaking test may be conducted eitheron the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.
  7. How to practise and prepare for my test?
    • IELTS offers its own official IELTS Practice Materials. This will brief you regarding the test format in detail and also gives you enough practice tests and provides answers for the same. This material you can get in either of the two ways: Place an order online & through your local test centre.
  8. What help is available for disabled candidates?
    • Test centres make every effort to cater for the special needs of disabled candidates and you can contact the local test centre for arrangements.