The ability to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has an extensive array of benefits.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is drafted to support one to work, study or migrate to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. where English is the native language. The test assesses one’s ability to listen, read, write and speak in English and is graded on a scale of 1-9.

IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally acknowledged by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.

The IELTS test comprises of four papers: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking and Listening tests are the same in both modules, but the Reading and Writing tests are different.

There are two different IELTS modules: Academic and General Training. The Academic module is to be chosen if you wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or if you are seeking professional registration. The General Training module is to be chosen if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country or if you wish to train or study at below degree level.

Paper No of questions/ tasks/ parts Time
Listening 40 questions Approximately 30 minutes
Reading 40 questions 60 minutes
Writing 2 tasks 60 minutes
Speaking 3 parts 11–14 minutes

A score is given for each test component and the individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score.

Band score Proficiency
9 Expert user
8 Very good user
7 Good user
6 Competent user
5 Modest user
4 Limited user
3 Extremely limited user
2 Intermittent user
1 Non-user
0 Did not attempt the test

Tips to Improve Your IELTS Score:

1. Understand The Assessment Criteria: IELTS has a unique format, so it is recommended to familiarise yourself with the details beforehand. Find answers to a few FAQs like How long is the test?, What’s the format?, What skills will be tested?, What types of questions will be asked?, What skills do you need to answer the questions?, Will you have extra time to transfer your answers?

2. Focus on Your Grammar: The application of accurate grammar is extremely important to aptly convey it to the reader or the listener. Hence, the clarification of grammar is critical to communicate a clear message or idea to the examiner and increasing your chances to get an improved score in your IELTS exam. The incorporation of error-free grammar will boost your confidence while writing and speaking making it easier to improve your IELTS score.

3. Enhance Your Listening and Speaking Skills: Listening is an important aspect of the test. Regular daily practice will help improve your listening skills. An excellent way to attain the goal easily and effectively is appropriate utilization of online mediums. You can listen to the English news every morning, prepare a script as you listen to the news, and analyze it later.

4. Refine Your Reading: You are supposed to be a fluent and accurate reader to impress your IELTS examiner and secure a good score. Indulging into a daily reading session will help you strengthen your reading skills. Mastering basic reading techniques like skimming, scanning will really help.

5. Upgrade Your Vocabulary: Your usage of words matters the most irrespective of the task you are undergoing. The more words you expose yourself to, the better will be your vocabulary. Using suitable words to exhibit your ideas is requisite to strike the examiner and achieve a good score.

6. Take Assistance from Experts: Needless to say, a generous source of material and guidance is available on the internet to prepare for your IELTS exam. However, this material and guidance are sometimes insufficient when there’s a time constraint. Joining an IELTS coaching from a reputed organization like Edwise International can prove to be a judicious call. Our knowledge and expertise can be a huge help for you to accomplish worthwhile IELTS preparation in a limited time.

7. Practice until Perfect: The more time you devote towards practice, the higher will be the possibility of securing an appreciable score in your IELTS Test. Spending at least four hours a day can make a big difference. Inculcate the habit of listening to a variety of English language resources, to get exposed to new vocabulary and different accents.

Edwise offers comprehensive IELTS training services to students looking to give the exam. For further assistance or queries related to Study in Australia, Study in Ireland, Study in the UK, Studyin the USA, etc you can contact us, Edwise International, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations.