IELTS
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IELTS®
IELTS® is an English proficiency test created by Cambridge Assessment English, mainly for individuals who wish to work or study in, as well as immigrate to English speaking countries. It tests the English communication abilities of the individual, including speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. It is one of the most widely recognised English proficiency tests along with TOEFL®.
There are two modules for IELTS®, namely the Academic Module and the General Training Module. If you wish to enroll in a university, you will need to take the Academic Module. Some professions also require an IELTS® Academic certificate for you to study or practice in that field. If you wish to receive professional training or enroll in a middle school in an English speaking country, or simply immigrate to one, you will need to take the General Training Module.
IELTS® Exam
Format and Grading System
IELTS® Exam Format and Grading System
IELTS® consists of four parts, namely listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
The listening test has a time limit of 30 minutes for an online test and 40 minutes for a physical test, with 10 extra minutes for you to fill in your answers. The test is divided into four sections. Section 1 has a casual conversation between two people. Section 2 has only one person speaking (eg. giving a speech). Section 3 has a conversation between two main speakers, and may have additional speakers at the same time (such as a class discussion). Section 4 has a person speaking about an academic subject. There are 40 multi-choice questions in total.
The reading test has a time limit of 60 minutes. The reading test consists of three articles, each of them around 1,000 words in length. Reading comprehension is tested with matching, single-choice, and multi-choice questions, as well as a cloze test.
The writing test has a time limit of 60 minutes. It is divided into two different tasks. Task 1 requires you to describe a given figure in a short article of roughly 150 words. Task 2 requires you to write a short academic essay of around 250 words to discuss your thoughts on a certain topic.
The speaking test has a time limit of around 11-14 minutes. The test is conducted by an approved examiner in a one-on-one manner. A real person will conduct your test regardless of it being physical or online. This is to ensure an accurate evaluation of the test taker’s capabilities while making the conversation as natural as possible. The speaking test consists of three sections, namely introduction and overview, long turn, and discussions. The examiner will assess your speaking skills based on your fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and your pronunciation.
IELTS® has a score range between 1-9 with an interval of 0.5 (eg. 5.5, 6.0). You will receive up to 9 points for each of your tests, from which a total average score will be calculated, rounded up to the nearest band score (eg. an average score of 7.25 will be considered as 7.5).
Most universities require a total score of at least 6.5 or 7.
IELTS® Band Scale:
Why Study for IELTS® at VALOUR?
Why Study for IELTS® at VALOUR?
The IELTS® course offered by VALOUR Education aims to strengthen the pupils’ overall English skill, rather than just preparing them for yet another exam. We educate our pupils with different approaches based on their potential and capabilities, motivated by a series of practical short-term goals. Speaking practices done throughout the entire course can improve the pupil’s fluency and self-confidence when speaking, and most importantly their actual English speaking skills, which is vital for living overseas. We want our pupils to be good at not just studies, but also at expressing themselves.
Phase 1: Understanding exam questions and strategies
- Understanding the exam format of IELTS and how to solve them
- Learn the strategies used to answer the questions and how to study them even at home
Phase 2: Overall improvement of English skills
- Finding a learning method that is suitable for the pupil. Building a solid foundation for all subjects.
- Learn to analyze questions with logic instead of formulas as taught by other institutions.
Phase 3: Strengthening weaknesses
- Strengthening weaker subjects after mastering the IELTS® exam format.
- Cultivate self-confidence and time control during tests.
- Mock test and essay writing exercises.
IELTS® V.S. TOEFL®
Is IELTS or TOEFL the better option? This is a question many who plan to study abroad couldn’t help but wonder.While both exams are equally recognised across the world, there are quite some differences between them.
Different universities and institutions may accept different tests. It is therefore advised that you find out the specific requirements of your preferred university or region before applying for either.
| IELTS | TOFEL | |
| Test Subjects | Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing | |
| Test Time | 2-3hours | 3-4hours |
| Test Method |
Computer or physical tests | Computer tests |
| Grading System | A score of 1-9 for each of the four subjects. Average score of all subjects is calculated as the total score, rounded to the nearest band score. | A score of 0-30 for each of the four subjects. All scores are added up for the total score. |
| Effective For | 2 years | |
| Best Suited For | Usually institutions in the US and the UK | Usually institutions in the US |
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