Written By Rashi| Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 28th June, 2024
When we hit Grade 12, terms like IELTS and TOEFL start popping up a lot, right? It can get pretty confusing trying to figure out what they mean and why they’re important. Don’t worry, today we’re here to clear all that up for you.
First off, IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. And let’s be honest, a lot of us don’t even know how to pronounce it correctly. It’s pronounced as [EYE-uhlts].
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about IELTS and why it matters. Let’s dive in!
Quick Summary
Decoding IELTS Full Form and it’s details –
- What is the IELTS Full Form?
- Overview
- How does IELTS work?
- IELTS Test Format
- IELTS Score
- IELTS vs Famous English Proficiency Tests.
- Why choose IELTS?
FAQs
Conclusion
Our Selection Proces
1.What is the IELTS Full Form?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It’s a test that measures English language proficiency, taken by students who want to study or work abroad. The IELTS is developed and administered by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.
2. Overview
Launched in 1980, IELTS has set the standard for English language testing for over 40 years, making it the world’s most trusted exam.
The IELTS exam opens doors to countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others.
3. How does IELTS work?
The IELTS exam can help you move forward and explore various opportunities, from improving your English language skills to studying or developing a career abroad.
There are two main types of IELTS tests:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
Let’s take a closer look at both exams.
1. IELTS Academics
If you’re planning to study in an English-speaking country, the IELTS Academic exam is for you. It assesses your vocabulary skills and determines if you’re ready to study in English.
IELTS Academic can help you gain entry into:
- Universities
- Professional registration
IELTS General Training
This test is for individuals aiming to work or study at a lower level in an English-speaking country. It assesses English proficiency in practical, everyday contexts.
Take the IELTS General Training exam if you:
- Seek work experience
- Plan for Immigration
- Aim to train or study below degree level
- Plan to emigrate to an English-speaking country
In both the General IELTS and Academic IELTS tests, the speaking and listening sections are the same, but the reading and writing sections differ.
IELTS Life Skill exam
This exam is designed for individuals who need to demonstrate their English speaking and listening abilities as part of their UK visa and immigration application.
Take this test if you:
- Intend to permanently stay with a relative or spouse living in the UK
- Aim to obtain British citizenship
4. IELTS Test Format
The IELTS exam comprises four parts to assess applicants’ skills in
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
- Writing.
You can take the first three parts—Listening, Reading, and Writing—on the same day without breaks. The speaking test can be scheduled on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other test components.
- Listening Test- It is designed to assess listening skills to understand how well one can understand factual information and recognize the attitude and purpose of the speaker.
- Reading test- is designed to assess reading skills to understand how well you can read the general sense of a passage or read for detail and able to recognize the writer’s opinions, attitude and purpose.
One needs to read quickly and efficiently and manage time in this exam.
- Writing test- is designed to assess different writing skills to understand how well one can use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately and write a response appropriately.
The writing exam is 60 minutes, and the number of questions is 2.
- Speaking test- In the speaking test, you will talk to a certified examiner. This test is interactive, and the test will be, recorded.
The examiner will assess you based on the information, you have on everyday issues, and you express and justify your opinions.
Many IELTS test centres conduct the IELTS speaking test through video calls.
5. IELTS Test Score
IELTS scores for listening, reading, writing and speaking are, equally weighed. The scores are from 0-9 scale.
- Band 9– Expert
The individual has full command of the English language.
- Band 8-Very good user
An Individual has a fully operational command of the language with occasional inaccuracies.
- Band 7– Good user
The individual has an operational command of the language with misunderstandings in some situations.
- Band 6– Competent user
One has a good understanding of the language, and one can use and understand fairly complex situations.
- Band 5– Modest user
The individual has a partial command of the language, and although one can make many mistakes in communication.
- Band 4– Limited user
Individual English proficiency is limited to familiar situations. They are not able to use complex language.
- Band 3– Extremely Limited user
One can understand the general meaning in familiar situations.
- Band 2– Intermittent user
One faces lots of difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.
- Band 1– Non-user
The individual does not use the language except for a few words.
- Band 0– Did not attempt the test.
The individual has not answered the questions.
The IELTS score is valid for two years.
6. IELTS vs Famous English Proficiency Tests
There are many English proficiency tests besides IELTS, like TOEFL, TOEIC, CELPIP and more.
All these have their advantages and different formats of conducting the exam.
- TOEFL- Test of English as a Foreign Language
It is the most famous English test and has been accepted worldwide. The language used in the test reflects how the language fits in academic settings.
This test also evaluates the four basic language skills, just like IELTS.
- TOEIC- Test of English for International Communication
The tests assess language skills in the workplace. The test follows a different scoring pattern for speaking and writing skills.
This test helps one to show the ability to communicate globally with co-workers or clients.
- CELPIP- Canadian English Language Index Program
This test is Canada’s leading general English proficiency test.
CELPIP is conducted, for immigration and professional purposes to check one’s English abilities in everyday situations.
7. Why choose IELTS?
- The IELTS exam is designed, by experts and undergoes testing to be unbiased, providing an accurate assessment of your English language abilities regardless of your background.
- An IELTS score can enhance your resume, demonstrating to employers your proficiency in English.
- IELTS is often a requirement for visa applications to countries like the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. A good IELTS score can significantly strengthen your visa application.
- IELTS tests your ability to understand and use English in an international context.
- IELTS is recognized and accepted by organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies.
FAQs
Q1 What is the IELTS Full form, and what is it all about?
IELTS- International English Language Testing System.
It is an English language proficiency test used for studying or working abroad.
Q2 What are the four sections of the IELTS exam?
The IELTS exam consists of four sections, namely
- Writing
- Listening
- Reading
- Speaking
Q3 What are the different types of IELTS exams?
There are two main types of IELTS exams:
- IELTS Academic: For those applying for higher education or professional registration.
- IELTS General Training: For those migrating to an English-speaking country (e.g., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK) or applying for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Q4. What IELTS score is a pass?
The IELTS exam does not have a pass or fail designation.The score required depends on the purpose of taking the test, such as for university admission, professional registration, or immigration purposes.
Q5. What is the IELTS 7 score?
An IELTS score of 7.0 indicates a “good user” of English. It means the test taker has operational command of the language, with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings in some situations.
Conclusion
So, you’re thinking about taking the IELTS exam? Well, let us tell you, it’s a smart move if you’re planning to study, work, or even migrate to an English-speaking country. This test is like your golden ticket—it opens up a world of opportunities for you.
Once you ace the IELTS, you’ll be all set to shine in your academic and professional endeavors, blending in seamlessly in an English-speaking environment. Trust us, it’s a game-changer!
Hope this blog has given you a good grasp of what IELTS stands for, how to pronounce it correctly, and all the other essential details about this exam. Now you’re all set to take on the IELTS with confidence! All the Best!
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
