IELTS

IELTS is jointly managed by three institutions- British Council, IDP: IELTS, Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Exami­nations (Cambridge ESOL). IELTS was previously termed as English Proficiency Test Battery (EPTB) in the 1960s and used primar­ily for screening interna­tional applicants to the UK's educational institutions by the British Council. IELTS was influ­enced by the growth in 'communica­tive' language learning and 'English for specific purposes'. The 1989 format introduced the candi­dates to two non-specialized modules, Listening and Speaking, and two specialized modules, Reading and Writing. While the non-specialized modules tested general English, the specialized ones assessed the candidate's skill in three discipline fields namely Physical Science, Technology; Life & Medical Sciences and Business Studies & Social Sciences (Module A, B & C respective­ly). In 1995, the field-specific modules A, B and C were replaced with one Aca­demic Reading Module and one Aca­demic Writing Module. Measures were taken to gather data on test performance and candidate background to factor the issue of fairness. In 2001, the revised IELTS Speaking test was introduced and in 2005, new assessment criteria for the Writing Test were made operational. In 2005, computerized version of IELTS was also introduced.

* Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale and the band score boundaries are set so that all candidates' results relate to the same scale of achievement

Taking the IELTS

Step One is to opt for one of these for­mats: the Academic module or the Gen­eral Training module. While the Academic module is for candidates willing to get admission to study or train in English at a UG or PG level in an educational institute; the latter is suitable for candidates who wish to undertake work experience/ training programs, or for immigra­tion requirements (primarily to Aus­tralia, Canada and New Zealand). This format is also for those who plan to complete their secondary education in an English-speaking country. The test is either a paper-based or computer-based (CB IELTS).

Both IELTS formats are made up of four compulsory sections - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The dif­ference is in academic text for reading/ writing in the Academic Module while test material is based on training for the second module. The Reading section assesses the test taker's skill in reading as s/he answers the questions (multiple choice, sentence completion, summary writing, matching information, short-answers etc.) after reading one long text in each of the sections. The texts are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers on academic topics of general interest which may also have non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. The Listening section has four sub-sections. The first one is a conversation between two peo­ple set in an everyday social context. Second is a monologue or a speech. Third section is a conversation between up to four people set in an academic setting and the final one is a monologue on an academic subject, for instance an academic lecture. Each section is heard only once.

The speaking test which is recorded consists of three parts that simulate a face-to-face oral interview with an examiner. The first part is Introduc­tion and interview wherein the exam­iner introduces him/herself and asks the candidate a few questions on familiar topics like home, family, work, studies and interests. Part two is the Individual's turn that asks the candidate to talk about a particular topic. The test-takers are given 1 minute to prepare their talk, and are allowed to make notes. They are then asked to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic and also respond to one or two questions. Part-3 is known as Two-way discussion where the candidates are asked further questions that are con­nected to the topic in Part 2. These ques­tions present an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

The writing section has two tasks. Task 1: Look at any data, graph, chart or diagram and describe, summarize or explain the implied meaning or informa­tion in their own words. Task 2: Write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both must be written in a formal style.

Assessing the test and test scores

IELTS uses a unique nine-point scor­ing system to measure and report test scores. You get a score for each language skill or sub-tests (listening, reading, writing & speaking) and an overall band score (OBS) on a band scale from one to nine. These scores are reported in whole or half bands. Each of the sub-test scores is equally weighted and the OBS is cal­culated by taking the mean of total of the four individual sub-test scores.

According to IELTS administrators, the test is advantageous for candidates because it is fair and unbiased. This is due to international teams of writers contributing to test materials and ongo­ing research. The test writers from dif­ferent English-speaking countries, who develop IELTS content, also add to the real-life situations that exist in different countries.

How to improve your IELTS score

IELTS makes a holistic assessment of a person's ability to understand and use the language. This covers four language skills - listening, reading, writing and speaking. It is the only test of this type which has a face-to-face speaking test, which enables test-takers to show their skills in real-life interactions.

Say 'No' to learning by rote

Often there are perfect bits of writing, which test-takers have memorised, and very incorrect bits which are clearly the test-takers' true level, making it very obvious to the examiner. This is a serious mistake that can backfire because examiners are trained to look for memorised essays or scripts. When an individual memorises chunks of language without a context, there is very little flexibility to fit new or unfamiliar situations.

Read and listen to English as much as you can as this will also help with the skills of writing and speaking.

Tips for Listening and Reading:

1.  Read questions carefully first, underline keywords and then answers.
2.  While listening, make a note of answers on the question paper.
3.  Read, write, listen at the same time.
4.  Watch out for the speaker giving you an answer, then correcting himself.
5.  If you think the topic is difficult or the speaker is too fast, relax and tune in.

Tips for Writing

1.  Highlight or circle all the keywords in the questions.
2.  Plan your answer before you write.
3.  Stick to the topic.
4.  One paragraph = one idea.
5.  Make sure you write at least the minimum number of words required.
6.  Make sure there is time to check spelling, punctuation and grammar .

Tips for Speaking

1.  Try to relax, listen carefully to the examiner's questions & instructions.
2.  Give full answers to the questions.
3.  Aim to speak more than the examiner.
4.  Use prep time to plan your talk.
5.  Before the test, practise speaking for full two minutes and try to use all of this time in your turn. This will be quite beneficial for you.

Ground Rules

1. Spelling is important.
2. Use of informal language, abbreviations and slang is not acceptable.
3. Don't leave blank answers - you do not lose marks for wrong answers, but you will if you do not try at all.
4. Whatever happens, don't panic. Keep calm and do your best.

Common mistakes by students on IELTS

1. Focusing only on the test rather than improving English skills.
2. Not answering all parts of the question in speaking and writing parts.
3. Preparing by rote method
4. Not managing time well