IELTS DEFINED
Are you planning to study or train abroad? Are you applying to an institution and need to prove your level of English? Do you need to raise your standard in English? Then we can help you with an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
IELTS 'International English Language Testing System' is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd, and was established in 1989.
There are two versions of the IELTS: the Academic Version and the General Training.
Version:
- The Academic Version is intended for those who want to enroll in universities and other institutions of higher education and for professionals such as medical doctors and nurses who want to study or practice in an English-speaking country.
- The General Training Version is intended for those planning to undertake non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration purposes.
It is generally acknowledged that the reading and writing tests for the Academic Version are more difficult than those for the General Training Version, due to the differences in the level of intellectual and academic rigour between the two versions.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions. In the United States it is increasingly gaining recognition as an alternative to TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).
. It is also a requirement for immigration to Australia and Canada and is also now been granted approval for use in the UK’s new points-based immigration system for tier 1 - highly skilled migrants such as doctors, scientists or entrepreneurs.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who owns IELTS?
IELTS is jointly owned and managed by the British Council, IDP: Australia and University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
How shall I get prepared for the IELTS Test?
Fahim Abbasi’s Students’ Corner offers flexible Morning, Evening and Weekend IELTS Test Preparatory Classes. The IELTS Material Pack is also available at our centers for just PKR Rs. 900/- which includes a practice IELTS test with an answer key and CDs of the listening test.
What is the test format and how long will it take?
IELTS has four parts – Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11–14 minutes). The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.
How do I know if I am ready for the IELTS Exam?
Try our Free IELTS Test, which includes a full-length test. When you finish the practice test you'll get a complete score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with your results, then you may be ready. If you feel you still need help, join Fahim Abbasi’s Students’ Corner for the IELTS Test Preparation or call us at 021-34991438 or send us an email at info@studentscorner.edu.pk & students_corner@hotmail.com.
How much does the IELTS Test cost?
- British Council IELTS Test Fee: PKR 17,000/-
- Australian Education Office [AEO] IELTS Test Fee: PKR 19,000/-
What type of IELTS Test should You take?
You can take either the Academic or General Training Reading and Writing modules. You'll need to choose the Academic Reading and Writing module if you are planning to undertake academic study in a higher education institution. If you are planning to undertake non-academic training or apply for immigration to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, we recommend you take the General Training Reading and Writing modules. If you are unsure of which module to take, you can discuss this with our exams officer.
How soon can I re-sit the test?
There is no limit on sitting the test. However, IELTS recommends you do additional study before taking the test again. Some test centers offer preparatory courses and language classes.
What if I feel my test result is wrong?
You can apply for an Enquiry on Results procedure at your test centre within six weeks of the test date. You must pay an enquiry fee, which is fully refunded if your band scores changes. Note that IELTS Examiners and markers follow strict assessment guidelines and are regularly monitored. The IELTS testing process has the highest quality control procedures.
How are the tests marked?
IELTS uses a 9-Band Scoring System to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.
Who sets the ‘pass’ mark for the IELTS test?
There is no pass or fail in IELTS. Candidates are graded on their performance in the test, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Your results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score.
This unique 9-Band System measures scores in a consistent manner – wherever and whenever the test is taken. It is internationally recognized and understood, giving you a reliable international currency.
What is the IELTS 9-Band Scale?
Each band corresponds to a level of English competence. All parts of the test and the Overall Band Score can be reported in whole and half bands, e.g. 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0
Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
Band 8: Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
Band 7: Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5: Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
Band 3: Extremely limited user: conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
Band 2: Intermittent user: no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1: Non-user: essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Band 0: Did not attempt the test: No assessable information provided.
Is the IELTS test completed in one day?
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of the test are always completed immediately after each other and with no break. Depending on the test centre, the Speaking test may be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.
What is the Speaking test?
The Speaking test is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking test is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audiocassette or a digital recorder.
When will I receive my Test results?
Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. All test centers will post your Test Report Form to you. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy. Some test centers provide SMS alerts and an online results service.
What if I need to postpone or cancel my application?
If you postpone or cancel your application more than 5 weeks before the test date, you will receive a refund minus an administration charge. If you postpone or cancel within 5 weeks of the test date, you will be charged the full fee unless you have a medical reason. If you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
What if I am absent or sick on the Test Day?
If you are away on the test day with no prior notice, you will lose your full fee. However, if you provide a medical certificate within 5 days of the test date, you will receive a refund minus the local administrative cost.
For how long is my IELTS score valid?
Your IELTS score remains valid for two years.
How do I pay & register for an IELTS Test?
To know about registration please contact us at:
(At main Road) FL - 4/13, Block-5 Between NIPA & Mr. Burger
Tel: 0315-8861133 Email: info@studentscorner.edu.pk & students_corner@hotmail.com.
Where can I get more IELTS information?
You can contact us here at Fahim Abbasi’s Students’ Corner by calling 021-34991438 / 021-34818938 or send us an email at info@studentscorner.edu.pk & students_corner@hotmail.com.
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