IELTS – What’s the brouhaha?

Let’s get this straight. IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a simple test – keyword being simple – to test the language ability of those who want to study / work where English is used as a primary language of communication. 

IELTS is not to be confused with the challenging levels of CET, CAT, JEE, etc. exams. 

The purpose of IELTS is quite simple. The country where you may live for graduation / post-graduation studies want to be sure that you have the English language speaking, writing, reading and understanding abilities. They are not expecting you to be an English literature genius – remember this while you prepare and appear for your IELTS test. 

So then, let’s get down to brass tracks. The test is on 4 parameters: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The test duration is three hours; 40 mins. are allocated for listening, followed by one hour each for reading & writing, concluding with speaking for the remaining 20 mins. Cumulative score or band of 6.5+ is acceptable in most countries. 

Different people have different types of difficulty. For some reading is challenging, and for some writing or speaking is. Listening is considered to be easiest part of the test by most people. So how to figure out your strengths and weaknesses, and how to ensure you achieve a band of 6.5 or higher? 

The answer is simple – practice. 

Read aloud from a newspaper or a book – this would cover aspects of reading and speaking. Listen to the news anchor on an international news channel or an audio-book attentively. Take a book – any book – and write 300+ words of what’s written in it. 

These practice methods are a great starting point to get you comfortable and internalize the aspects of IELTS test. And do you think any of them are as intimidating as many misconceive to be? 

Of course, you may want to consider enrolling in IELTS classes to further your chances of achieving band of 6.5 or higher. 

Good luck for your IELTS and for your overseas education aspirations.