IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

For IELTS, the normal minimum score requirement of most universities is 6.0 or in some cases 6.5 (out of a score band of 1-9). Scores in IELTS are reported as half or full band. IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council (http://www.britishcouncil.org), IDP Education Australia (http://www.idp.com/) and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (http://www.cambridgeesol.org/).

IELTS sections are described below:

• Listening

The Listening Module takes around 30 minutes, there are 40 questions. In this section, the candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the text progresses. These include a mixture of conversations and dialogues and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and record their answers.
There are a total of four sections; the first two sections are concerned with social needs, while the last two sections are concerned with situations related more closely to educational or training contexts.

• Reading

The Academic Reading Module takes 60 minutes, there are 40 questions. There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed logical argument. One text may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. Text and tasks become increasingly difficult
through the paper.

• Writing

The Academic Writing Module takes 60 minutes. There are two tasks to complete. For the first task; candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain data. It is suggested that about 20 minutes be spent on task 1. For the second task; candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register. It is suggested that about 40 minutes be spent on task 2. Candidates should note that scripts under the required minimum word limit are penalized.

• Speaking

The Speaking Module takes between 11 to 14 minutes. It consists of an oral interview between the candidates and an examiner. Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to ask questions and interact with the examiner. There are three parts:
In Part 1, the candidates answer general questions about themselves, their homes/families, their jobs/studies, their interests, and a range of similar familiar topic areas. This part lasts 4-5 minutes.
In Part 2, the candidate is given a verbal prompt on a card and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare before speaking at length, for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.
In Part 3, the examiner and candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in part 2. The discussion lasts 4-5 minutes.

Validity of IELTS scores:
The IELTS scores are valid for two years.