IELTS is a standardized global test which can be taken in any part of the world. IELTS is a test of English language proficiency which countries like New Zealand, Australia, UK or Canada have made it mandatory for those who come from non-English speaking countries for education or permanent residence.
Who owns the IELTS Test
IELTS exam is jointly owned by Cambridge University, British Council and IDP Australia. You can take the exam at any examination centre: IDP or British Council.
Which organizations accept the IELTS test?
Universities, institutions of higher learning, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and employers accept the IELTS score.
Exam Pattern
There are two test modules.
Academic Module
The Academic Module is for students who plan to study in a college or a university in foreign countries like Australia, Canada, UK or USA.
General Training Module
The General Training module is for candidates who wish to apply for permanent residency or work permit in countries like Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
The Test Format
The test consists of 4 sections: listening, reading, speaking, writing.
Total Test Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes.
Listening: 30 minutes.
It consists of four sections. Each section might be a dialogue or a monologue.
Reading: 60 minutes
Academic Module consists of 3 passages.
General Module.consists of 4 passages.
Writing: 60 minutes.
There are 2 writing tasks.
• Academic Module has an essay and a graph.
• General Module has an essay and a letter.
Speaking: 14 minutes
It is a one-to-one interview between the examiner and the candidate. Speaking section is taken separately, either the same day or in the week prior or after the exam.
Pen and Paper option
In India only the pen and paper option is available. Online option is not available.
Special Note
The Listening and Speaking sub-tests are the same for both modules.
Scores
You get a mark between 0 and 9 for each of the four sub-tests. Your overall band score is the average of the four sub-test scores.
Sometimes you could be asked to score a certain minimum score in a particular sub-test such as the Speaking or the Writing section.
What is the passing mark for the IELTS test?
There is no pass or fail score in IELTS. Each university or educational institution or organization sets its own standards for IELTS scores.
What is BAND Score?
The band score which reads from 0-9 may be interpreted as follows.
Band 9 : Expert User
Band 8 : Very Good User
Band 7 : Good User
Band 6 : Competent User
Band 5 : Modest User
Band 4 : Limited User
Band 3 : Extremely Limited User
Band 2 : Intermittent User
Band 1 : Non User
Band 0 : Did not attempt the test
Is there any negative marking for wrong answers?
There is no negative marking for wrong answers, Hence you must attempt all the questions, even if you are not sure of the answer.
When do we get the Score?
The Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 calendar days after your test date. Some test centres provide SMS alerts and an online results’ service.
Valid Score
The university or college you wish to enroll with will state their IELTS band requirement for a particular course.
Validity
The IELTS score is valid for two years.
IELTS Examiners
The Listening and the Reading section are marked by 2 Readers.
The Speaking and the Writing section are marked by 2 Examiners.
Your final score is the average of both the Readers as well as the Examiners.
When are the test dates?
The test dates are given online for each city or town. You need to check online. Every exam date has a deadline for registration.
Where do we write the Exam?
The IELTS exam can be taken in any part of the world. You need to find the nearest IELTS test centre.
How do I register for the test?
Find the nearest IELTS centre in your town or city. You can get all the details from there and register there. Or you may apply online.
What is the IELTS exam fee?
You can log on to www.ieltsindia.com or www.ielts.org
What documents do I have to submit along with the examination form?
You have to submit a photocopy of your current passport.
How will I get the test receipt?
You will get the receipt either through email or by post if you submit a physical copy of the form at any one of the test centres.
Can I postpone or cancel my IELTS dates?
You can cancel or postpone the exam dates 5 weeks prior to the test date. After deduction of administration charge, the remaining fees will be refunded.
When can the test be retaken?
The test can be retaken whenever the candidate wishes. There must be a minimum gap of 15 days. However it is advisable to give yourself more time, that is one to three months to prepare well for the exam.
How many times can a person retake the test?
An individual can retake the test as many times as he wants. There is no limit to the number of times an individual can sit for the test.
How many Test Report Forms (TRFs) are provided?
You will get one copy of your TRF. You are entitled to another free 5 copies of TRFs which will be posted directly to the institutions you list in your IELTS application form. Please see if you do not name the institutions on the exam day, then you lose the opportunity to avail of the free facility of free 5 TRFs.
What if I need more TRFs?
For additional TRFs you will have to pay a fee. If you lose your TRF you may request for a new one on payment for the administrative cost.
What if I am sick and not able to take the test?
You must submit a medical certificate, 5 days prior to your test date. After deduction of administration charges, the remaining fees will be refunded. If you are absent on the test date without prior notice, you will lose the full exam fee.
What help is available for disabled candidates?
The candidates should inform the examining bodies several weeks in advance about their disabilities, so that necessary arrangements can be made for them on the test date.
What if I wish to have my test score re-assessed?
You can have your test scores re-assessed within six weeks of the test date. You will have to pay an extra fee for that. In case there has been an error the marks are rectified and a new Test Report Form is given which is official. The fee is fully refunded.
How many days do I need to IELTS preparation?
Ideally you could need a preparation time from two to four months, depending upon the level of your English proficiency.
How do I prepare for the test? Do I need to take coaching?
If your English is really good then you could prepare on your own. Lots of IELTS preparation books are available in the market for self-preparation. For many candidates training for IELTS is advisable. For those very weak in English, it is advised that they first undertake a separate course for improvement of English prior to taking training for IELTS preparation.
IELTS Challenges !
Your band score in the Speaking and Writing section solely depends on your level of English. A good score cannot be obtained if your English proficiency is less. Do not attempt to learn Speaking and Writing topics by rote from books or materials available online for they are not standard reference material. Besides the examiners are trained and experienced to be able to judge whether the answer of the students is original or learnt by rote. If students learn by rote, then they are bound to lose marks.
Notions about higher scores at some test centres
Students sometimes carry wrong notions. For instance some are of opinion that exams taken at other centres such as Rajkot, Surat or Vadodara for instance are easier to write and examiners more generous in giving scores as compared to exams held in Ahmedabad centres. This is a fallacious presumption as the examiners are the same and travel to various exam venues. They adhere to the exam assessment criteria and are periodically trained. Their assessment is reassessed by higher authorities.
Speaking in a foreign Accent
You do not have to speak English in a foreign accent. In India one must speak English like an Indian. What students need to take care of is correct pronunciation as wrong pronunciation can have a negative influence on marks.
What if I am nervous before my Speaking Test
The examiners will try to make you at ease before commencing. They are friendly and try to create a relaxed atmosphere.
What if I exceed the required number of words in written tasks
If you write more than 150 words in the first task or more than 250 words in the second task, there is no negative marking. However students will not gain extra marks if they write too long. Rather they should spend their time on sentence formation and expressing their ideas in appropriate language.
Fillip Lingua is the pioneer institute offering English Language and IELTS training for the last eighteen years. Fillip Lingua is also an authorized centre for booking exam seats for IDP IELTS Test Centre.
Our Trainers
Our trainers are qualified, trained and experienced.
Our Director
Our director Renuka Singh also takes training sessions to know and understand every student, identify their weak areas and offer feedback and guidance. She provides insight into exam assessment techniques and strategies to improve individual performance in all four sections.
Methods of Teaching
We adopt innovative and interactive teaching methods for Speaking and Writing modules providing students ample opportunities for classroom participation.
Strategies and Tips
Students are regularly given tips for all four sections.
Duration of IELTS training
We have designed a three months’ course. Students who opt for a lesser duration have to undergo a more intensive course and assigned a different study schedule.
Fast Track Course
A fast track course of one month or more is advisable for those having a good command over English and have more time on their hands for study.
Mock Tests
Mock tests are conducted once the students have taken test dates and are well prepared. This helps them to familiarize themselves with the test format in simulated test conditions.
Study Material
Students do not have to purchase materials from the market. We provide materials to take home.
Library Facilities
We offer full day library facilities to students for study.
Learning Environment
We provide a healthy and friendly learning environment where trainers are present all the time to help students with their exam practice and learning difficulties.
Is IELTS test difficult
Each student needs to follow a particular study schedule and put in a certain number of hours each day. If the practice is insufficient then there is no surety as to the results.
Flexibility in Timings
Students working in changing shifts have the option of attending batches that suit their working hours.
Batch Timings
Batches are of three hours duration daily. Classroom sessions are held from Monday to Saturday.
Timings of the Institute
The timings are 8 am to 9 pm.