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What Is IELTS and What Does It Entail?

23 January 2023
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AspectDescriptionRemarks
Exam OverviewInternational English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely used English language proficiency test.Assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.
IELTS AcademicDesigned for individuals desiring to study at a higher level in English-speaking countries.Majorly used by universities
IELTS General TrainingMeant for those who wish to study/work/migrate to English-speaking countries.Used by employers and immigration authorities
Test structureExam consists of four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.Tests ability to understand and communicate in English
Writing sectionAssesses ability to write an essay or a letter in English.Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training
Speaking sectionMeasures ability to effectively communicate in English.Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training
Reading sectionContent varies between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.Tests comprehension abilities in English
Listening sectionFocuses on listening skills in the English language.Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training
Areas of useUsed by universities, employers, and immigration authorities of English-speaking countries.Recognized globally
Target audienceAimed at those planning to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.Relevant for both academic and non-academic purposes

The Writing section of the test is designed to test the ability to write an essay or a letter in English. The Speaking section of the test is designed to test the ability to communicate in English.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely used test to assess the language skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. It has two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, which are used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The main difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is the content of the Reading and Writing sections. The Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections are designed to test the ability to understand and communicate in English.

  • Introduction

  • Overview of IELTS

  • Differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

  • Assessed Language Skills

  • Availability of Tests

Introduction

English language tests are vital to studying, working, and migrating to English-speaking countries. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely used tests. This test is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. It assesses the four language skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Overview of IELTS

IELTS is an English language test with two versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic is for people wanting to study at a higher education level in an English-speaking environment, while IELTS General Training is for those applying to study below a degree level, for work experience, or for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9. The total score is then calculated by combining the scores from each section.

Differences between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

The main difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training is the content of the Reading and Writing sections. The Reading section of IELTS Academic tests the ability to understand academic texts. In contrast, the Reading section of IELTS General Training is designed to test the ability to understand general texts. The Writing section of IELTS Academic tests the ability to write an essay on a given topic. In contrast, the Writing section of IELTS General Training tests the ability to write a letter or report on a given topic.

Assessed Language Skills

IELTS assesses the four language skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The Listening section of the test is designed to test the ability to understand spoken English in a variety of contexts. The Reading section of the test is designed to test the ability to understand written English in a variety of contexts. The Writing section of the test is designed to test the ability to write English in a variety of contexts. The Speaking section of the test is designed to test the ability to communicate in English in a variety of contexts.

Availability of Tests

IELTS Academic is available on paper, computer, and online, while IELTS General Training is available on paper and computer only. The paper-based test is available in over 140 countries, while the computer-based test is available in over 50 countries. The online test is available in over 30 countries.

Conclusion

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test that is used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. It assesses the four language skills of listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

IELTS Academic is for people wanting to study at a higher education level in an English-speaking environment, while IELTS General Training is for those applying to study below a degree level, for work experience, or for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. IELTS Academic is available on paper, computer, and online, while IELTS General Training is available on paper and computer only.

IELTS is the key to unlocking your potential to communicate across cultures and nations.

IIENSTITU
Exam Overview, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely used English language proficiency test, Assesses listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, IELTS Academic, Designed for individuals desiring to study at a higher level in English-speaking countries, Majorly used by universities, IELTS General Training, Meant for those who wish to study/work/migrate to English-speaking countries, Used by employers and immigration authorities, Test structure, Exam consists of four sections - Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, Tests ability to understand and communicate in English, Writing section, Assesses ability to write an essay or a letter in English, Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training, Speaking section, Measures ability to effectively communicate in English, Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training, Reading section, Content varies between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, Tests comprehension abilities in English, Listening section, Focuses on listening skills in the English language, Common to both IELTS Academic and General Training, Areas of use, Used by universities, employers, and immigration authorities of English-speaking countries, Recognized globally, Target audience, Aimed at those planning to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries, Relevant for both academic and non-academic purposes
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) four language skills listening reading writing speaking IELTS Academic IELTS General Training Reading Writing paper-based test computer-based test online test higher education level degree level work experience migration
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Meryem Winstead
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I graduated from the Family and Consumption Sciences Department at Hacettepe University. I hold certificates in blogging and personnel management. I have a Master's degree in English and have lived in the US for three years.

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