IELTS GENERAL
KNOW ABOUT YOUR IELTS GENERAL TRAINING BASICS
1. Overview of the IELTS Test:- The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most widely accepted and trusted tests of English language proficiency. It has been conducted since 1980. It is administered by the British Council (England), IDP Education (Australia) and Cambridge English Language assessment (England). This test is almost conducted in every progressive nation. It is recognized all over the world for undergraduate and postgraduate courses, especially in the English speaking nations. It has four different sections i.e. Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Generally speaking, it is conducted before examination or later whereas reading, listening, and writing are conducted on the same day. The university applicants take the IELTS Academic test whereas those who wish to work abroad opt for the IELTS General Training module of IELTS. Both of these types of tests only differ in writing as well reading, the rest of the two modules almost remain the same. The test can be filled online or offline from any authorized center of the British Council or IDP. There is no difference between these agencies in conducting the examination. The fee varies from time to time. Sometimes there are 3 to 4 times of examination in the month organized at various centers in a nation. The results are available to the student through mail or by registered mobile number after the exact 13 days of written examination. The result is followed by the receiving of TRF (Test Report Form) by speed post.
2. Scoring details in IETLS:- IELTS scores are calculated as scores in a single module and overall scores. Students receive results of module scores as well as overall score which is the average score of four module scores. Each module contributes equally to the overall score. The band system range from 0 to 9 (e.g. 8.0 or 7.0), bands are also rounded up to half (e.g.6.5 or 7.5). If the average score of four modules are near to half (e.g.6.25), then it is rounded up to6.5. Also, the overall score will be rounded down (e.g. 6.0), if the average score is near about 6.125. Students can check their results online and receive a result card.
Scoring for IELTS Reading and Listening:- The reading and listening modules of IELTS includes various types of questions. Both the modules have 40 questions and all the questions contribute equally towards the overall score. Firstly scores are calculated or the number of correct answers, then it is converted into the IELTS band system. According to the IELTS band system, it differs for academic and general.
Listening Score Sheet
Reading Score Sheet
Scoring for IELTS writing and speaking:- The IELTS band system and scoring is more complex for writing and speaking module. For the academic and general writing module, the second task (task 20) is more scoring which nearly counts twice as the task1. The scoring is based on four scales: task response, lexical resources, coherence and cohesion, and grammatical range. Each of these scales is given bands separately and then average bands are calculated for the overall band's score for the writing module. The bands for speaking are given according to the fluency and coherence, grammatical range, pronunciation, and lexical resources. The sections in this module are not scored separately. All the four scales are equally significant to the overall speaking score. Classifications for IELTS band score
Reviewing of IELTS scores and enquires on result:- Some IELTS test centers allow students to check their unofficial scores online before the official Test Report Form is send. These online results are generally accurate; IETLS test centers are not responsible for any discrepancies with official scores. Students who feel any mistake in their grades or scores may submit an inquiry on results (request for revaluation). There is a fee for this service, and the process of revaluation will be taken between 6 to 8 weeks.
3. IELTS Speaking:- The IELTS speaking test is like an interview with the examiner. This test involves three parts. Students have to answer the questions of the examiner on various topics like work, study, hobbies, and preferences. In the first part, the questions are easy and make students comfortable. The second part includes a cue card, in which a situation or topic is given by the examiner. Students have 2 minutes to speak on this topic and 1 minute to think. Part three is followed questions related to part 2 (cue card). The overall timing of the test is 11-13 minutes (4-5min for part1, 2min for part2, 4-5min for part3).
The IELTS Speaking Paper: - IELTS speaking test is divided into three parts. The speaking bands are given based on four scales i.e. grammar range, fluency and cohesion, pronunciation and lexical resources. The speaking test is recorded from the starting of the test till the end. This test is taken on a different date than the writing, listening and reading test so, that Students can also focus on their speaking skills to score better. The band score ranges from 0 to 9.
Examples of IELTS Speaking Paper Questions:- (1) The part1 include questions related to the student's hobbies, plan, study, home and city. (2) The student will get a cue card, in which they have to share his /her experience or answer the given situation. Students have to speak 2 minutes on the given topic and they have 1 minute to think about that topic, in which they can make notes for their help. The paper and pencil are provided by the examiner. (3) It is a little bit complex. In this part, the examiner will ask questions related to the given cue card. In follow up questions, they may also contradict the answers of the students.
IELTS Speaking Skills:- There is a lot of skills required to score high bands in speaking test, like as pronunciation, vocabulary, word power, ascent, expressions and tone of voice. These skills are also useful in the other modules of IELTS except pronunciation. The ascent of tone can also be developed by speaking along with foreign videos and listening to foreign videos. It can also be established by communicating with an English speaking person on the recent topics of IELTS. Students should also have confidence and smile on their face. Also, students should wear simple and formal dress for a better personality.
4. IELTS Listening:- The IELTS listening test involves four different sections. In the first section, there is a conversation between two people on a topic. The second section is based on speech or lecture. The third and fourth sections include conversation as well as speech or lecture respectively. Each section has 10 questions and the total number of questions is 40. The question type is different such as multiple charts, blanks, map chart, diagram completion, and process completion. The recording is played only once. Student has to answer the questions by listening to them from the audio. 30 seconds are given to check the answers and to read the questions of the next section. After the listening test, 10 minutes are given to transfer the answer to the answer sheet. The overall timing of the listening test is 40 minutes to 50 minutes. There are 40 questions for 40 marks.
The IELTS Listening Paper:- The IELTS listening test is the same for general and academic. In which there is a series of 40 questions in 30 to 40 minutes and extra 10 minutes to transfer the answers into the answer sheet. The test is divided into four sections with 10 questions in each section. The entire question is weighted equally in the total score. The band system ranges from 0 to 9.
IELTS Listening Paper Exercises Recording of each section is played only once. The first section involves a talk between two people regarding a topic. For example: - booking a hotel, inquiry about a room and complaint. The second section is not conversation, it involves a lecture or speech given by a single person like as information of a social event or tour, and map is also present in this section. The third and fourth section is complex, in which students will get interaction and talk between multiple people. For example: - meeting of employees, discussion of students regarding project, presentation in class and meeting of students with teacher the fourth section is always a lecture regarding academic topic. This section mostly consist of blanks
IELTS Listening Paper Question Types There are multiple types of questions in the IELTS listening test (academic and general). The first type includes a summary, note-making, flow chart, and tables. Instructions are given before any questions that complete the blanks in not more than two words. Students will never know that what type of questions will come in the exam. The second type is completing the sentences, and a box containing words is also given in this type of question. Students have to choose the correct word from the box by listening to the audio. This question may also come as a diagram, map or diagram which requires a suitable word from the box. In this matching questions also come in which we have to match the sentences with words given in the box and students have to match the statements according to the listening audio. The third type is multiple-choice questions, in which three options are given from which only one option is correct. Also sometimes we get a question in which we have to choose two options. All the questions are the same for academic as well as general IELTS listening test.
IELTS Listening Skills:- For these students must know about the accent of diverse speakers to understand their opinions, views, summaries, tone of voice, word emphasis, paraphrases, ideas, and factual information. As IELTS listening test involves the recordings of various speakers. The recording conveys the information, from which students have to listen and write the correct information in the answer sheet by ignoring the irrelevant information. Students should also do this exercise with full concentration and listen to the recording carefully. They are advised to practice well before the IELTS listening test by using the listening materials to develop the required skills.
5. IELTS Reading Basic Scheme: - The reading section of IELTS (General) is slightly different from the IELTS Academic test. The timing for this test is one hour and it consists of 40 questions. There is no negative marking for the wrong answers. There will be three passages or texts for answering those 40 questions. The section-wise details are as follows:-
Section 1: It can consist of two or more short texts. These texts usually contain factual information. For example: - Advertisement for restaurants, College Programs, Transport Schedules etc.
Section 2: It can also consist of two texts of more complex language than the previous section. These texts are based on 'workplace survival'. For example Payment types, Nature of Job requirements, Fire control process etc.
Section 3: It consists of a long text and is usually the toughest among the previous texts. This text revolves around 'general reading'. For example, passages taken from reputed magazines on topics such as Science, History, fiction or nonfictional texts etc.
Types of Questions: - IELTS General Reading test comprises of 40 questions. Each question is worth 1 mark. These question types differ to assess were reading skills. However, these question types are the same as the IELTS General Academic Test. The types of question asked in this examination are:-
(1) Identifying Writer's Claims/Views: - In this question, we will be given some of statements ranging from 4 to 7 or 8. The statement will be: 'Do the following statements agree with the views/claims of the writer?' We will be required to answer in 'Yes', 'No' or 'Not Given' as we observe from the text. "Yes" will be the answer, if the information given in question is 100 % matching with statements in paragraphs. "No" will be the answer if information in question asked completely contradicts with the information given in the paragraph. "Not Given" will be the answer if the information asked in the paragraph is not at all found in the paragraphs. Generally, the answer follows the same sequence as in the question.
(2) Matching Information: - In this question type, we are required to match the information given in the question with the information found in any of the paragraphs given in the passage. The passage contains lettered paragraphs (A, B, C,). So, what we need to do is to write the letter of the correct paragraph on the answer sheet.
(3) Matching Headings: - A list of headings with lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii,) and a passage with lettered paragraphs (A, B, C,) is given. We must match the heading to the correct paragraph. We should write appropriate Roman numerals in the box on the answer sheet. The number of headings sometimes will be more than the number of paragraphs. There is no sequence is followed. It is suggested that we must read the full paragraph and then rephrase this paragraph into a single concept. The reading of the first two lines of paragraph and last one line is very important. We can get an easy clue if this method is followed.
(4) Matching Features: - In this question type, we need to match a set of statements or a piece of information to the list of options given. The options are a group of features as per the text given in the paragraph. For example, we are supposed to match different events to historical hierarchy or timeline. It might be possible that some options will not be used while some may be used more than once. These may come in sequence or not. Basic understanding of question is the biggest trick in these types of questions.
(5) Match Sentence Endings: - The question here is provided in two halves. The first half of the sentence will be provided whereas we need to find out and complete the sentence by choosing the best from a list of possible options. The number of options will be or might be more than the number of sentences. The questions might appear in the same order as the information appears in the text.
(6) Sentence Completion: In this question type, we are generally asked to complete the sentence with a specific number of words. We, first need to pay attention to several words required to answer the question. It may be 'one word', 'two/three words', 'no more than three words/a number' and so on. In such questions read the instructions very consciously before noting down our answers. We shall never write more than required words, else we will lose marks.
(7) Summary, Note, Table, Flowchart Completion: - In this question type, we are required to fill in the gap in the summary, any note, any table or flowchart in context to the given paragraph. We, either have to select our answer from a list of options or choose words from the passage. It is generally observed that the answers appear in the same order as given in the passage. There is so specific location to find out the answers to these times of questions, but once one key is found, all the questions follow in sequence.
(8)Diagram Label Completion: This is one of the most easily section of the reading examination. A labeled diagram concerning the description in the text will be given. We are supposed to complete those labels. The diagram maybe some type of process, machine, picture or other objects that can be easily represented pictorially. The key point to note here is that we have to see the sequence of questions we need to label. Sometimes the question is not in sequence.
(9)Short-Answer Questions: - In this question type, we need to answer questions regarding the details mentioned in the passage. The details mainly relate to some factual information. We need to pen down all answers on the answer sheet in words/numbers as per the given instructions. The tricky point here is to read and understand the instructions correctly.
(10) Yes/No/ NG or True/False/Not Given: - Both these types of questions are very crucial and almost appear in every examination of IELTS. The difference between these two types of questions is that T/F/NG type of questions is based on the facts and is easy to find out through using the technique of skimming whereas, Y/N/NG type of questions are based on the concepts that are not so easy to find out. We will not be able to find out exact words as per given in question. We need to deeply understand the text to solve these types of questions. There is no short cut or tricks to do these types of question as claimed in various books and videos. We need to toughly understand the text and then reply to these questions.
Top Tips to Solve IELTS Reading section successfully and timely. 1. We need to develop the habit of reading various texts and understand these. For this purpose, some texts form National Geography Magazine can be read online. We need to read texts of different subjects such as language development, science and technology, history, geography, philosophy and medical. The most valuable trick is to practice, practice and practice. 2. Try to learn how to find out keywords. It helps in solving various types of questions. For example, is the question is "The production rate of the industry was continuously increasing ". Here the keyword to focus on is "Production rate" and "continuously increasing". 3. Learn the techniques of "Skimming" and "Scanning". The skimming is very useful in case of head matching, Yes/No/Not Given, sentence completion and filling the blank with options... It is a very deep study method. It takes a long time but its probability is high to find out the right answer. On the other hand, skimming is very fast. It is useful in case of True/False /Not given, labeling a diagram, sentence matching, process completion and filling the blank without options. 4. Don't read a paragraph more than 17-18 minutes and after this time have the courage to leave the paragraph. Generally, students spend 25-30 minutes on paragraphs and then left with only 5-10 minutes for the last paragraph. It is a serious cause for getting low band scores in IELTS. Serious completion of all the three paragraphs is the best technique to get the desired band score. 5. There is no concept of easy or tough paragraph. All paragraphs have similar standards. But before we start, we must read out the title of all the three paragraphs. There might be a paragraph of our taste or subject we studied. We prescribe you to do that paragraph first, as it will be convenient for you to understand that paragraph. 6. Read the instructions carefully. Sometimes instructions ask us to write "Code" or "Words". Even the word limit is a great game-changer. With the exhaustive practice, students generally ignore the instructions. Many a time they answer Y/N/NG for T/F/NG which is not at all acceptable in the IELTS examination. Henceforth, read all the instructions carefully even though we are fully aware of it. 7. Pen down the answers directly on the answer sheet. In the reading section, not even an extra second is provided in the examination to write down our answers on the answer sheets. Sometimes, students are mistaken about the procedure followed for IELTS Listening where we get 10 minutes to transfer our answers. Many students lose their marks if they fail to write down their reading answers simultaneously on the sheet provided. 8. Our handwriting plays a very great role here too. We must write the answer very tidy. We should write the answers in the middle of the line. Sometimes the answer "F" might look like "E" or vice versa. Some answers supposed to be start with capital letters such as country names, personal names or special names. They must reply to all the answers in capital letters only. 9. Sometimes we skip on or two answers in the sequence and we jump to other questions. But we may forget to skip those questions in the answer sheet. Always be very conscious to right the answer in the right space provided in the sheet. It is one of the most common mistakes students make. 10. Last but not the least, have faith in your gut feelings. Sometimes we change the answer at the last moment because of some doubt. If we have any doubt about our answer, we must follow the first answer that came into our mind. We believe it or not, it works indeed.
1. IELTS Writing (Academic Test):- The IELTS academic writing test involves two different writing tasks. The overall time allocated for this section is exactly one hour. There is no limit to complete the task 1 or two specifically provide. Both of these have just one hour only. It is our choice to write down whatever task we wish to write. These are explained as below.
Task 1:- This is based on various types of applications which include formal, semi-formal and informal. The most common tasks we get here are:-\
• Formal/ Informal complaints • Information seeking • Suggestions • Personal invitation/needs etc.Task 2:- This is a very conceptual type of task. The topics asked in this section might be based on environment, technology, crime, education, sports, tourism, business, media, advertisement, fossil fuels, history, society or any current and general nature issue. This task can further be categorized into 5 different categories.
1. Opinion/view based questions. Example: "Now a day most of the people prefer to use tinned food than cooking the fresh food. Give your opinion whether is it a good or bad practice". 2. Advantages/Disadvantages or Benefits/Losses. Example: "Most of the nations prefer international tourism. Discuss its benefits and losses". 3. Agree/Disagree. Example: " Some of the people believe that more homework should not be given to the children. 4. Give both views along with your own opinion. Example: "Most of the people believe that young people should be allowed to drive vehicles below the age of 18 years. What are its benefits and losses? Discuss your opinion also". 5. Double Questions. Example" Young generation is not ready to sit with their elders. What are its reasons? How can we motivate them to sit with elders?"Criteria to evaluate the tasks are as follows
IELTS Task 11. Task Achievement: - This criterion examines the overview and information that we have provided details of our content and about the accuracy with which we have mentioned key features, needy comparisons along with suitable illustrations.
2. Coherence & Cohesion: - This is related to our information organization, paragraphing skills and use of proper connectors and conjunctions so that our paragraphs are well connected. Along with this, internal sentences written in a paragraph should be better connected and sequence so that it depicts the extreme bonding of ideas. It is suggested that there should be at least four paragraphs to be written i.e. Introduction, Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2 and Summary.
3. Lexical Resource: - It means that we should have used a sufficient range of vocabulary which is not being used commonly, there should be proper spellings, and correct implementation of collocations and sentence formation are taken care of while scoring this criterion. We advise that use words which are in our grip as far as spellings and usage is concerned.
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: - The right and effective use of grammar is of utmost importance for better band scores. The sentence formation, proper use of prepositions, adverbs, adjectives and punctuation marks are playing a great role here. Along with this, the use of complex, compound and passive sentences provide richness to our text. As for as tenses are concerned, all range of tenses such as simple, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous should be used to facilitate variety in our writing.
IELTS Task 2
1. Task Response: - In this case, the type of response that we write for the essay type question is seriously considered. It assesses the theme of our essay and the way we establish it with relevant illustrations.
2. Coherence & Cohesion: - This is related to our information organization, paragraphing skills and use of proper connectors and conjunctions so that our paragraphs are well connected. Along with this, internal sentences written in a paragraph should be better connected and sequence so that it depicts the extreme bonding of ideas. It is suggested that there should be at least four paragraphs to be written i.e. Introduction, Body Paragraph 1, Body Paragraph 2 and Summary.
3. Lexical Resource: - It means that we should have used a sufficient range of vocabulary which is not being used commonly, there should be proper spellings, and correct implementation of collocations and sentence formation are taken care of while scoring this criterion. We advise that use words which are in our grip as far as spellings and usage is concerned.
4. Grammatical Range & Accuracy: - The right and effective use of grammar is of utmost importance for better band scores. The sentence formation, proper use of prepositions, adverbs, adjectives and punctuation marks are playing a great role here. Along with this, the use of complex, compound and passive sentences provide richness to our text. As for as tenses are concerned, all range of tenses such as simple, continuous, perfect and perfect continuous should be used to facilitate variety in our writing.
Good Luck Team Success Mantra Educare