International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of
English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by University of
Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia.
Candidates may choose either the Academic Module or the General Training
Module:
* The Academic Module is intended for those who wish to enroll in
universities and other institutions of higher education.
* The General Training Module is intended for those planning to undertake
non-academic training or to gain work experience, or for immigration
purposes.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand
and South African academic institutions, by an increasing number of academic
institutions in the USA, and by various professional organisations. It is
also a requirement for migration to Canada. IELTS characteristics
The IELTS incorporates the following features:
* A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in
order to minimise linguistic bias. The test focuses on "International
English", which includes British English, American English and other
varieties. But the TOEFL only concerns North American English. The results
are therefore considered more authoritative than TOEFL by some people and
organizations (especially the ones outside the United States).
* IELTS tests the ability to speak, read, listen and write in English.
* Two test formats can be chosen from - Academic and General Training.
* Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Speaking, Listening,
Reading and Writing). The Band Scale ranges from 1 ("Non User") to 9
("Expert User").
Band Scale
IELTS is scored on a nine band scale. Each Band corresponds to different
English competence. The Band Scores are in either whole or half Bands. The
nine bands are described as such:
9 Expert User
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and
fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional
unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur
in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional
inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations.
Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning. More about
IELTS Test Prep:
6 Competent User
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies,
inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex
language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most
situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle
basic communication in own field.
4 Limited User
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in
understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent User
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information
using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet
immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written
English.
1 Non User
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few
isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test
No assessable information provided. Candidate may fail to sit for test
Locations and test dates
There are around 300 test centres worldwide. The number of candidates has
grown from about 100,000 in 1999 to about half a million in 2003. The top
three locations in which candidates took the test in 2003 were Mainland
China, India and the United Kingdom for the Academic Category, and India,
Mainland China and Australia for the General Training Category.
There are up to 48 test dates available per year. Each test centre offers
tests up to four times a month depending on local demand.
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