English has become an international language. When we travel to a foreign country communicate with foreigners in English language only. For short trips, our knowledge of English is sufficient to communicate with the native people of the country but when we plan to enroll at a university or college in the foreign country, or move there for professional or job purposes then we need to have a certification of proficiency in English. IELTS offers that certificate to us.

IELTS is basically a test for non-English speakers to check their proficiency in this language as in English speaking countries. This test opens the doors of foreign university and organization of countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada. 

This article provides information about IELTS and who can take it.

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the abbreviation of the International English Language Testing System and as the name suggests, its a testing system for the English Language. IELTS is a standardized English language proficiency test, designed to measure the English language proficiency of foreign language speakers. It is one of the world’s most popular English Language proficiency test and it helps the students and workers migrated to English speaking countries to communicate with the native people of the country.

IELTS was established in 1989 and now it has become the most popular high-stakes English-language certificate in the world. It is jointly owned by British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment and IDP Education Australia.  IELTS is accepted for the admission in all the top universities of the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and other countries. This test is also recognized by more than 10,000 universities and organization around the world. 

Who Should Take IELTS

IELTS is designed for the native citizen of non-English countries. This test checks the English proficiency of those non-English speakers who want to move to an English speaking country for study and work.  IELTS certificate is one of the important documents in visa application file for any country.

This test is a must for the students going abroad for studies and for professionals going to English speaking countries for job or business. You may not be allowed to go to your dream country without IELTS as many countries don’t want someone to study or work there without having the knowledge of their language. IELTS certificate is important for individuals as well as to get it you need to study English which will help you to communicate with others in a foreign land.

Which Exam to Take

Usually, people immigrate to a different country because of two reasons; Study and Job. IELTS has a different test for students and professionals. It’s better to choose the right IELTS test for you based on your requirements. Here is the detailed information on the different exams of IETLS.

IELTS Academic 

This exam is for those who want to move to an English speaking country to enroll in academic courses offered by the university and colleges of the country. It is also mandated for the students who want to take admission in professional courses like Medical or Engineering offered in a foreign country. This version of the IELTS test checks the applicants’ readiness for academic training in English.

IELTS General Training

This test suits to professionals who want to move an English speaking country for a job or work-related purpose. This test is also perfect for migrating to an English-speaking country, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK. General Training test of IELTS assesses the candidate’s preparation for communication in daily life and at the workplace.   

Difference in IELTS Academic and General Training 

In both of the aforementioned training, the four skills of the applicants are checked; Listening, Speaking, reading and writing. Listening and speaking skills are the same for both training but there is a minor difference in reading and writing part of IELTS.

IELTS Listening Test

The duration of this test is 30 minutes. In this test, you will listen to a four recording English native speaker and then write the answers based on the recordings.

IELTS Speaking Test

In the speaking test, you will have to record your audio and send to IELTS examiner or it can be a face-to-face interview with a certified IELTS Speaking Examine. The duration of this exam will be 11- 14 minutes. In this test, you will have to speak on general topics.

 IELTS Reading Test

In this test, you will be given three different, atter to read and then you will have to produce the answers of questions based on a given material. In reading test of IELTS academic, the given topic can be descriptive, factual, and analytical with some diagrams, graphs or illustrations. Whereas in General training exam the reading matter will be having three sections; two sections with short and one with long reading material. Duration of this test is 60 minutes.

IELTS Writing Test

In writing test, 2 tasks will be included; Task 1 is of minimum 150 words and Task 2 is of minimum 250 words. In IELTS academic, task 1 is writing about a table, graph, chart or diagram. Task 2 is an essay. For IELTS General training, task 1 is writing a letter and task 2 is writing an easy. You will have to wind up this test in 60 minutes.

You need to be cautious in choosing the right IELTS test for you.

Summing It Up

IELTS is widely accepted and that is the main reason behind its popularity. The test centers of IELTS are available all around the globe which makes this exam hassle free.  IELTS brings lots of opportunity for you wherever you may be located. A score of this exam is valid for 2 years but we would advise you to go for it 6-7 months before your admission to a foreign university or joining in an organization situated in an English speaking country.

So take this exam and give wing to your dreams. For more query related to  IELTS, write to us in the comment box.