The IELTS Exam

What is IELTS?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English language test that measures the language proficiency of people who want to study, work, or migrate where English is the language of communication. There are two versions of the IELTS test: the Academic version and the General Training version. The Academic version is intended for those who want to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, while the General Training version is for those who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or who want to train or study at below degree level.

The IELTS test consists of four components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Reading and Writing sections are completed on paper, while the Listening and Speaking sections are completed on a computer or via an audio recording. The test is designed to assess a wide range of language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency.

The IELTS test is administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment. It is recognized by universities, employers, and governments around the world.

The History of the IELTS exam

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam was developed in the 1980s by the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council, and IDP: IELTS Australia. The exam was created to provide a fair and accurate assessment of the language skills of people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds who wanted to study or work in an English-speaking country.

The first IELTS test was held in 1989, and since then the exam has become one of the most widely recognized English language tests in the world. It is recognized by over 9,000 organizations in more than 140 countries, including universities, employers, and governments.

The IELTS test has evolved over the years to keep up with the changing needs of test takers and the organizations that recognize the exam. For example, in 2020, the IELTS test introduced a new version of the Writing section that is more closely aligned with the types of writing tasks that people encounter in their studies or work.

Advantages of taking the IELTS exam:

Wide recognition

IELTS is recognized by over 9,000 organizations in more than 140 countries, including universities, employers, and governments. This means that your IELTS test results will be accepted by a wide range of institutions and organizations.

Fair assessment

The IELTS test is designed to fairly assess the language skills of people from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.

Flexibility

The IELTS test is offered on multiple dates throughout the year, and you can choose between the Academic and General Training versions depending on your needs.

Support

The IELTS test is administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment, all of which offer support and resources to help you prepare for the test.

Relevant content

The content of the IELTS test is designed to reflect real-life situations and tasks, so it is relevant to your needs and helps you prepare for life in an English-speaking country.

Is IELTS difficult?

The difficulty level of the IELTS exam depends on several factors, including your current level of English language proficiency and your familiarity with the test format. Some people find the IELTS exam challenging because it tests a wide range of language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and fluency. It is also timed, so you need to be able to manage your time effectively during the test.

However, with sufficient preparation, it is possible to do well on the IELTS exam. At English with Ken, we can provide you with many resources to help you prepare, including practice tests, and online courses. By familiarizing yourself with the test format and practicing your English skills, you can increase your chances of doing well on the IELTS exam.

What is the best way to prepare for IELTS?

Every person is unique, however there are several steps that can help the vast majority of people prepare for the IELTS exam:

Familiarize yourself with the test format:

The IELTS test consists of four components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. Each section is designed to assess a specific aspect of your language skills. By understanding the format of the test, you will know what to expect on test day.

Practise:

The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the test format and the types of questions you will encounter. You can find practice tests and sample questions online or in study guides.

Review and improve your English skills:

The IELTS exam tests a wide range of language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. If you need to improve in any of these areas, consider taking an English language course or working with a tutor.

Time management:

The IELTS test is timed, so it is important to manage your time effectively during the exam. Practice taking the test under timed conditions to get a sense of how much time you have to complete each section.

Relax:

It is normal to feel anxious before a test, but try to stay calm and focused on test day. Remember to take breaks and stretch your legs if you start to feel overwhelmed.