IELTS TESTS
& COACHING
An Overview of the IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to measure English Proficiency for educational, vocational, and immigration purposes. The IELTS measures an individual’s ability to communicate in English across four areas of languages:
a) Listening
b) Reading
c) Writing
d) Speaking
There are two versions of the IELTS:
The Academic IELTS
The General Training IELTS
The Academic IELTS: is taken by people who wish to enroll in Undergraduate and Post – graduate levels.
The General Training IELTS: is taken by people who wish to complete their secondary education or undertake work experience or training programs in an English Speaking Country, and by people who are planning to emigrate to the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand.
LISTENING MODULE - INTRODUCTION
The Listening Module consists of four recorded sections, each containing then questions, and takes 30 minutes to complete. You will only hear each recording once.
You are then given 30 seconds to look over the questions before the recording continues. You will have another start break (30 seconds) each time there is a new set of questions within the section, so you can look over the next set of questions before the recording continues.
Section 1: A conversation between two people in a real-life context, often involving customer service, in which information is exchanged.
Section 2: A monologue in a real-life context, often involving directions, a description of a place, event, organization or process.
Section 3: A conversation, usually between two students, sometimes being guided by a tutor.
Section 4: An extract from a lecture monologue.
LISTENING TEST – Around 30 minutes, 4 Sections: 40 minutes
Question Type
- Multiple Choice
- Matching
- Plan, map, diagram, labeling
- Form, note, table, flow chart, summary completion
- Sentence completion
Short answer
Once you have heard all four sections, you will have a further 10 minutes to transfer your answer from the test paper to the answer sheet.
For questions involving money or measurements, you should write the unit (e.g. $, cm, %) if it is not already given on the test paper. It is not necessary to write the full form (e.g. pounds, centimeters, percentages) the abbreviated form or symbol is fine.
Abbreviated forms with values ($12, 5cm, 7%) count as one number.
Listening Advice
Read the instructions before the start of each recording, so you know how many words you should write. Do not go above the word limit or your answer will be marked incorrect.
Underline the keywords in the questions and options before you listen. It helps you to listen more effectively.
Analyze the questions and decide what type of information is required for each blank. This may include information such as price, name or time.
Eliminate options in multiple choice questions by putting a mark (such as cross) next to them when you are sure they are wrong.
Try to rephrase the notes and questions in your own words. This could help you to identify the moment when the speaker is about to give the correct answer.
Listen for any synonyms or paraphrases that have the same meaning as the information you expect to hear; sometimes you will hear the correct answer said in a different way.
Write only the words you hear, without changing them.
If you miss an answer, do not worry – keep listening. Otherwise, you will
miss the next question, too!
Make sure you include an answer for every question. You will not lose
marks for wrong answer.
10. Do not copy anything printed on the test paper when transferring your answers to the answer sheet. You should copy only what you yourself have written.
11.Predict key points based on the main idea. Using prediction skills makes listening easier. For instance, a teacher who give lecture on elephants might discuss their appearance, migration, diet, reproduction, abilities, evolution and so on.
Reading module
The Reading Module consists of 40 questions based on 3 passages. You are advised to spend 20 minutes on each passage and its questions, and there is no time at the end to transfer your answer to the answer sheet. Answers must be written on the answer sheet within the 60 minutes given.
The IELTS Reading Module test a range of skills such as Skimming and Scanning, understanding the main ideas, reading for detail and understanding opinion and attitude.
The Academic Module will usually contain at least one passage organized as a logical argument. Each passage has 13 to 14 questions, usually broken into 2 or 3 sets of different question types.
READING TEST
Precisely 60 Minutes
3 Passages: 40 Questions
Questions Types
1. Multiple choice
2. True/ False/ Not Given
3. Yes/No/Not Given
4. Matching Information
5. Matching Headings
6. Matching Features
7. Matching Sentence Ending
8. Sentence Completion
9. Summary, Note, Table, Flow Chart Completion 10. Diagram Label Completion
11. Short Answer
Reading Advice
1. Read each passage quickly but thoroughly Skim for the main idea and key details in each Paragraphs.
2. Underline the topic sentences and circle keywords and phrases.
3. Thoroughly practice so that you can skim and passage map any text in 5 minutes or less on Test day.
4. Scan a passage: for keywords that will help you answer questions.
5. Find synonyms or paraphrases: For information from the question in the passage
6. Improve your speed at reading a passage and answering questions.
7. Avoid spelling errors: To thoroughly check your answer Try to fit it in the questions.
Writing module
The writing module consists of two tasks. You can start with Task 1 and do Task 2 afterwards or vice- versa.
WRITING TEST: Precisely 60 Minutes
Task 1 carries one-third of the marks.
Task 2 carries two-thirds of the marks.
Write both the Tasks in a formal, Neutral tone, and only include information that is directly relevant to the task.
WRITING TASK 1
In task 1 of the Academic IELTS, you will be presented with visual information in the form of Table, Chart, Diagram, Process, Graphs, Map and a combination of two or more graphs and diagrams.
As the question says that, summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features and make comparisons where relevant. Thus, the visual information needs to be presented in the form of Text.
WRITING TASK 2
In TASK 2, you are given an opinion or a statement, followed by a question. You must write at least 250 words in response. You may be asked to argue for or against an opinion or a statement, to explain a statement, to give your own view on two conflicting opinions, or to say how much you agree or disagree with a statement.
5 – Step Methods
Step 1 : Read the question carefully and understand what you are required to write about.
Step 2 : Brainstorm and note down your ideas on the question paper. Ideas must be relevant to the task.
Step 3: Plan your essay, select, priorities and group your ideas according to the task. Step 1 to 3 in 5 Minutes
Step 4 : Write your essay in 30 minutes
Step 5 : Review your task, check for grammar or spelling errors in 5 minutes.
SPEAKING
IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview. The Speaking test is essentially designed to assess your use of spoken English.
The Speaking test consists of three parts:
Task 1: The examiner introduces him/herself/themselves and asks you to introduce yourself as well as confirm your identity. You will be expected to answer some general questions about yourself followed by a casual discussion on a range of familiar topics, such as your home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts up to 5 minutes.
Task 2: A card would be handed over to you with a topic mentioned on it and you will be asked to talk about that particular topic. You will be given one minute for preparation before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner then asks you one or two follow-up questions on the same topic to finish this section of the test.
Task 3: You will be further asked some questions related to the topic in task 2. This part of the test will give you an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas. This part lasts up to five minutes.