Introduction
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognised as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. These Practise Tests are designed to give future IELTS candidates an idea of whether their English is at the required level.
IELTS is owned by three partners, Cambridge English Language Assessment, part of the University of Cambridge ,the British Council and IDP education Pty Limited (through its subsidiary company ,IELTS Australia Pty Limited ).Further information on IELTS can be found on the IELTS website www.ielts.org.
What is the Format?
IELTS consists of four components .All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests .There is a choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidates is taking the Academic or General Training module .
| Academic | General Training |
|---|---|
| For candidates wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration. | For candidates wishing to migrates to an English –speaking country Australia,Canada,NewZealand ,UK),and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level. |
The test components are taken in the following order:
| Listening 4 sections ,40 items approximately 30 minutes |
||
| Academic 3 sections ,40 items |
Or | General Training Reading 3 sections ,40 items, 60 minutes |
| Academic Writing 2 tasks, 60 minutes |
Or | General Training Writing 2 tasks,60minutes |
| Speaking 11to14 minutes |
||
| Total Test Time 11 hours 44 minutes |
||
Academic Test Format
Listening
The test contests of four sections, each with ten questions .The first two sectios are concerned with social needs .The first section is a conversation between two speakers and the second section is a monologue .The final two sections are concerned with situations related to educational or training contexts .The third section is a conversation between up to four people and the fourth section is a monologue.
A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form completion, note completion, table completion, flow –chart completion, summary completion, sentence completion, short-answer questions.
Candidates hear the recording once only and answer the questions as they listen .Ten minutes are allowed at the end for candidates to transfer their answers to the answer sheet.
Reading
This test consists of three section with 40 questions .There are three texts ,which are taken from journals ,books ,magazines and newspapers .The texts are on topics of general interest .At least one text contains detailed logical argument.
A variety of question types is used ,including :multiple choice ,identifying information (True /False/Not Given ),identifying the writer’s views/claims(Yes/No/Not Given),matching information ,matching headings ,matching features, matching sentence endings ,sentence completion, summary completion ,note completion ,table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion ,short-answer questions.
Writing
This test consists of two tasks .It is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on Task 1 ,which requires them to write at least 150 words ,and 40 minutes on Task2,which requires them to write atleast 250 words. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.
Task 1 requires candidates to look at a diagram or some data (graph, table or chart) and to present the information in their own words. They are assessed on their ability to organize, present and possibly compare data, describe the stages of a process, describe an object or event or explain how something works.
In Task 2, candidates are presented with a point of view, arguments or problem. They are assessed on their ability to present a solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion, compare and contrast evidence and opinions, evaluate and challenge ides, evidence or arguments.
Candidates are also assessed on their ability to write in an appropriate style.
More information on assessing the Writing test, include Writing Assessment Criteria (public version), is available on the IELTS website.
Speaking
This test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner.
There are three parts:
Part 1
The candidates and the examiner introduce themselves. Candidates then answer general question about themselves, their home/family, their job/study, their interests and a wide range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
Part 2
The candidates is given a task with prompts and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidates has one minutes to prepare and they can make some notes if they wish, before speaking for between one and two minutes, The examiner then asks one or two questions on the same topic.
Part 3
The examiner and the candidates engage in a discussion of more abstract issues which are thematically linked to the topic in Part2. The dissusion lasts between four and five minutes.
The Speaking test assesses whether candidates can communicate effectively in English. The assessment takes into account Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resources, Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Pronunciation. More information on assessing the Speaking test, including Speaking Assessment Criteria (public version), is available on the IELTS website.