IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a proficiency test created by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. IELTS gauges essential skills for success in English-speaking environments. Widely acclaimed, it’s the go-to test for higher education and global migration. Whether pursuing studies, career growth, or settling in an English-speaking nation, IELTS opens doors. Recognized globally, its credibility extends to educational institutions, employers, professional bodies, and governments, especially in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. Trusted for over 30 years, IELTS sets the benchmark for English-language testing in 140+ countries—Timeline Academy by green vista immigration.
ALL ABOUT THE IELTS EXAM:
- About IELTS
- Difference Between IELTS General and Academic
- Modules of IELTS
- Student Testimonials
- Our Speciality
- IELTS Test Format
- Book a Free Consultation
Difference Between IELTS General and Academic
Figuring out the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) might seem confusing, and the initial choice you face is between the IELTS General Test and the IELTS Academic Test. If you’re eyeing admission to college or university, the academic exam is your path. The key contrast in the Writing and Reading tests lies in the topics. The IELTS General Test dives into everyday themes like newspapers, ads, and notices. It’s tailored for those planning to live and work in an English-speaking nation, focusing on their English skills in daily scenarios common to native English environments. It aims to gauge proficiency, confidence, and comfort in English communication. On the flip side, the IELTS Academic Test aligns with university studies and professional institutions, delving into topics like journals. Consequently, many students find the IELTS General Test somewhat more straightforward. The IELTS Academic Test is tailored for students eyeing higher education abroad, assessing their readiness to use English as a medium of study. So, the choice boils down to your educational journey and the English contexts you’re likely to encounter.
Modules
IELTS checks your skills in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, helping with university applications, visa needs, and professional goals. Doing well in IELTS can really boost your chances in education, work, and living abroad. There are two tests: the General Training Test and the Academic Test. They share Speaking and Listening sections but have different Reading and Writing content for specific areas. IELTS is great because it suits different needs, giving a thorough check of language skills for different goals.
- IELTS Listening Test: IELTS Listening is the initial segment of the IELTS examination, evaluating students’ English comprehension skills. In this section, candidates listen to a 30-minute recording and respond to 40 questions divided into four sections. The total test duration is 40 minutes, with an additional ten minutes for answer transfer. Question types encompass form, note, table, flowchart, summary completion, plan, map, diagram labelling, matching, multiple-choice, sentence completion, and short-answer questions. Scores are based on correct answers, without penalty for incorrect responses. Responses are limited to three words or numbers, occasionally requiring two or one-word answers. The listening material, drawn from various contexts, features diverse English accents and dialects, adding a layer of complexity for students. The recordings cover social needs, educational training, and academic subjects, each with distinct speaker contexts.
- IELTS Reading Test: In the IELTS Reading section, which is the second part of the test, students are allotted 60 minutes to complete all sections. The General Reading module consists of 5 passages, with 3 main passages and 2 parts in section 2. The texts are authentic excerpts from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, covering diverse subjects like technology, science research, medicine, agriculture, and past research topics. Both Academic and General Reading feature 40 questions of various types, such as Matching Heading, True/False/Not Given, Matching Paragraph Information, Summary Completion, Sentence Completion, Multiple Choice, Table Completion, and Flow Chart Completion. General Reading is generally perceived as easier than the Academic module, and the passages cover topics like advertisements, gym openings, clubs, and supermarkets.
- IELTS Writing Test: In the IELTS examination, the Writing module, the third section, spans 60 minutes and comprises two tasks, namely Task 1 and Task 2. While Task 1 involves composing a minimum of 150 words across four structured paragraphs, Task 2 delves into a more extensive formal essay, requiring around 250 words and comprising four to five paragraphs. Notably, Task 1 contributes approximately 33% to the total writing marks, whereas Task 2 holds a more substantial 67%. Both tasks are meticulously assessed based on criteria such as task achievement (25%), coherence and cohesion (25%), vocabulary (25%), and grammar (25%). Effectively navigating these tasks is pivotal for success in the IELTS Writing module.
- IELTS Speaking Test: IELTS Speaking is the fourth segment, scheduled within seven days before or after the Reading, Listening, and Writing modules. It lasts 11 to 14 minutes featuring three distinct parts. The format remains consistent for all test-takers. During the speaking test, candidates engage in a dialogue with a certified examiner, with the entire interaction recorded. The initial segment involves questions about personal interests, family, city, preferences, dislikes, profession, and educational background, demanding responses of 3-4 lines. The second segment presents a monologue topic, granting the student 1 minute for preparation and requiring them to speak for 2 minutes on experiences such as past events, visits, or occasions. The third part involves cross-questioning and follow-up inquiries tailored to a cue card, demanding detailed responses similar to the first part.
Our Speciality
Green Vista Immigration, the best IELTS institute in Punjab, is dedicated to your success. Discover our unwavering commitment to excellence, where we assist and support you in reaching your language proficiency objectives.
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- IELTS Test Format
IELTS Test Format
If you’re looking for the best IELTS institute in Chandigarh, consider Green Vista Immigration. The IELTS Academic test offers flexibility with both in-person and online options, while the IELTS General Training test is only done at physical test centres. Even though the tests serve different purposes, the format stays the same, making sure the evaluation is consistent, whether done at a regular test centre or online.
Test Section | Listening | Reading | Writing | Speaking |
Skills Tested | Listening skills, understanding main ideas and specific information | Reading skills, including main ideas, detail, inferences, opinions | Writing skills, responding appropriately, organising ideas | Speaking skills, communication, topic discussion |
Format | 4 recordings, answer questions | 3 passages, answer questions | Academic: Task 1 – Describe/summarise/explain. Task 2 – Write an essay. General Training: Task 1 – Write a letter. Task 2 – Write an essay. | Part 1: General questions. Part 2: Talk about a topic. Part 3: Discuss related questions. |
Duration | ~30 minutes | ~60 minutes | 60 minutes (Task 1: 20 min, Task 2: 40 min) | 11–14 minutes |
Number of Parts | 4 | 3 (Academic) / 2 (General Training) | 2 | 3 (Introduction, Long turn, Discussion) |
Number of Questions | 40 | 40 (Academic) / 40 (General Training) | NA | NA |
Task Types | Multiple choice, matching, labelling, completion, short answer | Fill gaps, match headings, complete sentences, and short answers | Academic: Task 1 – Describe/summarise/explain. Task 2 – Write an essay. General Training: Task 1 – Write a letter. Task 2 – Write an essay. | NA |
Marks | Each correct answer is 1 mark. Scores out of 40 and 9-band scale. | Each correct answer is 1 mark. Scores out of 40 and 9-band scale. | Task 2 is worth twice as Task 1. Scores are in bands. | Assessed on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. Scores are in bands. |