What is IELTS?

What is IELTS?

The acronym IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test is created to evaluate the English language proficiency of a candidate who is planning to study and work in countries where English language is the primary medium of communication. Countries such as United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Australia and others are requiring immigrants, students and workers to take this test before a visa is approved.

The exam was designed and developed by the University of Cambridge, British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd. In some countries IELTS exam is given by the British Council and in other places IDP Education Pty Ltd is in charge. In areas like the Philippines, both the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd are conducting the said test. Sometimes the date of examination conducted by both institutions is the same; it is the venue and interviewer (during the speaking exam) that differ. If a candidate applied for IELTS examination through IDP, then he/she should be at IDP exam location.

Confusions are voiced out by many as to which institution will they apply. However, there is no need to worry too much about which organization to choose because the examination is just the same worldwide whether it is managed by the British Council or IDP. However, before applying for IELTS, it will be beneficial if you conduct an investigation of the test venue beforehand. The location of IELTS exam for IDP and British council in a certain area is different. Try asking some friends who had taken IELTS about their feedback on the place especially about the sound system (an excellent audio system is one factor in obtaining a good score for the listening test). On the condition that you already applied for a student or working visa abroad, some agencies are specific on which of the two institutions is credited for your application.

There are two types of IELTS. Namely they are:

  1. The Academic IELTS is designed for professionals such as doctors and nurses who want to practice their profession or study abroad. This is also required for those who want to study in a university and for higher education (undergraduate or postgraduate studies).
  2. The General Training IELTS is intended for candidates who are applying for an immigrant visa. Those who want to take a non-academic training abroad should also take this type of IELTS.

The four components of IELTS examination are the following:

  1. Listening
  2. Reading
  3. Writing
  4. Speaking

In the two versions of IELTS, the listening and the speaking tests are the same. However, the writing and reading components differ. It is generally recognized that the writing and reading modules for the Academic IELTS examination are more difficult than that of the General Training version.

Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN


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