This post will find all the information you need to prepare for the IELTS English exam. It is one of the most popular English exams, which is why it is validated by so many organizations to certify English skills at all levels regulated by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
If you have come this far, you are probably gathering information about the IELTS or about to start preparing. We are sure that you will get good grades if you follow these tips. Whatever the reason, in this Guide, we will give you the keys so you know what IELTS is, how to decipher your notes, and examples of all the exam exercises.
What is the IELTS, and What is it For?
The International English Language System (IELTS) is an English test that certifies knowledge of English at certain levels of English accepted by the CEFR. These are A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The IELTS English e is a single exam in which you will be assigned a CEFR level based on the points you obtain in the different parts of the exam.
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Unlike the Cambridge English exams, in which you have to take different exams depending on the CEFR level you want to obtain, in IELTS, you take the same exam for the 4 CERL levels that it certifies. However, IELTS is an English test conducted by the British Council and Cambridge English.
The IELTS is an exam that measures the English proficiency of people seeking to study or work in English-speaking countries. It uses a score by bands from 0 to 9, and each of them corresponds to a level of English obtained in the exam. For example, 0 is the minimum, 5 is the average, and 9 is the maximum.
The complexity of the Cambridge English and British Council IELTS exam is the same for all levels. Depending on the level of English you want to certify, you must do specific preparation to get the required grade. For example, for IELTS Academic, it will be good if you get a good score and marks in academic vocabulary exercises.
It has 2 significant modalities that we will delve into later: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The first of these is aimed at people who want, for example, to pursue higher academic training abroad. The second modality is used more to meet immigration requirements in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Before reserving a place and facing the preparation for the IELTS exam, make sure to check with the organization you are applying to what type of IELTS they require.
IELTS Academic
This sample IELTS test measures your knowledge of English for higher education academics. This model uses exercises with characteristics of academic language and assesses whether you can undertake higher-level training in an English-speaking center and get good grades. This IELTS model interests you, for example:
- Enroll in a degree or postgraduate degree in any country in the world.
- Apply for a Tier 4 student visa at a university applying for this tier within the UK.
- Work in a company in an English-speaking country.
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training sample test measures your English proficiency in a practical, everyday setting. What does this mean? The different exercises of the IELTS General model reflect everyday work and social situations.
Unlike the previous IELTS models, this one is more effective if you decide to move to live in an English-speaking country and obtain prepared to get by without a problem. This IELTS model interests you, for example Train or study at a pre-university academic level in English.
- Work in an English-speaking work environment.
- Emigrate to a country where English is spoken.
- Access a better job in your country.
IELTS Test Formats
Regardless of the Cambridge English and British Council IELTS exam models you take, it is also possible to do it from a computer. In this way, you have two exam formats regardless of the IELTS models.
The Listening, Reading, and Writing test are done entirely by answering on the computer. However, the Speaking test is with an IELTS examiner, in person, for both models.
Depending on the exam model you are preparing for, the oral test may be on the same day as the exam or a different day. At most, up to 7 days earlier or later, depending on the availability of IELTS examiners.
Below, you will be able to read the fundamental characteristics of both IELTS English exam models and examples:
Model Paper Based
In this IELTS English test model, you have 2 sheets. The first one contains the exam questions, while the second one is the answer sheet. In the answer sheet, you will have to mark the correct options for the questions that you will find in the question sheet.
The examiner will give you the corresponding question and answer sheets. You will have to wait for it to start with each quiz to start reading the questions and answering on the answer sheet.
You can make annotations on a paper other than the answer sheet for the IELTS English exam. Try to keep the answer sheet as straightforward as possible so that the examiner is clear about what answer you have marked.
In the IELTS on the paper model, a registration period of 5 to 6 weeks before the test date is recommended. This forces you to enroll well in advance. On the other hand, IELTS Paper-Based test scores and notes arrive 13 days after the test.
IELTS Listening on paper is done with loudspeakers, which sometimes makes candidates uncomfortable, who may miss the headphones available on the computer exam.
Finally, the venues are usually more prominent in the IELTS Paper Based exam model. This is because it is a model that admits a more significant number of candidates, which is why it is usually done in large educational institutions, such as universities or higher education centers.
Computer Based Model
You will do this IELTS exam model entirely on a computer, except for Speaking, with an examiner, possibly one day before the test. You have a computer with a keyboard and a computer to give the answers. The British Council or Cambridge English will provide these computers, and in them, you will find a program executed where the exam will appear.
Each part of the Cambridge English and British Council IELTS model structure has a different screen. You won’t have to do anything more than mark the correct answers for each question using the mouse. If you need to type, you can use the keyboard. Finally, you will also have a blank sheet to make notes and examples.
The examiner will start each section of the Computer Based IELTS, which will appear on the screen. You will only be able to start reading the exercises and complete them when indicated.
You can register for the IELTS Computer-Based exam model a little less in advance than the Paper-Based one. This is possible because it is a model that has fewer candidates. As long as you reserve a place 2 weeks before the exam, you won’t have any availability problems. In addition, the notes are also usually issued considerably earlier than in the Paper-Based.
The IELTS Computer-Based Model Listening exercise is done with headphones that each candidate has connected to each computer. This enhances the listening experience of the IELTS Speaking test. The candidate can mainly regulate the volume that best suits their hearing threshold, making it easier to understand the IELTS Listening.
The Writing part of the IELTS Computer-Based model is also different when doing it. Thus, you will have a text editor that has a word marker. This makes it easier for you to adjust to the number of words required in each exercise without counting words, for example.
Our Recommendation
From DS Hub, we recommend taking the IELTS Computer-Based model. Mainly because these English exams have fewer places available, which helps create a less stressful environment, which always causes nerves to shoot up during the exam.
For example, you don’t have to keep an eye on answer sheets in the IELTS Computer-Based model. This is great since you can sneak the occasional error in the answer sheet while you are giving the definitive answers on the computer screen. This minimizes the margin of error.
Also, Writing is much easier to do if you have a text editor. If you want to change the IELTS Computer-Based model, you can do so using the keyboard. Otherwise, you will have to go around erasing possible errors that you comment on in the Writing, for example. If you take the Paper-Based IELTS exam, make sure you write it on a sheet of paper and then clean it up.
Finally, audio is much better understood through headphones than general speakers for all candidates. You can regulate the volume, and in general, it offers a better listening experience. More and more British Council and Cambridge English candidates choose this IELTS Computer Based exam model.
Level of English equivalent to IELTS
As we have said, with the IELTS English exam model, the same exam will help you to access different levels recognized by the CEFR. The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is in charge of establishing the standards to measure the level of mastery.
It is the most used criterion by institutions and companies to validate a person’s level of English. In addition, it is the best way to define a user’s level of English and its evolution over time. To do this, it has the following scale.
A1 (pre), A1, and A2, which demonstrate basic competence in the use of English. It is geared towards younger students. B2 and B2 are correspondingly equivalent to a medium and medium-high level and certify as independent users of English. C1 and C2 are equivalent to the advanced use of English in all kinds of situations.
In any of its models, the IELTS English exam certifies you from A2 onwards. For example, it is impossible to obtain an A1 (pre) and A1 certificate by taking the IELTS exam. Depending on the note you get in the IELTS exam, you will obtain one level or another in the following way:
• Scoreless than 3.5 points in the IELTS: no level of English is certified • IELTS score of 3.5 points: You do not get a certificate in this case. • From 4 to 5 points in the IELTS: A B1 level of English is certified, equivalent to the Cambridge English PET exam. • Score of 5.5 to 6.5 points in the IELTS: A B2 level of English is certified, equivalent to the Cambridge English First exam. • Score of 7 to 8 points in the IELTS: A C1 level of English is certified, equivalent to the Cambridge English Advanced exam. • From 8.5 to 9 points in the IELTS: A C2 level of English is certified, equivalent to the Cambridge English Proficiency exam.
Sample IELTS Score
If we previously presented you with the CEFR scale score, now is the time to review any model’s IELTS exam scoring system. The IELTS exam assesses English language skills at various levels or bands. In the IELTS, there is no pass or fail; you get a score that measures your results.
The lowest level band is 1; with this, you do not get an English certificate, and the highest is 9, which, as you have seen before, is equivalent to a C2 level of the CEFR. Each section of the IELTS exam (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) has its score that is averaged and rounded up to determine the final score of the test.
For example, if the average of the scores ends in “.25”, it is rounded to “.5”. Likewise, if you get a score of “.75”, it is rounded up to the following whole number. Each of the parts has the same value. Each part is equivalent to 25% of the total score.
On the other hand, each of the 4 parts of the IELTS: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening, has 40 questions equivalent to a reactive point. You can get up to 40 points or reagents, for example, in Writing, which corresponds to a level 9. To make it more transparent, we leave you an example of the number of correct answers you get in each of the 4 parts:
Interpret IELTS Results and Scores
You will receive a certificate with the marks you have obtained in each of the tests: Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, in addition to the general score that is expressed in bands or degrees of knowledge of English. The scores range from 1 to 9. with 1 being the most basic and 9 the most advanced.
The IELTS test does not pass or fail, as we have said before. It simply assigns you a level of English through its different bands or knowledge bands. The final result is a rounded average of all the tests, and depending on your performance, you will be able to obtain the different bands or degrees of knowledge:
1. Band 1 – Non-User: No ability to use English.
2. Band 2 – Intermittent user: factual communication in English is possible, except for fundamental ideas.
3. Band 3 – Extremely limited user: only transmits and understands English in very familiar situations.
4. Band 4 – Limited User: basic understanding of familiar situations.
5. Band 5 – Modest user: partial command of English in most situations, although with some errors.
6. Band 6 – Competent user: effective domain although with some imprecision and misunderstanding.
7. Band 7 – Good user: operational command of the language, although with very occasional inaccuracies.
8. Band 8 – Very good user: fully functional command of English with occasional inaccuracies.
9. Band 9 – Expert English User: Fully operational proficiency in English.
How long does the IELTS Test take?
The IELTS exam in any model has an approximate duration of 2 hours and 44 minutes. As we have seen, this exam has 4 parts, and each of them has its duration:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Reading: 60 minutes
- Writing: 60 minutes
- Speaking: 11 – 14 minutes
The IELTS Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are taken on the same day, and there are no breaks between tests. In general, the Speaking test is usually done on the same day as the rest of the tests, although in the afternoon, starting at 1:00 p.m. However, the Speaking test of any IELTS model can be scheduled up to 7 days before or after the written exams. Both the British Council and Cambridge English will notify you when the test will take place in the test confirmation letter, which will send approximately 2 weeks before the IELTS test day.
How to Sign up for the IELTS Exam?
As you have seen, the IELTS exam can be taken in many authorized centers on different available dates. These centers only act as a venue for taking the exam, for example, physical space where examiners can offer to take the test. The exams are then sent to the UK, marked by British Council correctors.
Registering for the IELTS exam is very simple:
- If you are enrolled in a course at an academy or institution, it is typical for the institution itself to reserve an exam date for you. Even some prominent academies are IELTS test centers.
- If you want to prepare for the IELTS on your own, you must reserve an exam date independently through the web.
If you are facing the preparation of an IELTS exam model by the British Council or Cambridge English, you should know that the process to sign up on your own is very simple. You can do it directly from your Internet browser, and it will only take a few minutes.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Access the IELTS registration page.
2. Haz click on “Register for IELTS test.”
3. Select your country and city.
4. Select the IELTS test model (General or Academics)
5. Click on the IELTS test center that suits you best.
6. Once clicked, a calendar will appear with the days available to take the exam.
7. When you select the date, click “Continue.”
8. In this step, you will have to register and give your data.
9. Add a bank account and a contact email and pay the fee.
10. Ready! In a few moments, you will receive the payment confirmation email.
English Level Test
Who Corrects the IELTS?
Depending on who you decide to take the exam with, Cambridge English or the British Council, one of these organizations will mark the IELTS exam. Whoever you do it with, you will be assured that a specialized agent from one of these two institutions will correct the exam.
IELTS certificate assessors hold higher education qualifications and are recruited as examiners by British Council and Cambridge English-approved test centers. In addition, as we will see later, you can demand a review if you believe that the notes are not correct.
When do I receive the Notes?
Results for any IELTS test templates will be available 13 days after taking the exam tests. Depending on the examination center you select, you will be able to collect your notes directly at the center on the third day. At other centers, results are mailed on the third day.
From the exam center, they are not authorized to give you any marks by phone or mail. You will have to go pick them up personally.
However, you can preview your IELTS test results online on the third day after the exam. However, this preview does not prove anything; you will have to go for your certificate.
When you pick up your IELTS transcript, you will only receive a physical copy. It is essential to take care of this certificate and keep it well since no more copies will be issued. Therefore, it is advisable to scan it and save it in a safe place.
If you want your IELTS grade certificate for a particular organization, the exam center itself can send it to a maximum of 5 institutions at no extra cost. In addition, if you are going to deliver the IELTS certificate in person, you can take a photocopy along with the original and ask them to certify the photocopy, that is, confirm that the photocopy corresponds to the actual certificate.
In the IELTS certificate, you will find your personal information and the grade obtained in each of the parts, as well as the overall result and its equivalence with the European Framework of Languages (CEFR):
IELTS Reviews Can I Retake the Test?
If you are facing the preparation to get good grades and scores in the IELTS, the possible thing is that you will not have to go through revisions. However, mistakes do happen, and luckily in IELTS, you will be able to carry out revisions and have your IELTS test score and marks recalculated.
If you are not happy with your score, you can consult the results at the center where you took the exam. You must submit the IELTS Inquiry of Results Form no later than 6 weeks after the test date. In addition, you can choose which questions they want to be re-scored so they don’t do a complete revision of the IELTS exam.
Please note that the IELTS review will be done up or down, depending on the answers. You will also have to pay a fee of approximately €100. If your exam grade is the same or lower, your money will not be refunded. However, if you have achieved better grades and scores in the review, the fee will be fully refunded.
As a general rule, in 2 to 21 days, you will receive the new IELTS results. This may depend on several factors. Mainly the number of exercises that you have had IELTS reviewed. If after 28 days you do not receive the results of the new correction of marks and scores of the IELTS model, contact the examination center.
Which Institutions Accept IELTS?
The British Council and Cambridge English IELTS exam is accepted by more than 8,000 organizations worldwide in any of its models. For example, this certificate is the most widely used in the world for migration and higher education. This is because it is validated by the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada governments, among others.
You can consult all the international institutions that accept IELTS scores at the following link. Select the institution’s name, add its location and check if it accepts the IELTS model as a valid certificate of English. Surely yes!
IELTS Test Structure
We finish the informative block of the IELTS model and begin with a point-by-point review of its structure. The IELTS has a differentiated structure in 4 parts. As we have seen, these are: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Each of these parts is designed to assess your level of English in the 4 essential skills of a language: oral expression and comprehension and written expression and comprehension. The exam has a total duration of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The parts corresponding to Listening, Reading, and Writing are done in the same test. On the other hand, the Speaking test can be done on the same day or another day, with a maximum of 7 days of difference from the rest of the IELTS test.
IELTS Oral Comprehension Test – Listening
The IELTS oral test lasts 30 minutes and has 40 questions in total, and each one is worth 1 point. Each of these exercises is based on 4 different audios. These can be from a radio interview to a daily conversation between several people. The speaking part is the same for both the academic and general IELTS models.
To prepare for this section, you must know that your listening comprehension is measured. Your ability to understand main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of subjects, the purpose of a statement, and your ability to follow the development of ideas.
Parts of the IELTS Listening Test
It consists of 4 parts, and each one of them corresponds to different audio:
1. In the first part, they will play an audio of a conversation between 2 people in a daily social context. For example, a conversation in a coffee shop.
2. During the second part, you will listen to a monologue in an everyday social context—for example, a speech about social services in a community.
3. In the third part, you will listen to a conversation where up to 4 people can participate. In this case, the context of the conversation is educational—for example, a talk between students about the preparation, scoring, and notes of an exam.
4. The fourth and last part of the IELTS model is another monologue. In this case, on an academic subject. For example, a debate in a university class.
The ways to respond to these exercises are through:
- Text with gaps to fill with the audio information
- Table with numerical data to fill in with the audio information
- We must match each subject with each of the statements.
- Exercise with multiple-choice questions about the content of the audio.
- Table with gaps to fill in with the audio information
- How to prepare for the listening part of the IELTS? Read in English while listening to the audiobook to improve our listening comprehension.
- Official Guide to learning how to perform each of the exercises correctly.
- Book of Previous Exams to practice the type of exercises and times available.
To Take into Account the IELTS Oral Test
- All the audios will be heard twice, but don’t trust yourself! Try to do the exercise on the first playback and leave the second one just in case you didn’t understand something.
- Take dirty notes when you see fit on the statement sheet.
- If an answer has a spelling or grammar mistake, it is not valid.
- Don’t worry; there are usually no sound problems in the exam room.
Written Comprehension Test – IELTS Reading
This part of the IELTS model lasts 60 minutes. It has a total of 40 questions and, again, each one is worth 1 point. These are exercises designed to test your English reading ability. In this section of the IELTS, there are differences between the models. Thus, in the IELTS Academic, Reading.
Reading IELTS Academic
The texts can be extracted from books, magazines, and newspapers and constantly on a general theme, not specialized. Texts can be written in a wide variety of styles. Thus, they can be narrative, descriptive or argumentative. At least one of the texts contains an argument. In addition, the texts can include diagrams and other non-verbal elements in this IELTS model.
Reading IELTS General
The texts of this exam model are daily, where linguistic survival tasks are presented with objective information, notices, announcements… On the other hand, the texts also have a labor theme: everyday situations experienced at work. Finally, there are also longer prose texts with a more complex structure.
Parts of the IELTS Written Comprehension Test
In the IELTS Reading, 3 parts correspond to 3 different texts, each with a record of those mentioned for each model regardless of the model. From these 3 texts, different types of questions are extracted that can ask you:
- In each statement, we must indicate if it is true, false, or not provided. (text 1)
- Multiple-choice exercise on the content of the text (text 1)
- Exercise where we must link each of the statements offered (text 2)
- With the information offered, we must write one or two words located in the text (text 2)
- Indicate which statement corresponds to each text (text 3)
- Again we must indicate whether the statement is true, missing, or not provided in the text. (3rd text)
- Text with gaps that we must fill with word/s contained in the text. (text 3)
- How to prepare for the reading part of the IELTS?
- Read in English to improve vocabulary, phrasal verbs, reading comprehension, reading speed, and information analysis.
- Official Guide to learning how to perform the different exercises
- Book of Previous Exams to practice the type of exercises and times available.
- Book of Common Errors to strengthen our level and avoid failures on exam day.
To keep in mind:
- The time for this part of the IELTS is minimal, just 20 minutes per text + its exercises.
- It is essential in this part to know the types of memory exercises so as not to waste time.
- If a word has any misspelling, it counts as wrong.
- In the exercise where you have to write the most convenient word, there may be more than one correct option (synonyms)
- It is recommended to underline the most relevant information in each paragraph to find the information once you do the exercises quickly.
Written Expression Test – IELTS Writing
The IELTS Writing part lasts 60 minutes, and there are 2 parts. They will measure your ability to write English texts for different situations in each of them. The evaluation of task 2 has more weight than that of task 1.
Mainly, the ability to respond to the specific task, the coherence and cohesion of the text, the linguistic resources you use, and its grammatical range and precision are evaluated. You will have to write the texts on the answer sheet in the case of the paper-based exam and on the computer in the case of the Computer Based IELTS exam.
In addition, they also have a different theme depending on the IELTS model you choose:
Writing Model IELTS Academic
In task 1, you will have to describe some visual information, a graph or a table, in your own words. You will have to write at least 15 words in 20 minutes to do this. On the other hand, in task 2 of the IELTS Academic, you will have to argue your point of view regarding a problem in 250 words, and for this, you have 40 minutes.
Writing Model IELTS General
During IELTS General Writing Task 1, you will have to write a text about an everyday situation. For example, you are writing a letter requesting information on a topic in 150 words and 20 minutes. On the other hand, task 2 of the Writing General is to write an essay on a specific argument in 250 words and 40 minutes.
How to prepare for the writing part of the IELTS?
- Official Guide to learning the structures of the different types of text that we can find in the exam and learning connectors, expressions, keywords, etc.
- Book of Previous Exams to practice the type of exercises and times available. And above all, see the correction criteria (what the corrector expects of you in each type of text).
- Book of Common Errors to strengthen our level and avoid failures on exam day.
Some Tips for the Writing Part:
- Plan each of the redactions with an outline of what we are going to write
- Use paragraphs clearly and put an idea in each paragraph.
- Do not repeat ideas using different words.
- Manage your time correctly; remember that essay 2 is worth twice as much as the first task.
- Pay attention to the number of words needed for each text; you will lose a score if you overshoot or fall short.
- Be careful with spelling and grammar.
- Avoid informal language
IELTS Oral Expression Test – Speaking
This is the part of the IELTS model in which your English expression level will be tested. It has a total duration of 15 minutes and has 3 well-differentiated parts. The oral test is precisely the same for the IELTS Academic and the General.
The oral test consists of a personal interview with the examiner. Unlike in other Cambridge English models, you will not have to converse with another candidate in IELTS Speaking. You do the test yourself. It can benefit you if you have a good level of English and issues that the other candidate does not know how to communicate fluently.
Parts of the IELTS Speaking Test
It consists of 3 parts, and in each of them, you will be asked about different topics:
- Part 1 – The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and many familiar topics. For example, home, family, work, studies, and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
- Part 2 – You will be given a card where you are asked to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare the topic for which you must speak for two minutes. The examiner will then ask you one or two questions on the same topic.
Part 3 – You will be asked more about the topic of Part 2. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.
How to prepare for the speaking part of the IELTS?
- Official Guide to learn how to respond to each of the four exercises that we will find in the exam and learning connectors, expressions, keywords, etc.
- Book of Previous Exams to practice the type of exercises and times available. And above all, see the criteria for correcting scores and notes (what the corrector expects of you in each exercise).
- Listen to the audiobooks while reading to gain fluency and improve your pronunciation.
- Book of Common Errors to strengthen our level and avoid failures on exam day.
Some tips for the speaking part of the IELTS:
- Try to talk as much as possible.
- Try to speak as fluently as possible and be spontaneous.
- Relax, and speak with confidence
- Develop responses (do not respond with monosyllables)
- You can ask the examiner for clarification if necessary.
- Don’t learn prepared answers; the examiner is trained to detect this and will change the question.
- As the examiner’s questions tend to be entirely predictable, practice as much as you can at home.
IELTS Test Day Tips
Read on for the tips you need to know for IELTS test day. These will be very useful so that the day you have to take the exam, you have everything ready, and you only have to worry about getting good grades and punctuation.
1. Arrive on time at the facilities. Whichever spot you’ve been assigned, try to arrive at least 20 minutes early. When you receive the confirmation of the candidate for the IELTS model, they will send you the whole time and place.
2. Bring your current identity documents to IELTS. Before entering the test, a coordinator from the British Council or Cambridge English will be in charge of seeing your identity document to verify your data. If you forget, you won’t be able to take the test.
3. Try not to bring a mobile phone to IELTS or try to leave it with a companion. It will be completely forbidden to use or carry a mobile phone inside the IELTS test room. If you get caught with one, you will most likely be disqualified from the exam.
4. Go to the IELTS exam room only with what the examiner tells you. Otherwise, you could be disqualified from the test.
5. Follow the IELTS examiner’s step-by-step instructions and don’t interrupt them. The British Council and Cambridge English examiners are very strict, and if you try to cheat in any way, they will not hesitate to kick you out of the room.
6. You cannot ask absolutely anything or talk to anyone from the moment you enter the IELTS exam room. All exam instructions will be explained aloud and appear in writing at the beginning of each test.
7. Remember that the Reading, Writing, and Listening parts of the IELTS are done one after the other without a break and that it is not allowed to leave the classroom to go to the bathroom, so avoid consuming too many liquids before the exam.
We insist: Don’t worry, it’s just one more exam of the many you’ve done at home. If you have done the preparation, you will not even need to read the statements since you will recognize what each type of question is, and it will be easy to get a good score and notes.
IELTS Preparation at an Academy
At DS Hub, we believe that it is best for IELTS candidates to do the IETLS preparation independently. However, if you think you need a lot of preparation and do not trust your chances of getting good grades and scores on your own, you can always do the IELTS preparation in an academy.
Before you register, make sure the academy meets the following preparation requirements:
Price
Not having a physical location saves on price, and they will have all the necessary preparation materials to get good grades and scores.
Teachers
The teaching staff that is going to face your preparation must know the structure of the exam perfectly and know it’s scoring and grading system. Check that the educational center is qualified to teach the IELTS exam model with all its particularities.
Location
This factor depends on you. If you prefer closer contact with the teachers, it is best to opt for a physical academy with teachers with whom you can talk and face the preparation face to face.
If, on the other hand, this does not matter to you, we advise you to opt for an online academy, in which you will have no problem when it comes to preparing for the IELTS and getting good scores and grades.
Facilities
If you do the IELTS preparation from a physical academy, it should have the necessary facilities. That is that it has spacious classrooms and all the comforts and acclimatization.
Also, check that the academy materials are correct and correspond to the structure of the IELTS preparation.
Teaching Method
When doing the IELTS preparation at an academy, check that it has an organized class schedule model. For example, you can agree on specific deadlines to prepare for the IELTS exam.
But also that it can calculate an optimal date to take the exam based on your knowledge.
Results
You will see all these factors summarized in the proportion of approved of the academy. This way verifies that the pass rate is more significant than, for example, 90%. This guarantees you that they have an IELTS preparation system that brings good grades and scores.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about IELTS Exam
IELTS full form
What is the IELTS, and what is it for?
The International English Language System (IELTS) is an English test usually taken by candidates who want to emigrate to Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia and candidates who want to access a higher education course in an English-speaking center.
It is an exam that depending on the notes and scores you get, you can obtain a certificate within the CEFR of B1, B2, C1, and C2.
Is IELTS required for USA student visa?
Yes, atleast 6.5 band
Which IELTS should I take for Canada?
IELTS General Training test
Can IELTS exam be postponed?
Yes, you can postpone before 15 days
What IELTS score is required for US?
Overall 5.5 band
What Level is IELTS?
IELTS is not a level in itself. IELTS is an exam with which you obtain a certificate in 4 levels collected by the CEFR: B1, B2, C1, and C2.
How is the IELTS Exam?
The IELTS exam has two models: Academic and General. Both models have the same scoring and note systems. However, the preparation for Writing and Reading differs somewhat.
The IELTS has 4 parts, and each of the tests you for a specific English skill: oral and listening comprehension and oral and listening expression.
Is IELTS or TOEFL Easier?
The TOEFL is a relatively standardized test of American English. This makes it slightly more accessible than IELTS. However, this depends on what kind of English you master.
If both institutions accept IELTS and TOEFL, our advice is to opt for the TOEFL as you will be able to get good scores and grades, spending a little less time on preparation.
Is IELTS Easier than Cambridge English?
It depends on the Cambridge English exam you take. This institution has an exam for each level included in the CEFR (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2).
Taking a Cambridge English B1 exam will probably be more accessible than IELTS, which only has one exam for all levels.
How to Do IELTS Preparation to Get Good Grades and Scores?
If you want to face the preparation for the IELTS to obtain good grades and scores, you should have all the necessary material. This includes workbooks with topics geared towards preparing each of the IELTS sections.
But it also includes hours of study and training to face the comprehension and oral expression tests.
For IELTS exam which documents required?
Passport
IELTS or toefl for Canada
Universities accept TOEFL but not immigration authorities.
Are IELTS speaking topics repeated?
Yes
How is IELTS Scored?
Each of the four parts is scored from 0 to 9, and the average is made. All the parts have the same weight in the final result.
The final grade is rounded to the nearest whole number or half. For example:
A mean of 6,125 would round to 6.
A mean of 6.25 would round to 6.5.
The mean of 6,875 points would be rounded to 7.
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