ielts candidate information booklet

8/7/2019 IELTS candidate information booklet

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IELTS~Information for candidates

www.ielts.org BRITISH ... id UUNIVERSITY (CAMBRIDGE
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The test that opens doors around the worldIELTS, the International English Language TestingSystem, is designed to assess the language abilityof candidates who want to study or work whereEnglish is the language of communication.IELTSis recognised by over 6,000 organisationsworldwide, including universities, employers,professional bodies, immigration authoritiesand other government agencies. For a list oforganisations that accept IELTSscores, visithttp://bandscore.ielts.orgAccessible and convenientIELTSisoffered up to four times a month inmorethan 125 countries. Testsare usuallyon Saturdays orThursdays. Tofind out test dates inyour area, pleasecontact your nearest IELTStest centre. A list of alilELTStest centres worldwide is available atwww.ielts.orgThe international testIELTSis internationally focused in its content. Forexample, a range of native-speaker accents (NorthAmerican, Australian, New Zealand, and British) isused in the Listening test, and all standard varietiesof English are accepted in candidates' responses inall parts of the test.The test that's tried and trustedIELTShas been developed by some of the world'sleading experts in language assessment, and issupported by an extensive programme of research,validation and test development.T h e l e v e l o f t h e t e s tIELTSis designed to assess English language skillsat all levels.There is no such thing as a pass or fail in IELTS.Results are reported as band scores on a scalefrom 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).

The IELTS Band Score Scale9 Expert user8 Very good user7 Good user6 Competent user5 Modest user4 Limited user3 Extremely limited user2 Intermittent user1 Non user

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Preparing to take IELTSMake sure you are readyIt's important to familiarise yourself with the formatof the test as outlined in this booklet. Furtherinformation on the content of the test can be foundat www.ielts.orglteachers.aspxYou may find it helpful to do a practice test. OfficialIELTSPractice Materials may be purchased fromtest centres or online at www.ielts.orglcandidates.aspx These materials include a full practice testwith answers, and sample Writing and Speakingperformances with examiner comments.More samples of IELTStest material and informationabout the test are available from the followingwebsites:www.ielts.orgwww.britishcouncil.orgllearning-ielts.htmwww.cambridgeesol.orglexamslacademic-eng/ishlielts.htmlwww.idp.comlexaminations/ieltslabout_the_test.aspxwww.ieltsusa.org

Youdon't have to attend a preparation course,but many candidates find that doing so helpsthem improve their performance. If you would likeassistance with test preparation, IELTScentres andlanguage schools around the world offer IELTSpreparation courses.Know the IELTS rules and regulationsIt's important to familiarise yourself with the IELTSrules and regulations. These are laid out in theNotice to Candidates which is included with theapplication form. When you sign the applicationform declaration, you are confirming that youhave read and understood the IELTSrules andregulations and agree to abide by them.Register as soon as possibleWhen you feel you are ready to take the test, youneed to register with your nearest IELTScentre.Contact the centre as soon as possible, as thenumber of candidates who can take the test on aparticular date may be limited. Youwill need to paythe test fee when you register.
http://bandscore.ielts.org/http://www.ielts.org/http://www.ielts.orglteachers.aspx/http://www.ielts.orglcandidates./http://www.ielts.org/http://www.britishcouncil.orgllearning-ielts.htm/http://www.cambridgeesol.orglexamslacademic-eng/ishlhttp://www.idp.comlexaminations/ieltslabout_the_test.aspxhttp://www.ieltsusa.org/http://www.ieltsusa.org/http://www.idp.comlexaminations/ieltslabout_the_test.aspxhttp://www.cambridgeesol.orglexamslacademic-eng/ishlhttp://www.britishcouncil.orgllearning-ielts.htm/http://www.ielts.org/http://www.ielts.orglcandidates./http://www.ielts.orglteachers.aspx/http://www.ielts.org/http://bandscore.ielts.org/


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Test resultsThe TestReport FormYouwill receive a Test Report Form which reports ascore for each of the four skills (listening, reading,writing and speaking), as well as an overall bandscore. Half band scores may be awarded to indicatea strong performance within a particular band.You can find more information on score processingand score interpretation at www.ielts.org/researchers/score_processing_and_reporting.aspx

Results are issued 13 days after the test. At sometest centres candidates may collect their resultson the 13th day; at others, results are mailed onthe 13th day. Test centres are not permitted to giveresults over the phone or by fax or email.Youwill receive only one copy of the TestReportForm. It's important that you keep itsafe asreplacement TestReport Forms cannot be issued.Test centres will send copies of the Test Report Formto up to five recognising organisations free of charge.TestReport Form validityRecognising organisations will not usually accepta Test Report Form that is more than two years oldunless you provide evidence that you have activelymaintained or tried to improve your English sincetaking the test. The IELTSTest Partners cannotconfirm the validity of test results that are more thantwo years old.

Test formatThere are two modules to choose from _ Academicand General Training.

The Academic module is for candidateswishing to study at undergraduate orpostgraduate levels, and for those seekingprofessional registration

The General Training module is forcandidates wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, NewZealand, UK), and for those wishing to trainor study at below degree level

Each recognising organisation sets its own entryrequirements. In some cases both modules may beaccepted. If you are in doubt as to which moduleto take, you should contact the organisation you areapplying to in order to check their requirements.Both modules cover all four language skills _listening, reading, writing and speaking. Everyonetakes the same Listening and Speaking tests. Thereare different Reading and Writing tests for theAcademic and General Training modules.The Listening, Reading and Writing tests must becompleted on the same day. There are no breaksbetween the three written tests. The Speaking testmay be taken up to seven days before or after theother three tests.

Listening

Speaking
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The test components

Timing: Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes' transfer time)

Questions: There are 40 questionsA variety of question types is used, chosen from the following: multiplechoice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form completion, notecompletion, table completion, flow-chart completion, summary completion,sentence completion, short-answer questions

Test Parts: There are 4 sectionsSection 1 isa conversation between two people set in an everyday socialcontext (e.g. a conversation in an accommodation agency)Section 2 isa monologue set in an everyday social context (e.g. a speechabout local facil it ies or a talk about the arrangements for meals dur ing aconference)Section 3 is a conversation between up to four people set in an educationalor training context (e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing anassignment, or a group of students planning a research project)Section 4 isa monologue on an academic subject (e.g. a univers itylecture)Each sect ion is heard once onlyA variety of voices and native-speaker accents is used

Skills assessed: A wide range of listening skills is assessed, includingunderstanding of main ideas and specific factual information; recognisingopinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker; and following thedevelopment of an argument

Marking: Each correct answer receives 1 markScores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS9-band scaleScores are reported inwhole and half bands

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Academic Readingexample task

Timing: 60 minutes (no extra transfer time)

Questions: There are 40 questionsA variety of question types is used, chosen from the following: multiplechoice, identifying information (True/False/Not Given), identifying writer'sviews/claims (Yes/No/Not Given), matching information, matchingheadings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentencecompletion, summary completion, note completion, table completion, flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, short-answer questions

Test Parts: There are 3 sectionsThe total text length is 2,150-2,750 wordsAcademic ReadingEach section contains one long text. Texts are authentic and are takenfrom books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have beenwritten for a non-specialist audience and are on academic topics ofgeneral interest. Texts are appropriate to, and accessible to, candidatesentering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professionalregistration. Texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursiveand analytical. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams,graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simpleglossary is providedGeneral Training ReadingSection 1contains two or three short factual texts, one of which maybe composite (consisting of 6-8 short texts related by topic, e.g. hoteladvertisements). Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-speakingcountrySection 2 contains two short factual texts focusing on work-related issues(e.g. applying for jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplacefacilities, staff development and training)Section 3 contains one longer, more complex text on a topic of generalinterestTexts are authentic and are taken from notices, advertisements, companyhandbooks, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers


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Writing )--------===~ )Timing: 60 minutesTasks: There are 2 tasksCandidates are required to write at least 150words for Task 1 and at least250 words for Task2

Test Parts: There are 2 partsAcademic WritingInTask 1, candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagramand are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in theirown words. They may be asked to descr ibe and explain data, descr ibethe stages of a process, how something works or describe an object oreventInTask2, candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a point ofview, argument or problemThe issues raised are of general interest to, suitable for and easilyunderstood by candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduatestudies or seeking professional registrationResponses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be writ ten in a formal styleGeneral Training WritingInTask 1, candidates are presented with a si tuation and are asked to writea letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter maybe personal, semi-formal or formal in styleInTask2, candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a pointof view, argument or problem. The essay can be slight ly more personal instyle than the Academic Writing Task2 essayTopics are of general interest

Skills assessed: In both tasks, candidates are assessed on their ability towrite a response which is appropriate interms of content, the organisation ofideas, and the accuracy and range of vocabulary and grammarAcademic WritingInTask 1,depending on the task type, candidates are assessed on theirability to organise, present and possibly compare data; to describe thestages of a process or procedure; to descr ibe an object or event orsequence of events; to explain how something worksInTask 2, depending on the task type, candidates are assessed on theirability to present a solution to a problem; to present and justify an opinion;to compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications; to evaluateand challenge ideas, evidence or an argumentGeneral Training WritingInTask 1,depending on the task type, candidates are assessed ontheir abi lity to engage in personal correspondence in order to: el ici t andprovide general factual information; express needs, wants, l ikes anddislikes; express opinions (views, complaints etc.)In Task 2, candidates are assessed on their ability to provide generalfactual information; to outline a problem and present a solution; to presentand possibly justify an opinion; to evaluate and challengeideas, evidence or an argument

Marking: Candidates are assessed on their performance on each taskby certificated IELTSexaminers according to the four criteria of the IELTSWriting Test Band Descriptors (task achievement/response, coherenceand cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy). Thepublic vers ion of the band descriptors can be found at www.ielts.org/researchers/score_processing_and_reporting.aspxTask 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing scoreScores are reported inwhole and half bands ~ ~ - - !

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Timing: 11-14 minutes

Tasks: The Speaking test is a 3-part face-to-face oral interv iew with anexaminerThe Speaking test is recorded

Test Parts: There are 3 partsPart 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes)The examiner introduces him/herself and asks the candidate to introducehim/herself and confirm his/her identity. The examiner asks the candidategeneral questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies andinterestsPart 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes)The examiner gives the candidate a task card which asks the candidate totalk about a particular topic and which includes points which the candidatecan cover in their talk. The candidate is given 1 minute to prepare their ta lk,and is given a penci l and paper to make notes. The candidate talks for 1-2minutes on the topic. The examiner then asks the candidate one or twoquestions on the same topicPart 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes)The examiner asks further quest ions which are connected to the topic ofPart 2. These questions give the candidate an opportunity to discuss moreabstract issues and ideas

Skills assessed: A wide range of speaking skills is assessed, includingthe ability to communicate opinions and information on everydaytopics and common experiences and situations by answering a rangeof questions; the abi li ty to speak at length on a given topic usingappropriate language and organising ideas coherently; and the abilityto express and justify opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculateabout issues

Marking: Candidates are assessed on their performance throughout thetest by certificated IELTSexaminers according to the four criteria of theIELTSSpeaking Test Band Descriptors (fluency and coherence, lexicalresource, grammatical range and accuracy, pronunciation). The publicversion of the band descriptors can be found at www.ielts.org/researchers/score_processing_and_reporting.aspxScores are reported in whole and half bands

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The test components - additional guidanceListening

Each recording in the Listening test is heardonce only.You will be given time to read through thequestions before you listen.As you listen, write your answers on the questionpaper. At the end of the test, you will have 10minutes to transfer your answers to the answersheet. It is essential that you transfer youranswers to the answer sheet as nothing youwrite on the question paper will be marked.Youmust write your answers in pencil.An example of a completed Listening answersheet is given on the next page.'Completion' question types (e.g. notecompletion):

Pay attention to the word limit. For example,if you are asked to complete a sentenceusing NO MORETHAN TWOWORDS,andthe correct answer is 'leather coat', theanswer 'coat made of leather' would beincorrect.Transfer only the missing word(s) to theanswer sheet. For example, if you haveto complete the note 'in the ... " and thecorrect answer is 'morning', the answer 'inthe morning' would be incorrect.You will hear the word(s) you need to use inthe recording. You will not need to changethe form of the word you hear.Pay attention to spelling and grammar: youwill lose marks for mistakes.You may write your answers in lower case orin capitals.

ReadingYoumay write your answers directly on theanswer sheet or you may write them on thequestion paper and transfer them to the answersheet before the end of the test. Youwill not begiven extra time to transfer answers at the endof the test. Nothing you write on the questionpaper will be marked.Youmust write your answers in pencil.An example of a completed Reading answersheet is given on the next page.'Completion' question types (e.g. notecompletion):

The same rules apply to 'completion'question types as in Listening (see above).The word(s) you use must be taken from theReading text. Youmust not change the formof the word(s) in the text.

WritingYou may write your answers in pencil or pen.Pay attention to the number of words requiredfor each task. Youwill lose marks if you do notwrite at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least250 words for Task 2.You should spend approximately 20 minutes onTask 1 and approximately 40 minutes on Task 2.You must write your answers in full; answerswritten in note form or in bullet points will losemarks.Payattention to spelling, grammar andpunctuation; you will lose marks for mistakes.You may write your answers entirely in capitals ifyou wish.You may make notes on the question paper butnothing you write on the question paper will bemarked.

Re-taking IELTSThere are no restrictions on re-taking IELTS.If youdo not get the result you wanted, you can registerfor another test as soon as you feel you are readyto do so. Please note that your score is unlikely toincrease unless you make a significant effort toimprove your English before re-taking the test.Enquiries on ResultsIf you are unhappy with your test result, you canapply for a re-mark (Enquiry on Results) at thecentre where you took the test. Youmust make theapplication no later than six weeks after the testdate. You can choose which test components arere-marked. There is a fee for this service whichwill be refunded if your score on any componentis increased. Enquiries on Results take six to eightweeks to complete.Special RequirementsIn order to ensure that the language ability of allcandidates is assessed fairly and objectively, IELTSprovides a comprehensive service for candidates whohavespecial requirements, including specific learningdifficulties, hearing difficulties and visual difficulties.If you require a modified version of the test, forexample in Braille, you must give the test centrethree months' notice. This notice period is necessaryfor the modified test version to be prepared. If yourcircumstances require only special administrativearrangements to be made, such as extra time, youmust give the test centre six weeks' notice. Pleasecontact your test centre to discuss your requirements.


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ielts candidate information booklet

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