IELTS offers a new update that saves time and effort for applicants. Previously, students had to take an integrated test that included reading, listening, speaking and writing to measure their English language skills. Now, IELTS provides applicants with the opportunity to test only one skill, enabling them to focus on improving individual skills without having to retest other abilities.
A student can now choose a specific skill test One Skill Retake (OSR), based on the requirements of the entity to which they apply, which gives them greater flexibility and reduces the stress associated with preparing for multiple test sections. This update reflects IELTS’ commitment to providing an enhanced testing experience that better meets the needs of applicants and helps them achieve their academic and career goals more efficiently.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is one of the most important international tests that measure English language proficiency. IELTS is characterized by its accuracy, spread and wide acceptance worldwide. Therefore, we provide you with all the details and accurate and comprehensive information about this exam and how to obtain the IELTS certificate.
It is a globally recognized test. It aims to measure the proficiency of English for non-native speakers, and it is the abbreviation of the International English Language Testing System. It is characterized by its accuracy in determining the level of applicants in the four main communication skills: listening, reading, speaking and writing.
IELTS is the joint property of the British Council, IDP Australia and the University of Cambridge, which are responsible for making this test available and ensuring to all nationalities. The test content is prepared in English according to strict international standards, so that it does not contain any linguistic cultural bias.
Where is the IELTS test accepted?
If you seek to study at an international university, you must obtain an appropriate IELTS score. This exam is accepted at British, American, and Australian universities, as well as universities in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Ireland, and South Africa.
Most universities, institutes and academic and professional bodies that teach in English around the world recognise IELTS, including Immigration New Zealand and the British General Medical Council. IELTS certification is accepted from more than 6,000 different institutions worldwide.
What are the types of IELTS test?
There are two basic types of IELTS, which vary according to the purpose and purpose of the test. Do you want to get an IELTS certificate for study, work and immigration? The sections are:
1- IELTS Academic Test
It is intended for international students who wish to study at universities and academic institutions in English-speaking countries.
2- General IELTS test
Suitable for people who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or to work for international companies abroad.
What are the IELTS questions?
The test consists of four main sections, each section determines your level in the four basic skills of language practice, namely reading, listening, speaking and writing.
Section I – IELTS Listening Test
It is 30 minutes long and consists of 4 sections, each with 40 questions. English comprehension proficiency is tested by listening to audio pieces on a specific specialized topic and other general and varied topics.
Section II – Academic Reading Test or Reading for the General Exam
It lasts 60 minutes and consists of 3 sections, each with 40 questions. You will be asked questions about a reading text to measure your understanding of it in detail and whether you have understood the complex information contained in it.
Section III – Academic Writing Test or IELTS General Test
It is 60 minutes long and consists of two sections, through which it reveals your level of writing, how you use language in written expression in different situations, and your ability to adapt your written English on different topics. So your sentence structure, your use of words, grammar, and links, will be evaluated.
Section IV – IELTS Speaking Test
It ranges from 11 to 14 minutes and includes 3 parts. This test is the same for examinees for academic purposes or the General IELTS exam. It includes an interview covering a wide range of topics. You’ll have to talk about personal topics, a specific topic, express it and discuss it with the lab.
The Listening and Speaking sections of the IELTS tests are the same as the Academic and General tests, but the Reading and Writing tests are designed to measure academic or general skills.
What are the IELTS scores?
One of the most important features of the IELTS test is that it helps you understand your true level of English, without failing or passing. The exam measures your performance and gives you the opportunity to practice the skills you need to improve.
In the following table, we show you the IELTS scores and what each score means
| IELTS Test Score | Level | Level Description |
| 9 | Practitioner Expert | The applicant has a thorough understanding of the English language and fluency in its use |
| 8 | The practitioner is very good | The applicant understands English very well but with some minor mistakes |
| 7 | Good practitioner | The applicant is well versed in English, with inaccuracies at times, inappropriate use and misunderstandings in some situations |
| 6 | The practitioner is competent | The applicant is adequately proficient in English with some errors, inappropriate use and misunderstandings in several places |
| 5 | The practitioner is unpretentious | The applicant has a partial understanding of the English language and tries to harmonize the general meaning in most situations |
| 4 | Limited practitioner | The basic competence of the applicant is limited to familiar situations. They have many problems with comprehension and expression. and unable to use complex language |
| 3 | Intermittently practised | The applicant understands the general meaning only in known situations but has a problem communicating |
| 2 | The test taker cannot use the language except for a few separate words. | The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English |
| 1 | Unsuitable applicant | The test taker does not have the ability to use the language except for a few separate words. |
| 0 | Did not answer the test questions | The applicant could not answer the questions |
Universities usually require grades ranging from 6 to 7, and they certainly vary depending on the major and stage of study.
Find out what grades you need for admission to top universities.
How much is the IELTS test fee?
Test fees vary depending on your country. The cost is the same, whether the exam is general or academic. Test fees often range from £170-£195. You can find out its price in your country via IELTS.
What grades do you need at IELTS?
If you aim to study at a university in the USA, Canada, UK or Australia, you will need to get between 6.0-7.0 IELTS. If you want to study medicine, you will need a score above 7. These degrees certainly vary by university.
What are the benefits of the IELTS test?
1- IELTS is globally recognized
IELTS is the most renowned test in assessing English proficiency for non-native speakers globally. Nearly 11,000 international institutions and organizations accept this test in order to travel to study or migrate abroad, and it is considered the test approved by immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, Britain and New Zealand.
2- Ease of applying for the exam and obtaining the IELTS certificate
There are many ways to take the IELTS test easily. You can take the IELTS test on paper or online online. You can book the date and place of your IELTS test according to your circumstances. There are more than 1400 IELTS test centers in 56 countries around the world. This makes it one of the tests that you can take at any time and from anywhere, depending on your circumstances.
3- Gives you the opportunity to practice English
Unlike other tests that may give you theoretical study of English, IELTS helps you practice to express topics you face in your daily life, making it easier for you to cope with others abroad.
4- Get a better job
Your ability to communicate in English smoothly is one of the most important skills that ensure you work in international companies easily. So if you’re looking to work in opportunities beyond your home country, getting IELTS will help. There are approximately 55 English-speaking countries.
5- Flexibility
The IELTS test helps you measure your ability to communicate and deal with English. It is one of the tests you can take at any time without success or failure. So you can prepare for it and bring it back to improve your English level without worrying.
Obtaining an IELTS certificate helps you achieve your goals of studying and working abroad. You can choose your university according to your level and budget with our free course matching tool.
