What is IELTS?
IELTS is the most popular high staked English proficiency test which is accepted across the world. British Study Mart, recognised as one of the best IELTS coaching & training centres in Ashok Nagar, New Delhi, provides Academic IELTS classes that enables the students to score high bands upto 8 (and 9 in some exceptional cases). It has developed a specialised course module that helps in mastering reading, writing, listening and speaking skills with an unmatched excellence.
In order to reach the global standards, British Study Mart takes care of objective assessment of students’ English ability and guides them in practicing it to achieve the desired score. Furthermore, it takes the students through strategic learning approach that can further advance their language skills for better future.
Strategy for IELTS Preparation
Preparation for IELTS exam is based on the practice time spent on engaging with English language. Communicating in English in every minute of the day, watching films, reading books and publications help in improving the language ability.
IELTS is the most unbiased and reliable English proficiency test available for the purposes of study, work and immigration. Most academic institutions in English- speaking countries, like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and an increasing number of educational institutions in the United States, accept IELTS for study. Also, IELTS is used for work purposes, many professional organisations recognise IELTS as the standard test. Even for migration, IELTS is required or accepted for permanent residency by the government of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Two versions of IELTS:
Academic Module: This module is for the students who are seeking admission in a university or institution for higher education which are degree and diploma courses.
General Training Module: This module is for the students seeking entry to a secondary school or people giving the test for immigration purposes.
IELTS possesses fair assessment of four important language abilities
- 1. Listening - 4 sections, 40 questions, 30 minutes
- 2. Speaking - interview, 15 minutes
- 3. Reading - different for Academic and General Training - 3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes
- 4. Writing - different for Academic and General Training - 2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes
IELTS Test Structure:
- Listening : This is in four sections, each with 10 questions, 'the first two sections are concerned with social needs. There is a conversation between two speakers and then a monologue. The final two sections are concerned with situations related to educational or training contexts. There is a conversation between up to four people and then a monologue. A variety of question types is used. including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/chart/table completion, labeling a diagram, classification, matching. Candidates hear the recording once only and answer the questions-as they listen. Ten minutes are allowed at the end to transfer answers to the answer sheet.
- Academic Reading : There are three reading passages, of increasing difficulty, on topics of general interest and candidates have to answer 40 questions. The passages are taken from magazines, journals, books and newspapers. At least one text contains detailed logical argument. A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/chart/table completion, labelling a diagram, classification, matching lists/phrases, choosing suitable paragraph headings from a list, identification of writer's views/attitudes — yes, no, not given.
- General Training Reading : Candidates have to answer 40 questions. There are three sections of increasing difficulty, containing texts taken from notices, advertisements, leaflets, newspapers, instruction manuals, books and magazines. The first section contains texts relevant to basic linguistic survival in English, with tasks mainly concerned with providing factual information. The second section focuses on the training context and involves texts of more complex language. The third section involves reading more extended texts, with a more complex structure, but with the emphasis on descriptive and instructive rather than argumentative texts. A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/chart/table completion, labeling a diagram, classification, matching lists/phrases, choosing suitable paragraph headings from a list, identification of writer's views/attitudes — yes, no not given, or true, false, not given.
- Academic Writing : There are two tasks and it is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on Task I, which requires them to write at least 150 words and 40 minutes on Task 2 - 250 words. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1. In Task I candidates are asked to look at a diagram or table and to present the information in their own words. They are assessed on their ability to organize, present and possibly compare data, describe the stages of a process, describe an object or event, explain how something works. In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are
assessed on their ability to present a solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion,
compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ideas. evidence or
arguments. Candidates are also judged on their ability to write in an appropriate style.
- General Training Writing : There are two tasks and it is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on Task 1,
which requires them to write at least 150 words and 40 minutes on Task 2 - 250 words. The
assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.
In Task 1 candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting
information or explaining a situation. They are assessed on their ability to engage in
personal correspondence, elicit and provide general factual information, express needs,
wants, likes and dislikes, express opinions, complaints, etc.
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are
assessed on their ability to provide general factual information, outline a problem and
present a solution, present and justify an opinion, evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or
arguments.
Candidates are also judged on their ability to write in an appropriate style.
- Speaking : This consists of a conversation between the candidate and an examiner and takes between 10
and 15 minutes. There are five sections:
1. Introduction :
The examiner and candidate introduce themselves and the candidate is encouraged to talk
briefly about their life, home, work and interests.
2. Extended Discourse :
The candidate is encouraged to speak at length about some familiar topic of general
interest or of relevance to their culture, place of living or country of origin. This will
"involve explanation, description or narration.
3. Elicitation :
The candidate is given a task card with some information on it and is encouraged to take
the initiative and ask questions sither to elicit information or to solve a problem.
4. Speculation and Attitudes :
The candidate is encouraged to talk about their future plans and proposed course of
study. Alternatively the examiner may choose to return to a topic raised earlier.
5. Conclusion : The interview is concluded,
Candidates are assessed on their ability to communicate effectively with native speakers of
English. The assessment takes into account evidence of communicative strategies and
appropriate use of grammar and vocabulary.
