International English Language Testing System (Ielts)
IELTS i.e. International English Language Testing System is a standardized English profi ciency test. It assesses English Language skills in the areas of listening, reading, writing and speaking. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP- Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL EXAMINATIONS.
IELTS has two types of modules – Academic and General Training. Academic Module is required to be given by students who plan to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels. While, General Training Module is generally a prerequisite for the people who either want to pursue vocational studies or plan to immigrate.
Structure Of The Test
| Measure | Number of Questions | Allotted Time |
| Listening | 40 questions | 40 minutes |
| Reading | ||
| Academic Module | 3 passages ( 40 questions) | 60 minutes |
| General Module | 3 sections (40 questions) | 60 minutes |
| Writing | ||
| Academic Module | 2 tasks (Diagram Prompt/Argument Prompt) | 60 minutes |
| General Module | 2 tasks (Letter Prompt/Essay Prompt) | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 parts | 11 – 15 minutes |
Listening
It has 4 sections and 40 questions in all. It lasts for 40 minutes including the time one gets for transferring the answers to the main answer sheet.
Reading
Reading has 3 passages, 40 questions in all. Candidates are given only 1 hour to complete reading, which means that time management is very important. One must give 20 minutes per passage.
Writing
Academic Module
It has 2 writing tasks. Task 1 is primarily Report writing (explaining diagrams and charts). Essay on task 1 must not be less than 150 words. Students are advised to spend 20 minutes on this task. Task 2 is Argumentative essay.
Essay on task 2 must not be less than 250 words. Students are advised to spend 40 minutes on the same. In all, time allotted for writing is 1 hour. General Training Module It also has 2 writing tasks. Task1 presents a Letter Prompt (formal or informal). Students must write at least 150 words for the same. Task2 is same as that of Academic Module.
Speaking
Speaking has 3 parts and lasts for 11-14 minutes. It is done on one-to-one basis with the student.
Part1: Examiner asks general questions to the student, which relates to his/her work, studies, hobbies etc. This part lasts between 4 and 5 minutes. Part2: The candidate is given a topic to speak, which is printed on a task card.
Students have to speak for 1 minute at least and are given one minute to think and write down some points. This part lasts between 3 and 4 minutes. Part3: It’s a two way discussion with the examiner (questions mostly related to part 2 topic will be asked).The discussion lasts between 4 and 5 minutes.
Students may enroll under the FREE IELTS SCHEME. Under this scheme, if a student has enrolled in a university represented by Oberoi Overseas and applies for visa with that university offer, then he/she is entitled for a refund after net deduction of taxes and cost of official course ware. The refund is applicable whether visa has been granted or not.
IELTS is graded on a scale of 0 – 9, known as Band Scale. Generally, a score of at least 6 bands for UG & 6.5 bands for PG is required in each section. The result is available in 15 working days.
| Score Validity: | 2 years | Score Reporting time: | approximately 15 days |
| Registration Mode: | Telephone / Mail/ Online / Fax | Extra Score Reporting Fee: | Rs. 1250 for courier, Rs. 250 for registered post. |
| Mode of payment: | Demand Draft/Credit card | Official Website: | www.ielts.org |
| Test Fee: | Rs. 10,400/- | Rescheduling Fee: | 5 Wks prior @ charge of 25% of test fee |
| Nature of Test: | Paper Based Test | Test Administration Frequency: | 3-4 times a month |
| Test Repetition policy: | Next available date | ||
