What is IELTS?
IELTS is an International English Language Testing System. It is an English language proficiency test taken by candidates to prove their abilities in English in four modules namely: Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing in their education. Thousands of colleges and Universities in the world consider IELTS results and bands as proof of English Language Proficiency. The IELTS Eligibility criteria should be checked once before applying for the test.
What does IELTS consist of?
As said above, the test mainly consists of four IELTS modules:
- IELTS Speaking
- IELTS Reading
- IELTS Writing
- IELTS Listening
The IELTS Test pattern is made up around there four components. The examiner scores each of the components separately. The IELTS scores consist of bands from 0 to 9. To ace the exam, you need to understand the IELTS test format first. Here is how IELTS Syllabus is placed:
1. IELTS Listening
IELTS listening is an assessment of the listening and understanding abilities of the candidate. The test contains 4 sections in which some audio pieces are played of the conversations happening in English. The accents may be different in each audio. The test-taker is given a question paper, answer sheet and a pencil to write the answers. One can read the answer before the audio is being played. As the audio is played, one can answer the questions simultaneously.
| Module | Time | Test Structure |
| IELTS Listening | 30 Minutes | 4 Sections, 40 Questions |
IELTS Listening Tips:
Practice listening English as much as you can in different languages. See videos in English with and without the subtitles to improve your listening comprehension. Take as many IELTS practice tests as you can to improve.
2. IELTS Writing:
IELTS writing is an assessment of the writing ability of the candidate, and it is one of the hardest modules according to the test takers. It has two sections, called IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2. Task one has a diagram, process, pie chart, bar graph, etc. given to the candidates. You have to summarise the diagram in 150 words.
In Task 2, three topics are given to you. You have to choose one of them and write about 250 words of structured essay. It is mostly a 3-paragraph essay, but there is no fixed format.
| Module | Time | Test Structure |
| IELTS Writing | 60 Minutes | 2 Sections |
IELTS Writing Tips:
Writing is improved by reading as much as one can. Expand your vocabulary and learn to write without breaking the flow, and all this will only come with written practice. Take inspirations from newspaper editorials and essays.
IELTS Reading:
IELTS reading is made up of three sections. It is an assessment of a candidate’s ability to read and comprehend the written text. Reading comprehension is what everyone will be doing from the school, but this module should not be taken lightly. The three-section cumulatively have 40 questions, and the time limit is 60 minutes.
| Module | Time | Test Structure |
| IELTS Reading | 60 Minutes | 3 Sections, 40 Questions |
IELTS Reading Tips:
Practice reading comprehension on your own, and then match your answers with correct answers. That way you will understand where and how to find the answers in a text. With ample practice, the reading can give you good IELTS scores.