The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s maximum famous high-stakes English language talent check for study, paintings and migration, with extra than 3 million assessments taken withinside the year. To make certain you rating properly withinside the exam, it’s vital to begin your IELTS guidance properly in time. It is a 3 hour check that evaluates you on all 4 language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

• There are two modules of IELTS:

• IELTS Academic – If you’re making plans to look at at undergraduate or postgraduate stage or be a part of an expert corporation in an English speaking country, IELTS Academic is for you.
• IELTS General Training – If you want to emigrate or train/look at the diploma stage, choose this module.

For each of the IELTS tests, the speaking and listening sections stay the same, however reading and writing sections are different. Some basic preparation for IELTS is given below:

1. Practice IELTS sample questions
2. Enhance your English language skills
3. Stay calm before the test day

On the day of your IELTS exam keep in mind these little pointers to stay calm during the test and give it your best shot:

• Ensure that you carry your relevant ID proofs. Carry the same identification document as used at the time of test application.
• Be attentive when the supervisor is giving instructions, ask again if you have any doubts.
• Try to attempt all questions as there is no negative marking.
• Do not take back the question paper or answer sheet with you.
• Seek your supervisor’s permission before leaving the room.

• IELTS test format:

There is no difference in the content, format or level of difficulty and scoring between IELTS General Training and Academic examination. The listening and speaking tests remain the same for both the versions. 

• IELTS Listening test (30 minutes)

You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes.

• Recording 1: You will listen to a dialogue placed in daily life and context.
• Recording 2: You will listen to a monologue about everyday life or social context. For instance, a talk on the condition of streets in an area.
• Recording 3: You will listen to a conversation between more than two people placed in a training or educational context. For instance, a teacher discussing an assignment with students.  
• Recording 4: You will listen to a monologue on any academic subject. For instance, a college lecture.

• IELTS Reading test (60 minutes)

The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on a layout of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers’ attitudes, opinions and intentions.

• The Reading test for Academic module consists of three long texts which can be descriptive, factual and analytical. The texts are taken from magazines, books, newspapers or journals and are apt for individuals who want to pursue university education or professional registration overseas.
• Excerpts in the Reading test for General Training module are taken from the newspaper, books, notices, company handbooks, advertisements and magazines. You need to read them well to answer the questions that follow.

• IELTS Writing test (60 minutes)

There are two different parts of the writing test.

IELTS Academic format for writing test:

• Task 1: There will be a table, chart, graph or diagram that you will have to describe, explain or summarise in your own words. You might also be asked to explain the data shown, and stages and working of a process.
• Task 2: You will have to write an essay as a response to an argument, problem or opinion.
• Make sure you respond to both tasks in formal style.

IELTS General format for writing test:

• Task 1:  You will have to write a letter to request information on, or explaining the given situation. You may choose to write it informally or formally.
• Task 2:  You will have to write an essay as a response to an argument, problem or opinion. You may choose to write it in an informal style.

• IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes)

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates  your spoken English skills. The test will be recorded & will be conducted in three parts.

• Part 1: You will be asked to question yourself and generic topics like family, home, work, interests and studies. This takes about 4-5 minutes.
• Part 2: You will be given a card with a topic written on it. You have to talk on this topic for about two minutes and will have a minute to prepare before you start speaking.
• Part 3:  The examiner will also ask a few related questions on the topic allotted.