IELTS: International English Language Testing System
The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is a test
of English language proficiency, developed by the University of
Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate. There are two different IELTS
tests that you can take: Academic and General. The former is used for
university entrance in English Speaking countries.
IELTS is not a test that you can pass or fail. Your assessment will
be reported according to a scale from bands one to nine. Band one
indicates that you have virtually no English at all. Band nine is native
speaker proficiency. Universities in Australia typically require a band
score of between 6 and 7.
For which band you need to obtain, you will have to contact the
university you wish to enter to find out the IELTS score they require
for entry into your chosen course.
The IELTS does not test any specific knowledge. Rather, the test
questions have been designed to reflect the general interests of people
from an educated background.
Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a
choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing
Modules.
The total time needed to complete the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be
completed in one day. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the
discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after
the other Modules.
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