If you plan to study, settle or work abroad, you may have encountered the term "IELTS" before. IELTS is a standardized English language test that measures the proficiency of non-native speakers in the language. It is recognized by over 10,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, immigration authorities, and professional bodies.
Why take the IELTS?
There are several reasons why you may need to take the IELTS exam. If you are applying to study in an English-speaking country, most universities and colleges require an IELTS score as part of the application process. Similarly, if you are applying for a job in an English-speaking country, many employers may require an IELTS score to assess your English speaking ability.
Benefits of IELTS
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The IELTS exam has many benefits:
- It is the most popular English test in the world, meaning you can take it almost anywhere.
- The IELTS score scale is widely recognized and understood by universities, employers, and immigration authorities, making it an essential part of your application process.
- Preparing for the IELTS exam can help you improve your English-speaking ability, making you more confident and comfortable using the language in a professional or academic setting.
International English Language Testing System
The IELTS grading system is based on a band scale from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. Each band corresponds to a level of English proficiency, from non-user (band 0) to expert (band 9). The overall band score is the average of the four component scores(listening, reading, writing, and speaking).
Lexical Resource in IELTS
Lexical resource refers to the range and accuracy of the vocabulary used by the test-taker in the IELTS exam. In the writing and speaking sections of the exam, the test-takers ability to use a wide range of vocabulary appropriately and effectively is assessed. This includes using academic and specialized vocabulary, idiomatic expressions and collocations.
CLB in IELTS
CLB stands for the Canadian Language Benchmark, a standardized system used to measure English language proficiency in Canada. The CLB levels correspond to the different band scores in the IELTS exam, and the CLB scores are often used by Canadian universities, employers, and immigration authorities to assess an applicant's English language skills.
Cue Card in IELTS
The cue card is a part of the speaking section of the IELTS exam. It is a prompt that the test-taker is given to speak about for two minutes. The cue card topic is typically related to a personal experience or opinion, and the test-taker is assessed on their ability to speak fluently, coherently, and accurately.
Who can apply for IELTS?
Anyone who is a non-native speaker of English can apply for the IELTS exam. It includes students, professionals, immigrants, and anyone who wants to demonstrate their English language proficiency. There is no minimum age requirement for the exam; butter-takers under 16 must have written consent from a parent or guardian.
IELTS Eligibility
There are no specific eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam. Still, test-takers must ensure that they have the necessary identification documents and meet the requirements of the organization they are applying to. Test-takers should also have a specific level of English proficiency before taking the exam to ensure they can perform to the best of their ability.
IELTS Course Duration
The duration of an IELTS course can vary depending on the needs of the test-taker. Some individuals may only require a few weeks of study to prepare for the exam, while others may need several months of intensive training. It is essential to assess your needs and determine how much time and effort you must devote to IELTS preparation.
What is the IELTS Reference Number?
The IELTS reference number is a unique identification code assigned to each test-taker when they register for the exam. It is used to track the test-takers application, payment, and test results and is required for any inquiries or correspondence related to the exam.