What is the IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally recognized general and academic English test.
It is used to assess the language level of people wishing to study or work abroad in an English speaking environment.
IELTS for studying abroad
An IELTS certificate is recognized as proof of English proficiency by more than 10,000 universities and training organizations around the world. Obtaining a good test score is often necessary for applying to these international schools.
ELTS for studying or working
Most immigration authorities may require an English level certificate in order to issue different types of visas. IELTS is accepted for the following countries:
- Australia
- Canada
- New Zealand
- UK
Each country may require different scores depending on the type of visa requested and the profession exercised. If you want to move to one of these countries, then you will need to prepare for the IELTS test!
IELTS for working around the world
Obtaining an IELTS certificate is a definite asset on your resume.
As one of the most recognized English tests in the world, many employers and international associations now accept this certificate as proof of English language level.
This is particularly the case in health professions (pharmacists, nurses, doctors) but also in the fields of IT, engineering, accounting, law, etc.
The Academic IELTS or General IELTS test?
2 versions of the test exist:
The academic IELTS test is the most popular version. It is intended for students wishing to continue their studies at an international school, in the UK or in other countries. This version is also accepted by immigration services when a certain level of English is required.
The general IELTS test can also be used for immigration services but does not allow the candidates to prove their level of English at most schools, universities and training organizations.
The IELTS test
The test is divided into several parts to assess the candidate’s English level on the following skills:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Here is a summary of the test’s different components:
IELTS Component | Duration | Description |
Listening | 30 minutes | You will listen to everyday discussions in English (covering different topics: society, daily life, education, work, etc.). Most of the time, you will listen to individuals with British, Australian or American accents. You must then answer a series of 40 questions. |
Reading | 1 hour | You must read 3 texts of approximately 750-950 words and answer a series of 40 questions. These may be academic documents, historical texts, etc. |
Writing | 1 hour | You must produce two texts. The first one is a factual description of a diagram, graph, table or map in English (approximately 150 words). The second text is an argumentative essay in response to a question or statement (approximately 150 words). |
Speaking | 10-15 minutes | The test takes place face-to-face with an examiner. You will be asked to discuss the personal and professional aspects of your life. Likewise, you will be asked to discuss a specific topic on which you will have to express your opinion and justify your answers orally. |
Your IELTS score
The test is rated on a scale from 1 to 9.
The score displayed on your certificate corresponds to the average of the marks for each component of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
