• Study Abroad

A Guide to the IELTS Exam: What is IELTS and how to prepare for it?

2785 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Jul 11,2023 12:24 PM IST

Getting high scores in the IELTS exam is an important prerequisite to applying for study in a foreign country. Here is a complete guide to the IELTS exam, answering every aspect of the test, including topics: types of IELTS exams, the format of the test and steps to prepare for it.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is one of the most popular English language proficiency tests accepted by the governments of many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and more. The exam is conducted to determine a candidate's eligibility to migrate abroad for study and work purposes.

Types of IELTS exam:

Academic- This type measures whether a candidate's language proficiency is appropriate for an academic environment and is, thus, given by students planning to pursue education abroad.

General Training- Under this type, a candidate's English proficiency is measured in a practical context and is based on questions reflecting both workplace and social situations. Therefore, this test is taken by professionals planning to migrate for work or permanent residency.

Format of the exam

One of the crucial aspects of preparing for any test is understanding the format of the test, including exam length, duration, concepts, question types, marking scheme, etc. So here is a detailed description of the IELTS test:

IELTS is a 3 hours 45 minutes test conducted over two days. It is divided into four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking to judge all four aspects of the language.

Reading Section:

Reading is a 60 minutes section consisting of 40 questions divided into three long passages. The section is designed to test a candidate’s reading skills in terms of skimming, understanding logical arguments, recognizing the writer's opinions, attitudes, purposes, and more.

Writing Section:

Writing is also a 60 minutes module consisting of two tasks to write. The second task in both the test types requires a candidate to write an article of 250 words, but the first task differs to a great extent. Academic writing consists of data interpretation/ description, but in the case of General Training, the candidate is required to write letters in a personal, semi-formal, and formal style.

Listening Section:

Listening is a 40 minutes task divided into four sections consisting of 10 questions each, where the test-taker is required to answer questions listening to the recorded audio. The audios vary in terms of speed and accents, ranging from Australian, British, American, and New Zealand. The recordings are played only once, and candidates need to transfer their answers to the answer sheet within 10 minutes once the recording stops.

Speaking Section:

Speaking is conducted to evaluate a candidate's use of spoken English. It is a 20 minutes section conducted in the form of an interview and is divided into 3 parts. This section evaluates the test-takers fluency, pronunciation, grammar and language accuracy.

How to prepare for IELTS?

While the band requirement varies from profile to profile, every candidate aspires to achieve the highest band to get the most advantage. It is vital to prepare well in advance to get the desired score, which is why here is a quick guide on the right way of preparing for IELTS:

Get a grasp on the exam format:

Before beginning the practice, the candidate should have a thorough understanding of the test format, instructions, question types, etc., as it gives detailed clarity on the test structure. Then, the next step is to understand the marking parameters to avoid band deduction.

Begin with a practice test:

Taking a practice test is a crucial step as it helps in identifying the areas that need more practice and the ones that could improve the score. This guides the candidate to work on their weaknesses and build a strong foundation for the test.

Understanding time constraints:

Since IELTS is a time-bound test and every module has an individual limit, practice under these time conditions helps improve a candidate's chances of completing every task within the allocated time frame.

Listen to podcasts and other audio clips of different accents:

Listening is an easy module to start with, and the best way to prepare for it is to listen to podcasts, news, interviews, etc., in different accents of the English language and try to understand conversations. This helps in making the student comfortable with different English accents.

Get confident with the Reading section:

Reading is another easy module that can significantly improve the overall band score if prepared well. Start by solving previous papers and understanding the different types of questions. Develop the techniques of skimming and speed reading to focus only on the answers while skipping the unnecessary details in the passage to save time.

Enhance writing skills :

Begin the writing preparation by reading newspapers, articles, editorials and magazines to improve vocabulary and understand the variety of expressions used in the text. Writing in a timely manner helps improve the speed which is important to score high. Carefully analyze the task 2 question and make sure that all parts of the question have been addressed.

Work on pronunciation and develop fluency:

Practice talking in English during leisure hours and focus on pronunciation. Start by having a short talk and slowly switch to lengthy conversations. Read and listen to different topics to build vocabulary, and focus on accent and fluency.

Work on English abilities:

Finally, don't just depend on practice tests to improve the score as the ultimate motive of IELTS preparation is to enhance your English capabilities. Therefore, the candidate should acknowledge their level of English and then work on developing their knowledge of the English language.

Getting desired bands in IELTS is only the first step in the process of applying to study abroad. To know more about the process, apply to your favorite destination, or simply talk to our experts, visit the website today!

FAQ

Is IELTS a one-day test?

IELTS is conducted for two days. Reading, Writing, and Listening modules are completed in one day, and the Speaking module is taken within 7 days before or after the test date based on the arrangements made by the local test center.

Which is the most challenging module in IELTS?

The difficulty of any module varies from person to person as some find Reading to be tricky while others consider Writing the most difficult. It is important to thoroughly understand the IELTS exam pattern, figure out the toughest section and pay more attention to that.

For how long is the IELTS score valid?

The IELTS Academic and IELTS General score is valid for 2 years. Candidates can apply to colleges or jobs during this time.

What is the benefit of taking IELTS?

IELTS is a prerequisite document in the process of studying or settling abroad. It is an essential test for migration as it proves the candidate's English language proficiency. The test is accepted by governments of more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency.

Is there any age limit for the IELTS test?

There is no age limit for IELTS as it is only a language test designed to assess the proficiency of an individual in the English language.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Macromedia University of Applied Sciences - Berlin Campus

Berlin, Germany • 38 Programmes

Tuition Fee : EUR 10600-10600 / year

Loyalist College - Port Hope Campus

Ontario, Canada • 5 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 15000-15500 / year

Niagara College - Welland Campus

Ontario, Canada • 55 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 16500-29000 / year

Navitas Group - Sydney Institute of Business and Technology (SIBT)

New South Wales, Australia • 22 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 0-0 / year

Global University Systems (GUS) - The University of Law - Leeds Campus

England, UK • 32 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 11000-18000 / year

British Columbia Institute of Technology - Aerospace Technology Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 13000-22500 / year

Shorelight Group - Cleveland State University

Ohio, USA • 138 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 17000-18000 / year

California Lutheran University - Thousand Oaks Campus

California, USA • 12 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 45500-45500 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

The International Education Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Dubai

5th June to 15th June • 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

In-Person Event

Final Call For Fall 2024

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland • Application Days

All Canam Offices, India • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Scholarship Day For Australia & UK

Study in UK, Australia • Application Days

Barnala • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Minimum IELTS Score for USA

The USA is considered to be one of the best study-abroad destinations in the world. It offers high-quality education, a diverse environment, and infin...

Updated on • May 03,2024 04:23 PM IST • USA

Finance Courses & Universities in Canada

Canada is one of the best countries to pursue higher education, as several students want to pursue finance courses in Canada after 12th grade. Finance...

Updated on • May 02,2024 05:16 PM IST • Courses in Canada

Top Colleges & Universities in Christchurch for Indian Students

Christchurch, a city in New Zealand, is the land of dreams for international students who have chosen this city to start their academic journey. It is...

Updated on • May 02,2024 01:55 PM IST • New Zealand

Education loan with Collateral to Study Abroad

Studying abroad requires a lot of money, which is not easy for any middle-class person; therefore, an aspiring Indian student often takes the help of ...

Updated on • May 01,2024 05:37 PM IST • Education Loans

Chevening Scholarships in UK

Chevening Scholarships in the UK help international students study in a stress-free way and focus entirely on their studies. It’s a fully-funded sch...

Updated on • May 01,2024 03:11 PM IST • study in the UK

How Students Can Maintain Mental & Physical Wellbeing While Studying Abroad

Embarking on a study abroad adventure is like diving into a kaleidoscope of diverse cultures, exhilarating experiences, and enriching academ...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:30 PM IST • Study Abroad

Accommodation for Students in Canada

Thousands of students go to Canada every year to pursue higher education. Before going there, one needs to consider various factors, one of which is a...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 05:28 PM IST • Study in Canada

Cost of Living in Canada for Indian Students in 2024

Canada, one of the most preferred study destination, offers abundant prospects for a student’s career growth. The cost of living in Canada is one of...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:21 PM IST • Study Abroad

IELTS Cue Card Sample 559 - Describe your favourite dress

IELTS is one of the most popular English language proficiency exams worldwide. It assesses a student's language proficiency via four major modules: re...

Updated on • Apr 30,2024 03:12 PM IST • IELTS

English Language Improvement: Learning Silent Words

Silent letters are one of the most important aspects of the English language. Although they are not usually pronounced, they can make a huge differenc...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 04:44 PM IST • IELTS

Admission in Canada: UG & PG Application Requirements for Canadian Universities

After getting admission to Canadian institutions, International students have immense personal growth and career enhancement opportunities. These oppo...

Updated on • Apr 29,2024 03:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

LLM in Australia: Top Universities, Eligibility, Courses, Scholarship for Indian Students

Master in Laws (LLM) is a globally recognised postgraduate degree designed to broaden the legal knowledge of students. LLM (Master of Laws) in Austral...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 05:26 PM IST • Australia

Cost of Studying in UK

Did you know Brits drink about 100 million cups of tea daily? That sounds a lot, but that's not the only astounding fact about the UK; apparently, the...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:18 PM IST • UK

SOP for MBA - Format, Samples and Expert Tips

A statement of purpose (SOP) is essential for an MBA application and allows students to showcase their unique qualities, experiences, and aspirations ...

Updated on • Apr 26,2024 03:11 PM IST • SOP

Why Study in Ireland ?

Ireland is the only English-speaking country in the Eurozone, which is home to the world's most reputed universities and colleges, famous for their we...

Updated on • Apr 25,2024 03:43 PM IST • Ireland

Why study in Canada?

The thought of international education and studying in Canada go hand in hand, and there’s an interesting reason for this. The thing is, almost 80% ...

Updated on • Apr 23,2024 12:15 PM IST • Study in Canada

Timeline for USA Summer Intake: Deadlines & Universities Requirements

Studying in the USA provides high-quality education with diverse academic programs along with personal and professional growth opportunities. The Unit...

Updated on • Apr 19,2024 03:45 PM IST • USA

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Tra...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST • IELTS

Study in Canada after 12th

Canada is a popular study abroad destination for international students seeking to study in Canada after 12th due to its world-class education system,...

Updated on • Apr 18,2024 01:33 PM IST • Study in Canada

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 15,2024 01:35 PM IST • IELTS

A Guide to the IELTS Exam: What is IELTS and how to prepare for it?

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams