An Introduction with IELTS and its Modules

The International English Language Testing System is the world’s most popular excellence language testing system. This is the test for study, work and migration in English speaking countries. There is about three million tests are taken in a year. The IELTS results is recognised by more than 10,000 organisations in 140 countries around the whole world.

Modules of IELTS

There are two Modules in IELTS.

• IELTS Academic
• IELTS General Training

IELTS Academic:

In IELTS Academic module, the exam is for those who are planning to study for a higher education or for professional and job applicants.

IELTS General Training:

This exam is for those who want to enter in English speaking countries for general immigration.

IELTS Test Format

IELTS test consists of four components: Reading, Speaking, Listening, Writing.You will take Reading, Listening and Writing test all on the same day and in the Speaking test you can book slot according to your preferred date and time, but if you fail to choose slot within time it will be automatically allocated to you.

IELTS Test on paper or on computer:

IELTS test can be on paper or on computer. It depends upon you what type of test you want to choose. In Paper Based Test, the test takers sit at a desk with the question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening and Writing tests.Test takers can use pens either pencils to write answers. The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with the IELTS examiner. In Computer Based Test, the test takers sit in front of a computer with the questions presented on the screen for Reading, Writing, Listening in an official IELTS test centre. The test takers then submit their answers with the use of a keyboard and a mouse. The speaking in computer based test is same like paper based test.

Components of the IELTS Test:

Reading:

• The time for Reading test is 60 minutes for both Academic and General training modules.
• There are three readings with questions about each reading for both modules.
• The text to read in Academic module include descriptive, factual, and analytical. It also includes diagrams, graphs or illustrations.The texts come from books, newspapers, journals, etc.
• But in General Training module there are three sections in Reading. The first section includes the short text. there are two short, work-related texts in the second section.the final section contains one long text about a general interest topic.
• In the IELTS General Training the text come from book, newspaper, company handbooks etc.

Writing:

• The Writing section is 60 minutes for both modules
• In Academic module, It includes two tasks: Task 1 for writing about a table, graph, chart or diagram in minimum 150 words and Task 2 is an essay writing in minimum 250 words.
• In General Training module, It also includes two tasks: Task 1 for writing a letter in minimum 150 words and Task 2 is an essay writing in minimum 250 words.

Listening:

• The time for Listening test is 30 minutes for both modules.
• There are four recorded listening excerpts for both modules.

Speaking:

• In the speaking test there is face to face interview with IELTS trainer for 11–14minutes in both modules.
• It includes short and long questions and there is structured discussion also for both modules.