In jest, I playfully quizzed you on the acronym IELTS, which you likely aced—International English Language Testing System. Now, let’s delve into the nuances of the IELTS test patterns in this insightful blog post at Preparehow.
IELTS Pattern
There are four papers in the IELTS test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. In IELTS there are two different modules, Academic and General. The Listening and Speaking papers are the same in both modules, but the reading and writing modules differ.
Academic module
If you’re seeking admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs in an English-speaking country or applying for professional services like medicine, nursing, or engineering, registering for the Academic module is essential. This module focuses on reading and writing tasks related to academic books, journals, and newspapers, making it applicable across various academic disciplines.
General Module
Opt for the General module if you are planning to migrate to an English-speaking country or want to pursue education below the degree level there. In the General module, the reading and writing section includes topics from everyday life, and documentation such as job descriptions, contracts etc.
What’s in the exam?
| Papers | Content | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 Questions | Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time) |
| Reading | 40 Questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 Tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 Parts | 11–14 minutes |
Result
In IELTS, there’s no pass or fail. Instead, you get scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. These scores are then combined to give you an overall score.
The 9-band system is used worldwide and helps measure your performance consistently, making it easy to understand and recognize internationally.
| Bands | Description |
|---|---|
| Bands 9 | Expert user |
| Bands 8 | Very good user |
| Bands 7 | Good user |
| Bands 6 | Competent user |
| Bands 5 | Modest user |
| Bands 4 | Limited user |
| Bands 3 | Extremely limited user |
| Bands 2 | Intermittent user |
| Bands 1 | Essentially cannot use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words. |
| Bands 0 | Did not attempt the test |
A half-band score means you did well in that band level. For instance, if you get an overall score of 6.5, it shows you did great in the Band 6 level.
This comprehensive guide equips you with everything you need to know about IELTS. If you’re seeking any guidance, coaching, or study materials for your preparation, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re dedicated to supporting you on your path to success.
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