What is IELTS? ( International English Language Testing System) - Full Information

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a standardized test designed to evaluate the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is commonly used for admission to universities, employment opportunities, and immigration purposes. IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP Education Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Academic test intended for individuals who wish to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country, while the General Training test is used for employment and immigration purposes. Both tests assess four language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

The IELTS test consists of four sections, each assessing one of the four language skills. The listening and speaking sections are the same for both Academic and General Training tests, while the reading and writing sections differ. The listening section is 30 minutes long and consists of four recordings that test the candidate's ability to comprehend spoken English. The reading section is 60 minutes long and consists of three texts that test the candidate's ability to comprehend written English. The writing section is 60 minutes long and consists of two tasks that test the candidate's ability to write in English. Finally, the speaking section is 11-14 minutes long and consists of a one-on-one interview with an examiner, which assesses the candidate's speaking ability.

The IELTS test is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest score. Each section receives a separate score, and the overall score is the average of the four section scores. There is no pass or fail grade, as different institutions and organizations have their own minimum IELTS score requirements.

IELTS test dates are offered throughout the year and can be booked online. The test fee varies depending on the location and type of test, and it typically ranges from $185 to $325 (Nrs25000/).

In summary, IELTS is a standardized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. It is used for admission to universities, employment opportunities, and immigration purposes. The test consists of four sections assessing listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills, and is scored on a scale from 0 to 9. Test dates are offered throughout the year and can be booked online, and results are usually available 15 days after the test date.