IELTS test details – the most important conditions for traveling to Britain
IELTS Academic test details Prepare for the higher education environment
How do I choose the right IELTS test form for me?
The IELTS test is one of the international tests adopted to determine the level of English proficiency, and it is also set as a prerequisite by international universities, practical institutions, or immigration to accept admission to them.
Given the importance of this test for everyone who seeks to immigrate or to join a job or an international university, you will be presented in WWNEED.COM and through this article all the details related to the IELTS test, so let us continue together.
Article content:-
- What is the IELTS test?
- What are the test scores (highest and lowest score)?
- How long is the test validity?
- The relationship between the European CEFR standard and the IELTS test.
- What are the types of test forms?
- What are the ways to take the test?
- What are the test sections?
- How long is the test?
- Prices and places.
- The difference between the UK form and other test forms.
What is the IELTS test?
The IELTS test is an international test used to determine the level of English language proficiency in people, and the word IELTS is an abbreviation for the International English Language Testing System, and it is affiliated with the British Consulate and the Cambridge English Assessment and Teaching Authority.
What is meant by it is the global standard for the English language proficiency test, which is one of the most popular English tests used around the world for the purpose of immigration, work, or study abroad.
The issuing authority for the IELTS test is Britain and Australia, but it is accredited and recognized in all Arab and foreign countries. The test is used to assess a person’s English level, as it has several criteria.
Its content was also developed by an international team of experts, in addition to being subject to extensive research in order to ensure its quality and integrity as well, and not discriminate between applicants or be biased by race, culture or gender.
Test results are accepted by many educational institutions, government and professional sectors, companies and foreign embassies.
It is worth noting that IELTS test scores are accepted in more than 3,400 institutions in the United States of America, and it is recognized in more than 11,000 institutions around the world.
This is according to what was reported on the IELTS USA website.
What are the IELTS test scores (lower and higher score)… and what is the degree of success in it?
Knowing the test scores is one of the most important questions related to the test. The test scores start from 0 to 9, where the 0 score indicates the person’s lack of English and that he does not understand anything in it or that he did not participate in the test.
As for the degree of 9, it indicates the person’s professionalism and mastery of the language, but it is difficult to obtain it. When you get a score of 7:8, this indicates your professionalism and mastery of the language, which indicates the advanced level.
The test results are calculated on a scale of points starting from 0:9 as we mentioned, bearing in mind that half of the points are calculated and not a quarter or a third where you can get a score of 3 or 3.5 but it is not possible to obtain a score of 3.75 or 3.25 The average is either the degree or only half.
Knowing that the result of the IELTS test is calculated based on the average of the results of the components or sections of the test, writing, reading, listening and speaking, as each of them is measured on 9 points as well, and then the average is calculated for them.
If the test result ends with .25, for example 3.25, for example, it is rounded to the lower degree, so it becomes 3. If the test result ends with .75, for example, 3.75, it is rounded to the highest degree, and it becomes 4.
As for the passing score, it starts from approximately 2, but it indicates that your level of English is weak and needs improvement. Also, the institutions’ acceptance of the test results differs. There are European universities that accept a score of 6.5, and there are universities and employers that accept a score of 4.5.
How long is the IELTS test valid for?
The test is valid and you can use it and apply for universities or jobs for two years from the date of taking the test.
Where the test result is sent approximately 13 days after its completion, and a detailed report is sent that contains the scores of each section of the test and the average final score as well.
What is the relationship between the European CEFR standard and the IELTS test?
The CEFR standard is a European scale or standard used to measure the level of a student or learner in the English language, and it starts from level A1 to C2, and IELTS test scores start from 0 to 9.
These scores express the CEFR levels as follows.
- A score of 0 to 4 expresses level A1 to level A2 and indicates that the person is a beginner in the language and has a weak level and that he has only some simple words and sentences and cannot have a full conversation in English or express himself better.
- Grade 4 to 5 expresses the B1 level and indicates the intermediate level in the language, the ability to use simple phrases and sentences, and speaking the language and exchanging it with others.
- A score of 5.5 to 6.5 reflects the B2 level, which is the upper intermediate level, and indicates the person’s proficiency in English and his ability to conduct a conversation with native speakers.
- From grade 7 to grade 9 indicates the level from C1 to C2, which is the advanced level, and indicates that the person is excellent in using the language and pronouncing it fluently.
Which IELTS test should I take and pass?..which is the right test for me?
There are several types of IELTS tests, you can choose the most suitable for you, as there is an academic test form for studying abroad.
There is also a general training model to prove language skills and is suitable for those who wish to move around the world, migrate and work in English-speaking countries.
The last form is for work or study in the United Kingdom, as it is for immigration visas to Britain, studying at a university there, or joining a job and living in it.
You must determine the purpose of taking the test based on these three models.
Therefore, you must confirm the test that you wish to participate in, by contacting the institution or university to which you are applying.
IELTS academic form test
The test measures the competence necessary to join the academic environment in higher education. It also reflects some of the characteristics of the academic language, in addition to assessing a person’s readiness to start education and study.
You can participate in the test if you want:
- Enrollment in an international university, either for undergraduate or postgraduate studies.
- The desire to obtain a fourth-class student visa, especially for British universities that sponsor the fourth level.
- Work in professional English-speaking international organizations.
IELTS General Training Test Form
The general training model measures English language skills in practical and social life as well, as the test reflects attitudes from the work environment and from social life as well.
You can participate in the test if you want:
- Obtaining training or attending studies below the academic and university level.
- Undertaking training or working in a job in an English-speaking foreign country.
- Obtaining a promotion in your work or a better job in the country you reside in, even if it is an Arabic-speaking one.
- Traveling and immigrating to an English-speaking foreign country.
IELTS test UKVI UK Visa and Immigration form
If you want to complete your studies or seek employment in the UK, you must take this test to obtain immigrant visas and prove that you have the required level of English.
This is when passing one of the safe language tests (SELT) approved by the British Home Office, such as the IELTS test for immigration and visas UKVI, which includes the academic form and the general training form as well, or the IELTS Life Skills test.
Is there a difference between the IELTS test and the UKVI IELTS test?
There is no difference between them in terms of test content, content, format, scores and level of difficulty, but the test report forms differ slightly.
Where it appears that you have taken the IELTS test for immigration and visas for the United Kingdom on an official site that is approved by the British Ministry of the Interior.
What are the ways to take the IELTS test (test types)?
You can take the test either on paper in one of the official centers in Egypt or electronically via the computer. In both cases, the test is the same and the content is the same, but the answer method differs, either written on paper or written on a computer.
Paper test
Through it, the three sections of the IELTS test are answered on paper, which are the writing, listening and reading section. As for the fourth section, which is the conversation, a day is set for it and a direct conversation is made face to face with the coach.
If you have any questions or requirements, it is preferable for you to take the paper-based test. The results of the test will be available 13 days after the date of the test.
Electronic test
The three sections, writing, listening and reading, are answered through the computer, and the test is conducted by official and accredited examination centers and agencies affiliated with the British Council.
As for the speaking test, it is face-to-face with the trainer, as this method is better and more effective in evaluating speaking skills.
When you take the electronic test via the computer, you have multiple options to determine the appropriate date for you to take the test, and you will receive its results within 4 or 5 days of the test date.
The online test is available in seven accredited centers in Egypt affiliated with the British Council.
How much is the IELTS test and what are the places to take the test?
The test is offered in 10 accredited centers in Egypt. You can also select the appropriate dates for you to take the test, and choose the type of test, whether it is paper or electronic, and in both cases it is in an official approved center.
Paper test centers:
- Safir Hotel in Dokki.
- Canadian International College in Sheikh Zayed.
- Canadian International College in Heliopolis.
- Mansoura College International School.
Electronic test centers:
- The British Council in Agouza.
- Canadian International College in Heliopolis.
- St. Fatima School in Nasr City.
- Canadian International College in Sheikh Zayed.
- Talal Abu Zayed Organization in the smart village.
How long is the IELTS test and what are its sections?
The test consists of four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and its duration is two hours and 45 minutes. It is divided into these four sections.
Typing test
The duration of the test is 60 minutes, and it is divided into two parts:
- Write a description of a chart or position of at least 150 words.
- Write an expressive essay on something of at least 250 words.
It is worth noting that these tasks are determined according to the test, so if it is an academic test that asks for a description of a chart, table, or graph, and the subject of the expression is related to a point of view on a matter.
But if the general training test is, a specific situation is presented and it is asked to describe it or to write inquiries or information about it. As for the topic of expression, it is also in response to a specific thing or point of view.
Reading test
It is 60 minutes long and consists of 40 questions. These questions include detailed reading, skimming, extracting ideas from the book, and understanding logical arguments.
Conversation test
Its duration will be from 10 to 15 minutes, and it will be as follows:
- A face-to-face interview with a trainer covering simple topics with one topic being discussed in detail.
- The first part consists of general questions such as introducing yourself, your studies, your interests, and your work. It lasts 4 to 5 minutes.
- The second part: – You are asked to talk about a specific topic, and you have a minute to prepare for it, then talk about it in two minutes, after that the trainer asks you two questions about the topic.
- In the third part, multiple questions are asked related to the topic you talked about and the duration is 4 to 5 minutes.
Listening test
Its duration is 30 minutes, in addition to 10 minutes to transfer the answers on paper, but when taking the electronic test, you do not need time to transfer the answers.
The answer is written using:-
- matching.
- the choice.
- Complete the sentences.
- Label the parts.
In this test, 4 recordings of English-speaking people are heard, and then a set of questions about these recordings are presented, which are answered in one of the ways we mentioned.
It is noteworthy that these recordings are conversations between people, whether at work or in daily life, or a person presenting a speech.
Through this article, we have provided you with the most important details about the IELTS test, to assess and measure the level of English language learning and proficiency. Share your opinion with us if you liked the article, we are pleased to have your comment with us.