IELTS

IELTS :  International English Language Testing System

It is a test of English language proficiency. The test is designed to assess the language ability of non-native speakers of English who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.

IT IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS: ACADEMIC IELTSAND GENERAL IELTS

STRUCTURE: LISTENING, READING, WRITING, SPEAKING

LISTENING: 4 SECTIONS, 40 ITEMS, and APPROAXIMATELY 30-40 MINUTES.

This test consists of four sections, each with ten questions. The first two sections are concerned with social needs. The third section is a conversation between up to four people and the fourth section is a monologue.

ACADEMIC READING: 3 SECTIONS, 40 ITEMS, 60 MINUTES.

GENERAL READING: 3 SECTIONS, 40 ITEMS, 60 MINUTES.

This test consists of three sections with 40 questions. There are three texts, which are taken from journals, books, magazines and newspaper. A variety of questions type is used, including: multiple choice, identifying information (True,False,and Not Given), matching information, matching headings, matching sentence endings, summary completion, diagram label completion and short- answer questions.

ACADEMIC WRITING:

TASK 1: It requires candidates to look at a diagram or some data (in a graph, table or chart) and to present the information in their own words.

TASK 2 – Students are assessed on their ability to presenta solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, and to evaluateand challenge ideas, evidence or arguments.

GENERAL IELTS WRITING:

TASK 1: FORMAL, INFORMAL AND SEMI-FORMAL LETTERS.

TASK 2: Students are assessed on their ability to presenta solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, and to evaluateand challenge ideas, evidence or arguments

SPEAKING:

This test takes between 11 TO 14 MINUTES and is conducted by a trained examiner. There are three parts:

Part 1: The candidate and the examiner introduce themselves. Candidates then answer general questions about themselves, their home/family, their job/studies, their interests and so on.

Part 2: Thecandidate is given a task card (cue card) with prompts and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare and they can make some notes if they wish, before speaking for between one or two minutes.

Part 3: The candidate and the examiner engage in a discussion of more abstract issues which are thematically linked to the topic in part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.