Essential Information on IELTS

What Is IELTS?

“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 across a wide range of levels. There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS.

It is considered as a “high stakes exam”, to be attempted after acquiring sufficient level of competency of the language. So, kindly be realistic in your expectation based on your awareness of language and capability.

Know the IELTS rules and regulations

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the IELTS rules and regulations.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is for test takers wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.

Each organization sets its own entry requirements. In some cases, both Academic or General Training may be accepted.

You are tested on all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking

Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests.

There are different Reading and Writing tests for IELTS Academic and General Training. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests must be completed on the same day. The order in which these tests are taken may vary.

There are no breaks between these three tests.

The Speaking test may be taken up to seven days before or after the other three tests.

Test format:

IELTS 9-Band Scale

Students will be given a score of 1-9 for each part of the test.

Your average score produces an overall IELTS band score, and you can be graded on whole or half points.

Test format:

Make sure you are competent, and ready to demonstrate your English

Consider enrolling in Advanced Language Centre's coaching classes and test preparation course to improve your performance in the test.

Familiarize yourself with the format of the test.

Practice using sample questions.

Consider doing a practice test.

If you would like more information about the format of the test and the question types used, just contact us.

How much time does it take to prepare for the IELTS exam?

This is a common question asked by many students, but the answer is subjective.

It depends on your current ability and what score you need to reach. Generally, students aiming for a 6.5 overall may need to do a lot of work than a student who requires a higher score, because their current ability may not be adequate.

We recommend that students spend at least 8 weeks preparing for the IELTS exam, focusing on basic grammar, reading speed, test strategies and writing skills.

Each part of the IELTS exam is different, so ensure you fully understand what is expected of you.

Need help with your exam preparation?

These tips can help you improve your score and be prepared.

Take your time before you choose an IELTS exam date

It’s important you give yourself enough time to prepare for the exam.

Take the time to decide whether it should be two, three or four months away, based on your level of preparation, as it is important to give you something to aim for.

Take IELTS lessons

IELTS classes can help you learn faster and put you on the right track. It means you will avoid studying irrelevant areas and common mistakes will be corrected quicker.

Teachers can also help build your confidence and the overall quality of your English will improve.

Use the correct grammar & spelling

A huge importance is placed on using correct and formal English.

Your overall score will be penalized if the wrong spelling and punctuation is used.

Individuals who have finished their schooling from an English medium school usually need less time to prepare, while individuals who lack fluency may need long time.

It is vital to get a grip of the language first and then start preparing for the IELTS exam.

We recommend taking an IELTS practice test with us to assess your current level and how much coaching/training/preparation needs to be done on your reading, writing, speaking and listening skills.

Registration

Read through all the information as above.

Ask yourself if you are really ready to take the test.

If you are convinced, you need to register for a test date with an IELTS Centre. (Nearest Centre from here is Trichy. You can also choose Madurai if required).

Register as soon as possible, as the number of test takers who can take the test on a particular date may be limited, particularly if you want to take General Test.

You will need to pay the test fee (Rs 14000/- as of now) when you register.

There are two modules to choose from – Academic and General Training.

Make sure you enter the number of your identity document (your passport) and attach a clear color photocopy or scanned copy to the application form.

The identity document must be valid at the time of registration and the same ID document (Passport) must be presented on the day of the test.

Confirmation

The test Centre will give you written confirmation of the date and time of the test.

Your Speaking test time will be scheduled on the same day as the written tests or on a different day within a 7-day window before or after the written tests.

The test Centre will confirm your Speaking test time.

Test day

Your identity will be checked on the day of the test and before the Speaking test.

You must present the same identity document that you used when you registered for the test.

Your photograph will be taken as an additional security measure, and it will appear on your IELTS Test Report Form. In addition, a finger scan may be taken.

Test results

You can preview your results online 13 days after the test.

Results will remain online for 28 days.

Please note that the online preview of results should not be used as an official confirmation of your performance. Universities and other organizations will not accept the same.

The Test Report Form

You will receive a Test Report Form which reports a score for each of the four skills (listening, reading, writing and speaking), as well as an overall band score..

Half band scores may be awarded to indicate a strong performance within a particular band.

Results will be available online 13 days after the test. Results are also mailed to test takers on the 13th day.

Test centres are not permitted to give results out over the phone or by scan or email.

You will receive only one hard copy of the Test Report Form.

It’s important that you keep it safe as replacement Test Report Forms cannot be issued.

Test centres will send copies of your Test Report Form to up to five organizations free of charge.

Results validity period

Universities or organizations such as Dept. of Immigration will not usually accept a Test Report Form that is more than two years old.

Re-taking IELTS

There are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS.

You can register for a test as soon as you feel you are ready to do so.

Please note that your score is unlikely to increase unless you have made significant efforts to improve your English before re-taking the test.

Why Advanced Language Centre?

“We keep our coaching classes/test preparation batches small so that each student gets one-on-one attention and guidance.”

Our instructors are well versed in all the aspects of the IELTS classes/test preparation, and are trained to assess the areas where you may require additional support and guidance. Individual monitoring and support are given to each student, and you will be given extra help with your problem areas in the different modules. Our classes are conducted in face-to-face delivery mode.

Simulated IELTS tests are held to gauge your capabilities, and feedback is given after each test so that you can work on your grey areas and reduce errors. Listening comprehension and speaking practice is provided using questions from previous IELTS tests. Our course fee is very affordable and provides great value for money. Our faculty do all they can to help our students to excel in the IELTS Exams.

At Advanced Language Centre, we strive to coach and train our students achieve first-time success in the IELTS through high-quality coaching. Our exam preparation strategy is customized to individual student requirements. We undertake a thorough evaluation of each student’s capabilities and help them to work on the areas where they need to improve themselves. We coach our students on efficient time management, and guide them through simulated tests and exam strategy sessions.