The IELTS Exam Know Your Basic Details

If you’re living in the modern era, it is highly likely that you might have come across the following words: IELTS exam. You might have heard all sorts of scores from people, even decimal ones, people grumbling about the exam, the questions, level of toughness, etc. But is it really this tough? Here’s something about IELTS. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is nothing but a platform which tests and grades you based on your English language proficiency. That’s it!

It’s NO rocket science as you may have thought it to be. You’re now thinking of the question types, categories, etc. aren’t you? Don’t worry; we're here to give you more IELTS details!

The IELTS exam is your gateway to Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, United States, etc. if you aim to study, work or live in any of these countries.

Before proceeding, I would like to tell you that this write up is about the IELTS exam. There are a million sites on the web where you can find preparation material for IELTS practice, tips, strategies to get good scores, etc.  If you’re reading this, we’re probably on the same page. The IELTS is a systematized test which ascertains your English language proficiency as stated earlier if you want to work or study in a country where the common language of communication is English.

There are two categories in an IELTS Exam. IELTS – Academic & IELTS – General Training. You can feel free to choose the one best suited to your needs.

Go for the IELTS – Academic Exam if you want to enroll yourself in a university or a college program for undergraduate/postgraduate education.

Enroll for the IELTS – General Training Exam in case you intend to migrate to English – speaking countries to gain work experience, for immigration purposes, enroll in training programs, etc.

The grading is done on a scale of 0 – 9 bands, on the basis your ability to read, write, listen & speak. In addition to a final score, there are sectional scores as well. The exam lasts for a total of approximately 3 hours; however, the speaking module is held before/after the day of the IELTS exam. The other three modules are held on the same day.

But how are your IELTS Band Scores calculated?

  • If your average score ends with a.25, your overall score is rounded up to succeeding half band. For example, if you score a 7.25, you’re rounded off to 7.50
  • In case your score ends with a .75, you are rounded off to the next band. Say, you score a 6.75, you now get a 7.0
  • Free scores are good, aren’t they? But hey, then, there’s another possibility! If your average score ends with a .10, in this case, your score goes down! A score of 6.1 will now be rounded to 6.0

Okay, but what are the IELTS Score Parameters then?

Well, here we give you a few IELTS Scoring parameters based on which your IELTS scores are marked; in other words, it is how your performance is graded. The criteria differ with each task.

Task Achievement – As the name suggests, it grades you on the ways you cover the crucial points to meet requirements as stated in the task.

Task Response – Here, the grading is upon the types of responses we write for questions, particularly the essay question. It also judges you on the central premise of the essay and the way you develop it with suitable examples.

Fluency – As we’ve often heard, it refers to the length we can speak, to talk without a pause or hesitation and much self – correction.

Coherence & Cohesion – You’re also marked on your ability to link ideas and thoughts in a proper sequence. Well, that is nothing but Coherence. Cohesion refers to using suitable devices (connectors, pronouns, etc.) to link ideas logically.

Lexical Resource – Do you have a good knowledge of vocabulary? Can you apply them well? Well, if yes, you’re going to score here! Using a wide range of words, obviously with proper spellings, correct implementation of collocations, word formations, etc. are also marking criteria. Avoid using informal language or words which you don’t have much idea about.

Grammatical Range & Accuracy – This one is all about the formation of sentences. Proper grammar, use of tenses, correct punctuations, use of simple & complex statements, proper sentence structure, etc. come into play here.

Pronunciation – In the speaking task, intonation matters; the rise & fall of voice while speaking and the way you pronounce words are taken into account. Just make sure that the examiner well understands your accent.

Now that you know how the marking works, why don’t you start your IELTS preparation? IELTS exam practice is crucial as a proper idea of the types of questions, time limit, patterns, etc. could help you reach your dream score. It is essential that you access yourself regularly with IELTS Mock Tests.

But how to prepare for the IELTS exam? If you’re a busy person or hate going to cramped classes, you can start with Online Coaching; as you get dedicated attention from the tutor. To make each moment count, don’t forget to download the IELTS Tutorials Mobile App. This app is perhaps the best example of studying and preparing through technology. Make each moment count. Learn on the go with your mobile phone!

Author Bio:

KRINA PATEL- Project Manager at IELTSTutorials.online

Hi there! My team and I have researched a lot on IELTS, its process, and the test-takers' problems. On working to provide them with solutions, we have developed a comprehensive platform - IELTS Tutorials. Every of our product and services has been developed only after the micro observations and apt solutions. We provide the IELTS Test takers with Online coaching, mobile apps, test evaluations and other services. 

Our platform has and will keep helping the test-takers achieve their desired band score.

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