Write and Pass IELTS with Ease: Tips to Note

How to Write and Pass IELTS: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test required for migration, study or work in a country where English is the native language.

It is a test required to be taken by international candidates considering working or studying in a country where English is the major language of communication. IELTS majorly assesses the candidate’s ability to communicate in the four basic English language skills – listening, reading, speaking and writing.

The test is jointly owned and conducted by IDP Education Australia, British Council and Cambridge English Language Assessment. IELTS is accepted in 100% of universities in the UK and Australia as well as 3,400 institutions in the US and thousands of institutions in English speaking countries. This article will give you tips on how to write and pass IELTS with ease.

Recommended: Free Online IELTS Preparation Courses

Why Write IELTS?

IELTS is needed for migration, work and study abroad purposes in English speaking countries such as Australia, UK, New Zealand, USA and Canada. It is the only English Language proficiency test approved by the UK Visas and Migration (UKVI) for applicants applying both outside and inside the UK.

The test is needed to show the English language proficiency of a candidate. However, students are to note that IELTS is not compulsory in all university admissions as many universities might not even require IELTS scores for admission. But know that if you do not provide your IELTS, your chances of getting a student visa might suffer as you may need to convince the visa officers on your English proficiency.

Types of IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) are of two types which includes the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Listening and speaking sections are the same in both types but differs in the reading and writing sections. It is important to note that the reading, writing and listening sections of the tests are always completed the same day the test is taken while the speaking section can be completed a week before or after the other tests date.

The IELTS scores are graded on a scale of 1-9 representing non-user, intermittent user, extremely limited user, limited user, modest user, competent user, good user, very good user and expert user respectively. The higher your score, the better your rating on understanding and ability to communicate in English. Note that each immigration body, university or workplace will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend largely on your mission in the country, whether to work or study.

See Also: Top 15 Fully Funded Scholarships in UK for International Students

IELTS Academic:

The IELTS Academic test is usually taken by those who are applying for higher education or those enrolling for professional registration abroad. The test assesses the readiness of the individual to study in English. Features include that seen in an academic setting.

IELTS General Training:

This test is taken by people who wish to migrate to countries whose native language of communication is the English language. It is also taken by those who intend to enrol in training programs or want to gain work experience in a country where English is their major language of communication. It features everyday English language skills needed in social and workplace environment.

Eligibility for Writing IELTS

• The test can be written by anyone not minding their age, gender, race, religion or nationality but not recommended to be written by individuals who are not up to the age of 16 years.
• Also there are no minimum criteria set by the conducting bodies in terms of the educational requirements. Any individual who wishes to enroll in higher studies abroad or want to work can attempt the test.

IELTS Testing Pattern/ Timing

The test is divided into four (4) sections including reading, listening, speaking and writing. Candidates will be marked on these sections and will also get the IELTS total score which is the sum of scores in the four sections. The test lasts for 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening: This section has 40 questions that includes multiple choice, diagram labelling, sentence completion and summary completion. It lasts for 30 minutes.
• Reading: This section has 40 questions that includes multiple choice questions, sentence completion, summary completion, matching features and matching headings. It lasts for 60 minutes.
• Writing: This section has two writing tasks and lasts for 60 minutes.
• Speaking: This section has three parts to it and lasts between 11-14 minutes.

See: 12 Ways to Prepare for an IELTS examination | Free IELTS Practice Tests

The secret behind passing an examination or test is adequate preparation and arming yourself with the right information. You can prepare for IELTS in two ways: self-study and attending coaching classes.

Deciding which of the ways you will choose to engage will depend greatly on your language proficiency and comfort level. However, some individuals may choose to utilize both approaches. You will need to be sincere with yourself and figure out which one works best for you.