Significance of IELTS Test in Admission & Study Abroad

English is the most native-speaking language in the world.IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System) is standard international test for English language proficiency for non-native English language countries. The IELTS exam is an English proficiency test for study, migration and work to any English speaking country. It is accepted by more than 11000 employers, universities and schools from English speaking countries like Canada, UK, USA, New Zealand and Australia.

Approximately three million people around the world take the IELTS exam every year. Indian students are the most sincere and determined to study or work and for that they get fascinated by the progressive education system by well-qualified faculties and international exposure in foreign countries.

Almost all the globally ranked universities and companies require the IELTS exam to get entry in it. The test assesses the English proficiency language skills in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Countries where IELTS exam scores play important role to get admission in school/universities or to migrate for work are as follows:

• Australia
• Canada
• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• United States of America

IELTS exam eligibility criteria

Any person above the age of 16 years is eligible to take the IELTS exam irrespective of their gender, race, nationality, religion or background. Exception in the IELTS exam eligibility criteria is that there is no upper age limit in the special case of school admission where schools need the IELTS scores just for the confirmation purpose.

IELTS Exam Pattern

The IELTS exam pattern is divided into 4 major segments, which examine the students listening, reading, writing and speaking of English language. The IELTS exam has two modules as per the requirements of score by non-native English speaking countries’ people.

The two modules are as follows:

• Academic Module- This module is taken by the students for academic purposes. The students who need to study abroad are going to get this module and qualify it. The score qualified by the student will help them to get admission in their desired university abroad.
• General Training Module- This module is taken by the workers who need to work abroad. The workers who need to migrate abroad for the work purpose or just for the migrating purpose. 

The IELTS exam pattern is mentioned below:

This is the common pattern for the IELTS exam. The detailed exam pattern has been mentioned below in the blog.

• Listening:

In this listening test, students will get 4 different recordings in the native country’s English accent, to hear and then students need to answer a particular number of questions in 30 minutes. 

• Reading:

In this reading test, students will get two different types of patterns, one for the Academic module and another for the General Training module.

Students in Academic Reading Module will get different types of questions like MCQs (Multiple Common Questions), matching features, identifying details, table completion, flow charts, short answer questions, diagrams and other types of questions.

The General Training Reading test is divided into 3 sections, in which the first section has 2 or more short paragraphs, second section has 2 short paragraphs and third section has one long paragraph or text to read.

• Writing:

In the writing test both the modules will have 2 tasks to score. The applicants need to write the answer in specified limiting words for both the tasks in 60 minutes.

Under the Academic Writing Module, students will have 2 tasks, in which students need to give their answers in writing. These tasks are mentioned in brief below:

Task1- In this task, students need to define the facts, diagrams, graphs or tables on the given content. The answer should be under word limit of 150.

Task2- In this task, students need to write educational or semi-formal content on the given topic. The considerable answer should be under the 250 word limit.

This section of the test is to consider the relevant facts along with the accuracy of the English language.

Under the General Training Writing Module, students will have 2 tasks, in which students need to answer on conservation through letters and ways of responding to a problem in their answers in writing. These tasks are mentioned in brief below:

Task1- In this task, students need to write a letter requesting or explaining a situation in a formal, semi-formal or personal format.

Task2- In this task, students need to write an essay on a point of view, problem or argument in personal format.

This section of the test is to consider the accuracy of the English language.

• Speaking:

The speaking test is divided into 3 parts, where the examiner will ask questions and applicants need to answer in the speaking round. The examiner asks general questions about your background in the first part, in second part applicants are given a card to talk or discuss verbally, in third part applicants need to discuss an absurd idea in front of the examiner.

Part1- Students are asked general questions about their life, family, qualification and other relevant questions.

Part2- Students supply with cards, on which they need to talk or discuss the particular topic mentioned. For this task students are given 1 minute time to prepare.

Part3- In this section, students are asked questions from part1 and have an opportunity to ask or discuss more on the topics as per their wish in front of the examiner. This part will take the last 4-5 minutes of the speaking round.

How to prepare for the IELTS test?

I have mentioned a few important tips to prepare for the IELTS exam, which could be beneficial for the applicants who want to go abroad for their higher education. These points are as follows:

• Understand the test format
• Thoroughly read the sample papers of IELTS test
• Go through the IELTS practice material
• Take free practice test

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is the IELTS score important?

IELTS score is important because it is an essential test to qualify for the students who want to pursue their higher education abroad or want to migrate abroad for work.

2. What is the age criteria to take the IELTS test?

The minimum age required to take the IELTS test is 16 years, but there is no maximum age limit fixed by the conducting body.

3. Can we write answers with a pen in the writing section of the IELTS Test?

No, the IELTS test can only be written with pencil, because the answer sheets are scanned by 

machinery which only reads pencil.

4. How many sections do the IELTS test have?

The IELTS exam is divided into four sections such as listening, reading, writing and speaking.