Frequently Asked Questions in the IELTS test system

Suppose you are confused about what to do first to continue studying abroad. In that case, it is recommended (after making up your mind, of course) to check IELTS! Why? Because it is based on the experience of the awardees, apart from being an administrative requirement for applying to foreign universities and a condition for obtaining scholarships, IELTS will also be valid in various stages of the application process. For example, when applying for a Ph.D., you will be asked to prepare a proposal. Or, when registering for a master's, you will be asked to write a statement of purpose. You need to write the research proposal and report meaning in a unique style (academic writing) that you can learn when studying IELTS.

In addition, during the registration process you will also communicate a lot with the admissions team at the campus where you apply or with your supervisor (especially if you have to interview). Now, because this is in the scope of academic activities, you must use formal language in the communication, which is also studied in IELTS.

Considering how important it is to master IELTS, we will outline strategies for achieving high scores in this article—starting with peeling the IELTS test.

FAQ IELTS Test

1. What is IELTS ?

IELTS stands for International English Language Test System, a kind of system designed to certify a person's English proficiency. You could say IELTS is similar to TOEFL—which is more popular in Indonesia. Generally, the IELTS test is accepted by institutions in Australia, the UK and New Zealand. The IELTS test is jointly administered by the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. In the IELTS test, the English used is British English or British.

There are two types of IELTS, namely academic and general training. Academic is designed for undergraduate and postgraduate level study needs. While the general is designed for those who want to move (migrate) to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK) and also for training and study needs below the undergraduate level.

General Training

train or study at below degree level
work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country
emigrate to an English-speaking country

Academic IELTS

study at university at undergraduate or postgraduate level; or
join a professional organisation in an English-speaking country

2. Skills that tested in IELTS Test

In IELTS you will test on all four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

3. How is the IELTS test?

Unlike the computer-based TOEFL test, the IELTS test is paper-based. All answers will be handwritten. We even write down the answers using a pencil to erase them if necessary to correct our solutions. At the same time, there is still time left during the test.

The IELTS test consists of four parts,

Listening consists of 4 sessions, 40 questions, 30 minutes.
Reading, 3 sessions, 40 questions, 60 minutes
Writing, two questions, 60 minutes.
Speaking, three sessions, 11-14 minutes (interviewed by a native speaker). Test takers will be asked to speak with a native speaker directly. Participants will be asked several questions about themselves and a topic.
The IELTS test is longer than the TOEFL, taking up to 2 hours 45 minutes.

4. Range Band in IELTS Test

His score ranges from 1-9, where the higher the score, the more fluent his English language skills are. Each part (band) has a score and will be totaled and then averaged. Each piece (band) has the same portion, 25%. For Chevening scholarships, they ask for a score of 6.5 with a minimum band score of 5.5. It means, even if your average score is eight but your speaking is 5, then Chevening will not pass.

If you want to self-test and calculate the number of IELTS scores you will get, you can read the article How to Calculate IELTS Bands for Listening, Reading and Speaking, you can also use the IELTS Calculator to calculate it in detail.

5. How much does it cost to take the IELTS?

It is dependent on the location of the exam. The average charge in the United States is around $235, but this varies by test center. In Canada, the charge is around $300, and in the United Kingdom, it is around £160, in Indonesia it will converted to the current exchange rate, it will be in the range of IDR 2,800,000. The IELTS test certificate is valid for up to 2 years.. All testing fees will be listed on the test center's website.

6. Is it possible to amend my registration date if necessary?

Yes, no later than five weeks after the test date. You must have a valid cause for cancellations closer to test day, such as significant illness. You will have to re-register for the exam and pay the full registration price if you do not do so.

7. Is there a limit to how many times I may take the test with IELTS?

No, all students are allowed to take the IELTS an unlimited number of times, and there is no requirement to wait between tests.

8. What should I bring to the testing center?

You are free to bring whatever you want to the test center, but you must store it while taking the exam. Identification, pens, pencils, and erasers are the only items permitted in the actual exam room.

9. Should I bring my identification to the testing center?

If you actually want to take the test, then yes. Make sure to bring the same document that you used to register.

10. Where can I take the IELTS test ?

Some of the most common and popular IELTS test centers are the British Council and IDP, both of these test centers already have good credibility in administering the IELTS test. IELTS is administered at over 1,100 test centers worldwide. The British Council, IELTS Australia, or universities and language schools run the majority of test centers. By prior arrangement with IELTS, some testing centers also offer off-site testing for large groups. To find the nearest IELTS test center, contact your local examination center or go to www.ielts.org or find test center around you at IELTS Test Center Location.

11. How Much IELTS Score To Study Abroad?

The minimum IELTS score for universities varies as per the requirements of the universities. The table below will help you gain knowledge about the average IELTS scores that are required at top universities in Canada. We have provided the average overall IELTS scores and the individual scores for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections, you can check details of in IELTS Score to Study Abroad.

Alright, here are some questions that are often asked by participants in taking IELTS, if you have other questions, you can write them in the comments column

Hamzah English Education Study Program, Blogger, Photographer

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