More IELTS info:

1. 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 in this same order. The Speaking test can be taken up to 7 days either before or after the test date.

2. Is there a similar period of ten minutes at the end of the Reading test for the transfer of answers?

No. The Reading test is one hour, and you must write all your answers on the answer sheet in this time.

3. Can I complete the Listening and Reading answer sheet in pen?

No. The answer sheet is scanned by a computer which cannot read pen.

4. Can I make some notes on the Listening and Reading question paper?

Yes. The examiner will not see your question paper.

5. What is the Speaking test?

The Speaking test is conducted with a one-to-one interview with a certified examiner, which is recorded on an audiocassette.

6. What should the candidate bring for the Speaking test?

The candidate needs to bring the same identification documents they supplied on registration, as these must be checked again against the information on the application form. These documents will be checked by the administrator and the Speaking examiner prior to the candidate entering the interview room.

7. When will the candidate receive their results?

Under usual test circumstances, the candidates will receive their Test Report Forms approximately two weeks after they complete their test.

8. How soon can candidates repeat the test?

Candidates are not permitted to retake the test at any centre within 90 days of their previous test date, i.e. 90 days and no fewer. Candidates are reminded that scores are unlikely to improve dramatically without English language tuition in the interim.

9. What happens if a candidate wants to postpone or cancel their application?

Candidates who request a postponement or cancellation of their test within 5 weeks of the test date will normally be charged the full fee unless they are able to provide appropriate medical evidence to support their request within 5 days of the test date.

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who want to study or work where English is the language of communication.

IELTS is recognised by over 6,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies. For a list of organisations that accept IELTS scores, visit http://bandscore.ielts.org

Accessible and convenient
IELTS is offered up to four times a month in more than 125 countries. Tests are usually on Saturdays or Thursdays. To fi nd out test dates in your area, please
contact your nearest IELTS test centre. A list of all IELTS test centres worldwide is available at www.ielts.org.

The international test
IELTS is internationally focused in its content. For example, a range of native-speaker accents (North American, Australian, New Zealand, and British) is used in the Listening test, and all standard varieties of English are accepted in candidates’ responses in all parts of the test.

The test that’s tried and trusted
IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment, and is supported by an extensive programme of research,validation and test development.

The level of the test
IELTS is designed to assess English language skills at all levels.There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS.

Results are reported as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).

Preparing to take IELTS

Make sure you are ready
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the format of the test as outlined in this booklet. Further information on the content of the test can be found at www.ielts.org/teachers.aspx

You may find it helpful to do a practice test. Official IELTS Practice Materials may be purchased from test centres or online at www.ielts.org/candidates.aspx These materials include a full practice test with answers, and sample Writing and Speaking
performances with examiner comments.

More samples of IELTS test material and information about the test are available from the following websites:
www.ielts.org
www.britishcouncil.org/learning-ielts.htm
www.cambridgeesol.org/exams/academic-english/ielts.html
www.idp.com/examinations/ielts/about_the_test.aspx
www.ieltsusa.org

You don’t have to attend a preparation course,but many candidates fi nd that doing so helps them improve their performance. If you would like assistance with test preparation, IELTS centres and language schools around the world offer IELTS

preparation courses.

Know the IELTS rules and regulations
It’s important to familiarise yourself with the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates which is included with the application form. When you sign the application form declaration, you are confi rming that you have read and understood the IELTS rules and regulations and agree to abide by them.

Register as soon as possible
When you feel you are ready to take the test, you need to register with your nearest IELTS centre.Contact the centre as soon as possible, as the number of candidates who can take the test on a particular date may be limited. You will need to pay the test fee when you register.

The test that opens doors around the world The IELTS Band Score Scale
9 Expert user
8 Very good user
7 Good user
6 Competent user
5 Modest user
4 Limited user
3 Extremely limited user
2 Intermittent user
1 Non user
0 Did not attempt the test