IELTS Overview
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Full Form
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
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Year Started
1980 AD
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Score / Grade Range
0 to 9 at increment of 0.5 band multiple.
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Test Score/Grade Validity
2 Years
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Total Test Duration
2 hours 45 minutes.
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Annual number of test takers
Over 3 million in 2017.
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Test official authorities
British Council and IDP
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Countries / Regions
More than 1,200 test centres in over 140 countries.
How many types of IELTS tests are there?
There are two types of IELTS Test namely:
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IELTS Academic
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IELTS General Training.
IELTS test is mainly of two types: Academic and General Training. The Test consists of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
In both tests Listening & speaking are same whereas there is a slight variation on Reading and Writing for Academic and General Training IELTS Test according to 2018 Exam pattern.
IELTS Preparation Classes available in Kathmandu
If you are planning to take IELTS Test then do Visit us we have a special offer for you. The Next Education Consultancy Nepal Kausaltar, Bhaktapur, Nepal
Introduction to IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Initially started in the Year 1980 AD officially, there are more than 1,200 test centers in over 140 countries.
IELTS test scores are validated by thousands of Academic institutions (Universities & Colleges) and workplaces as an Expertise in English Proficiency.
The IELTS test is currently hosted by British Council and IDP in Nepal and around the globe.
The Test scores do not denote pass or fail straightly. Every institution and offices have different requirements for IELTS score.
The test compares the ability of the English Language over 4 base areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each skill has their individual scores and a final overall score calculated between 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest.
IELTS Score Scale
Expert user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
Very good user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
Good user
The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
Competent user
The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Modest user
The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
Limited user
The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
Extremely limited user
The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
Intermittent user
The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Non-user
The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
Did not attempt the test
The test taker did not answer the questions.
IELTS Syllabus
The IELTS exam has two categories:
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IELTS Academic Exam
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IELTS General Exam
The candidate can choose between one of these tests depending on the requirement (to study overseas/migrate/work).
| Section |
IELTS Syllabus – Description |
No. of Questions | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Listening Syllabus |
This section consists of four recorded monologues and dialogues. |
40 | 30+10mins |
| IELTS Reading Syllabus |
This section contains three long passages, and tasks are assigned to each passage. The texts under the reading section are descriptive, factual, discursive and analytical. It also includes non-verbal content like diagrams and graphs. These texts are taken from books, journals and newspapers. |
40 | 60mins |
| IELTS Writing Syllabus |
This section consists of two tasks. The first task is a summarisation/explanation of the given table, graph or diagram in at least 150 words. The second task is writing an essay of at least 250 words. |
2 | 60mins |
| IELTS Speaking Syllabus |
This session is a face-to-face interview that includes brief questions and talking in detail about a particular topic. |
3 | 11-14mins |
How long does it take to get the IELTS Test Scores?
The IELTS test score result is published online within 13 days and the hard copy is issued after 17 days from your LRW test.
How Much does it cost to book an IELTS test date?
It takes Rs. 21,500 to book an IELTS test date.
How do I book an IELTS Date in Nepal?
You can book your IELTS date from the consultancy you are trying to apply. If you don’t want to book your IELTS date from a consultancy, you can either book the test from IDP or British Council Nepal.
From the consultancy
It’s the easier option of the two options available. All you have to do is get the consultancy and request register the dates for your test. The rest is taken care by the consultancy itself.
From IDP or British Council
Follow the following steps to book your IELTS date from IDP or British Council :
- Go to either IDP or British council’s website and navigate to the IELTS form (Click here for IDP and here for British council)
- IDP ILTS and British Council
- Fill the form upPay the required amount Rs. 21,500 in the concerned bank and collect the slip(Standard Chartered Bank for British council)
- Take the slip to IDP or British council with a photocopy of an identification card (Passport or Citizenship certificate)
Can I change my IELTS Date after I book the date?
Yes, you can change your IELTS date but you need to request for cancellation or postponement 5 weeks prior to the test.
For cancellation
To cancel the IELTS date, you need to fill the refund or date transfer form and send it to the institution from where you have applied for the IELTS date (IDP or British council) at the latest five weeks before the date of your written test.
From IDP or British Council
To postpone the IELTS date, you need to fill the refund or date transfer form and send it to the institution from where you have applied for the IELTS date (IDP or British council) at the latest five weeks before the date of your written test.
- Download the form for IDP Nepal from here.
- Download the form for British Council Nepal.
What are things allowed and not allowed during Test?
Calculator and stuff.
Literally, nothing is allowed during the test. Everything you need is provided by the test center itself. There is a thorough check done before you enter the examination hall. If you have anything with you such as wallet, bike keys, phone, etc, they will be kept in the examination center with a tag on them so you can pick them up once the examination is done.
How long is IELTS test Score Valid?
IELTS test score is valid for 2 years.