For work, study or personal development? And, like a knight at a crossroads, do not know which one to choose? Today we will take a closer look at two of the most popular exams among those who study English for work and study in English-speaking countries: TOEFL and IELTS.
We'll compare these exams, explain the key differences between them, and explain which exam you should choose to play to your strengths while hiding potential knowledge gaps from examiners (and who's perfect?).
So, you studied English - on your own, or with a tutor (perhaps). Now is the time to test your knowledge!
To study or work in an English-speaking country, you will almost certainly have to pass one of the two most recognized English proficiency tests, The International English Language Test System (IELTS) or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
TOEFL or IELTS - which one to choose and what to base your choice on? In our article, we will present the main characteristics of these exams and the criteria for choosing the one that will best suit your goals and capabilities.
To begin with, both of these exams cost about the same ($150-$250) and pretty accurately determine your level of English. In addition, their results are accepted in thousands of educational institutions around the world. But IELTS and TOEFL are quite different in both approach and structure, so before you make a choice, weigh the pros and cons. And our article will help you decide on the selection criteria.
What is IELTS
IELTS is an English proficiency test that tests English proficiency in education, immigration and employment. Its results are accepted by more than 9000 higher educational institutions in 130 countries of the world. Conducted jointly by the British Council, the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations and IDP Education Australia, this exam is conducted in British English and is more likely to be suitable for institutions in the UK as well as countries of the British Commonwealth (including Australia and New Zealand). The exam exists in two versions - Academic (academic) and General (general), depending on your educational or professional goals.
In some cases, certification is required to obtain a Canadian or Australian immigrant visa.
What is TOEFL
The TOEFL test tests your ability to communicate in English in a research and educational setting (called Academic English). Its results are accepted in 8,500 educational institutions in 130 countries, including the UK, USA and Australia, as well as in the top 100 universities in the world.
Certification is conducted under the guidance of the American Education Testing Service, so the exam is conducted in American English.
Main differences
In addition to the fact that these exams are conducted in different versions of English (British and American), TOEFL involves multiple choice of answers, while the IELTS answer format is much more diverse. Here are short answers (True, False, Not given - “true, false, unknown”), and substitution of the missing word, and writing short essays on a given topic.
Passing IELTS takes much less time - 2 hours 40 minutes versus 4 hours for TOEFL. But TOEFL is given in one day, and IELTS - in two (module "Oral speech" (Speaking) sold separately).
There is only one computerized version of the TOEFL exam, while IELTS has 2 versions (general and academic) available in paper format.
More on modules:
Reading
TOEFL- 3-5 reading passages, 20 minutes each. Reading materials on academic topics. The questions asked to the passages require the choice of an answer from several proposed options.
IELTS- 3 reading passages, 20 minutes each. Reading materials are also academic in focus. Questions require a different answer format (substituting the missing word, matching, etc.)
Listening
TOEFL- The excerpts offered for listening are quite noticeably different from those included in IELTS. TOEFL offers 40-60 minute segments ranging from lectures to campus talks. During the exam, you can take notes, and after it ends, you can answer questions, choosing from several options.
IELTS- The biggest difference between the two exams is in the “listening” module. The questions asked after listening have several different formats. You see the questions right from the start and can answer them as you progress through the test.
Letter
TOEFL- It is required to complete two written assignments (on the computer). The first task is to write an essay consisting of 5 paragraphs (from 300 to 350 words).
The second "integrated" task involves reading the text and listening to a lecture on the same topic, followed by their comparison. As you complete the assignment, you may take notes that you can use to write a 150-225 word summary.
IELTS- Also involves the implementation of two tasks. The first is writing a short essay of 200-250 words. The second is to describe the infographic (graph or chart).
Oral speech (Speaking)
TOEFL- You will have to listen to short text fragments or dialogues and orally answer 6 different questions to the passages you have listened to, recording your answers on the computer (the answer must be no shorter than 45 and no longer than 60 seconds).
IELTS- In the IELTS version, this module takes 12-14 minutes and involves face-to-face communication with the examiner.
The first preparatory exercise involves talking on general topics (a story about yourself, etc.) in the "question-answer" mode (this will take approximately 4-5 minutes).
The second exercise is longer and involves a story on a given topic (the topic itself and the theses of your future story are randomly determined). Your story should take 1-2 minutes, after which you will be asked one or two questions on the topic.
In the third part of the module, the examiner will ask more general questions. Your discussion will last 4-5 minutes.
Scoring
In TOEFL, the Speaking and Writing modules are graded based on the overall impression you make on the examiners: your vocabulary, writing style and grammar are assessed.
In these modules, IELTS evaluates your logic, story coherence, grammar and fluency.
For example, an essay (essay) with a logical plot development, but numerous grammatical errors will be rated higher in the TOEFL, while an essay without grammatical errors and with more diverse vocabulary, but less clearly expressing the main idea, will receive a higher score in the IELTS framework. .
IELTS is evaluated on a nine-point system (from 1 to 9). At the same time, the final score is calculated as the arithmetic mean of the scores received in all four modules (in increments of half a point). In TOEFL, there is only one final grade (maximum 120 points).
Making a choice
Before making a choice between the two, answer the following 7 questions:
- Do the different formats of tasks and answers confuse you?
Let's take a closer look at the answers to these questions:
Do you need English to communicate in an academic environment?
If you do not need academic English (for studying at a university or working in a research institution), definitely choose the General IELTS option. This is the easiest of the exams (when compared to TOEFL and Academic IELTS).
If an exam is required to enter an educational institution or get a job, which test will be accepted at your institution of choice?
Be sure to specify which test is accepted at a particular university or company. In the US and Canada, this is usually TOEFL, in the countries of the British Commonwealth and Europe - IELTS.
Which version of English do you know better: British or American?
Are you a connoisseur of "royal English" or its Australian version? You are better off taking IELTS.
Are you more familiar with American English, its pronunciation, vocabulary and idioms? Choose TOEFL.
Are you a fast typist on your computer?
As you already understood, a fully computerized TOEFL requires you to "write" an essay in electronic form - you will have to type it on the keyboard.
Does the variety of task formats and responses confuse you?
It consists almost entirely of questions, the answers to which you choose from the options provided. And it is quite convenient for the examiners.
And if you have a hard time switching from one assignment format to another, IELTS, with its variety of formats, may not be for you.
Do you prefer a predictable test or a test that allows improvisation?
TOEFL is no doubt more predictable. IELTS, as they say, will not let you get bored: the tasks themselves and the instructions for them are different all the time, you will need to be constantly on the alert in order to correctly understand what is required of you. Also, for the same reason, TOEFL is easier to prepare for.
Are you more comfortable interacting with a computer or communicating with an examiner live?
A very large number of examinees find it easier to "communicate" with a computer than with a human examiner. It will be much easier for such people to pass the Speaking module of the TOEFL exam, where the oral answer must be recorded on a computer - after all, it creates the feeling that no one sees or hears you, and the fear of communicating with a native English speaker disappears.
And vice versa, for those who easily find mutual language with strangers who are not afraid to ask clarifying questions, IELTS is more suitable.
Whatever your choice, we hope you enjoy the test results! But for this you still have to work hard.
Therefore, without putting things off indefinitely, learn English - and be successful!
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a test for people who are going to stay in an English-speaking environment in connection with immigration, education or internship. It allows you to determine how much a person for whom English is not a native language speaks it.
Take a test IELTS necessary if you plan to apply for immigration documents in connection with leaving for Australia, Canada, New Zealand, enter educational institutions of these countries, as well as Irish, British or American. At the same time, the number of educational institutions in the world that recognize the results of the IELTS test is constantly increasing.
The choice of exam usually depends on the goals of the person who takes it. When it comes to immigration, work or study abroad, you need an IELTS or TOEFL certificate. Although the first test appeared later, it becomes more and more popular over time.
Most higher and secondary educational institutions in different countries accept IELTS test results. Among them are Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Great Britain, South Africa. There are also more and more universities in the United States that also accept IELTS results as proof of English proficiency. He is also authoritative among employers in different countries. These are, in particular, Brazil, Denmark, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Vietnam and others.
What is IELTS? This is a kind of diagnostic. That is, it cannot be failed, and only if you do not come to the exam at all, you will get 0. In all other cases, you will end up with a certificate in which a score is set from 1 to 9. This will be your grade. In the case of immigration, you need to score 5-6 points, and if you want to study - 7 - 7.5.
The certificate will be valid for 2 years. After this period, you will again need to confirm the level of language proficiency. This is similar to the TOEFL certificate. But the exams of the so-called Cambridge group are known for their "indefiniteness". But at the same time, the latter have no restrictions on the scope. And those educational institutions that accept the relevant certificates - CPE and CAE, pay attention to when it was issued. Therefore, for their real application, “indefiniteness” is no longer an advantage.
What is included in the test?
During the IELTS test, basic language skills are assessed. These are listening (listening comprehension and comprehension), writing, reading and speaking. In this regard, the test is integrated. That is, language proficiency at all levels is the final result. And although specific skills are tested in each part, other skills are also used for them. For example, to check writing and speaking, you also need to have some information that was previously read or heard.
You get the result of the IELTS certificate already on the 13th day after passing the test. But TOEFL - only after 4 weeks. As for the Cambridge certificates, they will have to wait 3 months.
There are two versions of the IELTS test. This is the Academic module - a version for those who want to study at a university or graduate school, as well as the General module - a version for those who want to go abroad for work or permanent residence. 30-40% of people who take this test in Russia choose the second version. The rest are Academic module.
It is worth noting that IELTS is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. At the same time, the Academic version is best passed by residents of South Africa, and General - by residents of Malaysia, India and the Philippines.
At the same time, people who choose the General module version most often go to Australia (37%), New Zealand (30%) and Canada (27%). But those who pass the Academic module are going to the UK and Australia (respectively 42% and 37%).
To date, you can take the IELTS test in 300 admission centers in more than 120 countries around the world.
Why study IELTS courses?
Exam- a very responsible step in the life of every person who decides to go abroad to get an education or get a job. Leading methodologists and linguists advise starting preparation a year before the planned test. To successfully prepare, experts advise to go through IELTS courses, which exist on the basis of both leading universities and private linguistic centers. Here you can take a free test that will help determine your level of language proficiency and choose a further training strategy.What do we already know about the IELTS exam?
To date exam is very popular among exams that confirm the level of knowledge of the English language. Of course, it requires appropriate preparation, in principle, like any exam. In order to facilitate the preparation process, we advise you to answer the questions for yourself: how much time you can allocate for classes, and how it will be more comfortable for you to study - on your own, with a teacher on an individual basis or in courses. Try to be responsible in choosing the type of activity. Do you have the materials you need to prepare yourself for IELTS exam who will be able to control you, check your work, whether you will be able to study according to the schedule and so on.IELTS Preparation: Speak English
For many candidates who are preparing to take IELTS test, the real problem is the practice of speaking. The main difficulty is who to talk to. You are very lucky if one of the family members also decided to learn English. Then make a rule, for example, from 8 to 9 pm speak only in English. Well, as a last resort, learn to communicate with your dog or cat. Maybe at first glance, this is ridiculous, but it gives its results. Speak English for as long as you can - it's great practice. And you can thank your four-legged friend with something tasty.This exam was developed in 1990. It tests a person's mastery of all possible language skills, namely: reading, listening, speaking and writing. The exam lasts 2 hours 45 minutes and consists of 4 parts.
IELTS comes in General Training Module and Academic Module. The first type is taken by people who are going to emigrate to New Zealand, Australia, or those who want to be a cook, manager, etc. Then the Reading and Writing General Training Module offers tests that do not contain specific and academic vocabulary. The second one is handed over by people who want to study, work in their specialty, so the requirements are very high. Therefore, the results of this exam are recognized by all universities in New Zealand and the United States, and some universities in Denmark, Canada, and Germany. There are approximately 100 universities in America that accept IELTS results. This exam is becoming more and more popular, because all kinds of fraud are excluded, and the form of the exam is very successful. In addition, the translation of TOEFL into a computerized form has led to some inconvenience for people from countries where computers are not very common, so IELTS is becoming even more popular.
About 80% of people take the Academic Module. As for Russia, here, in most cases, people who are going to emigrate pass the test.
Grading system
When passing IELTS, there is a nine-point scale for assessing a candidate's knowledge. Each section is assigned a certain number of points, then they are summed up, and you get a point for the exam as a whole. At the same time, Writing and Speaking are evaluated up to 1 point, and Reading and Listening - up to 0.5 points.
It is difficult to say how many points you need to take, because each university determines for itself the required number of points for admission. But in general, we can say that if you enter a faculty that requires a good knowledge of the language, then you need to score at least 6.5 points, if not, then 6 points will be enough.
Listening section
The first section of the test lasts 30 minutes and you have to answer 40 questions. The questions are divided into 4 blocks, while the first two are monologue and dialogue, they are aimed at discussing various everyday problems and situations, and the third and fourth relate to learning. For example, you will be offered a conversation with students about how to do this or that work correctly.
All tasks are contained on a cassette, which you can listen to only once, so you should concentrate as much as possible and not be distracted by anything else. After listening to the tape, you will have only 10 minutes, during which you will need to figure out what you wrote and transfer the answers to a special form.
No special knowledge is required to successfully pass the tests. The complexity grows with each new part.
Academic Reading Section
There are also 40 questions in this section, but the time limit for them is already 60 minutes. You will be given 3 texts of about 2000 words, one of them may contain diagrams, graphs, pictures, it happens that they contain special terms, a special dictionary is issued for them.
For example, you will come across a text about the use of wind energy in Argentina. Then you will need to select words from the list and paste them into the summary and complete the sentences while choosing the desired statement from the list. At the same time, there is no additional time to transfer your answers to the form.
Academic Writing Section
In this section, you must write two texts, while the volume of the first text must be at least 150 words, the second - at least 250. Time is given an hour.
In the first part, you need to summarize the information that is given in the table or chart in your own words. By doing this, you must show your ability to organize and compare data, describe objects, and various events.
In the second task, you are given a specific topic, and on it you must write a report, a clear justification or criticism. The ability to make the right decision, to prove one's opinion, to compare evidence and proposals will be assessed. As for the first part, no special skills are needed here either. The second task has more weight than the first.
Speaking section
This section consists of a conversation with the examiner, it consists of 5 parts. The first part is the introduction to the examiner, i.e. the candidate and the examiner introduce themselves to each other. After the examiner asks a few standard questions about the life of the candidate, his hobbies, family. This is necessary in order to relieve stress from the candidate.
In the second part, the examiner asks the candidate to talk about something that is interesting to him, during this he pays attention to his vocabulary, looks at how the person can explain.
Then comes the "receiving information", while the candidate receives a card with a task, after which he must ask various questions to the examiner in order to obtain the information he needs to solve the problem.
Then comes "thinking". Its meaning is that the candidate must write about his plans for studying abroad.
The last part is the “conclusion”, which sums up the results.
Your entire interview will be taped, so take it easy and don't be shy.
How long does it take to prepare for IELTS?
Teachers believe that for a good preparation from the Intermediate level, you need from 3 months to 1 year, it all depends on the number of classes and their effectiveness.
If a person has very poor knowledge of English, then it takes several years to prepare for IELTS, but if you have a great desire and good abilities, then 2-3 years will be enough for you.
Course preparation
Prepare yourself, in courses or with a tutor - it's up to you. Everyone has their own way, depending on your abilities, financial capabilities and desires. Regardless of which solution you choose, the first thing you need to do is get the official test booklet that gives sample questions and practice on them.
If you have the opportunity, it is best to go to the courses. First, you will be asked to take a test that will show your level of knowledge, on the basis of this you will be assigned to a group where people with approximately your level of English knowledge will study. On average, there are up to 15 people in a group. You may need to wait until a certain number of people have been reached.
During the class, you will go through each part of the exam in detail. A lot of time is devoted to communication and writing an essay, because the ability to perceive speech by ear and easily and competently express your thoughts is very important. You will complete tasks not only in the classroom, but also on your own at home, the main thing is not to neglect, do everything that is required of you.
Both native speakers can teach on courses, and not, but as for oral practice, it is better to take it with native speakers, because these are the most important points in the exam.
Of course, classes at the British Council training center will be the best and most effective, because it is he who takes the test and knows how best to prepare for it. Here you can study in a group, then individually with a teacher - it all depends on your desire and capabilities. But it is worth noting that such courses will cost you dearly.
Various schools also present their developments. The Polyglot Language Academy has compiled programs for students with a level of knowledge not lower than Upper Intermediate. The group for such classes consists of 3-5 people, 30 hours are allotted for group classes, while individual lessons are 10 hours. Classes 2 times a week for 1.5 hours. After such preparation, people generally pass the exam with 6.5-7 points, and such a result is enough to enter any institution.
Preparing for IELTS on your own
In order to prepare as best as possible for the delivery of this test, you need to solve all the tasks. You can buy special textbooks like Insight into IELTS or Passport to IELTS. You can get an IELTS preparation kit at the British Council offices, this kit includes cassettes, textbooks, as well as tasks that were given in previous years, they are called IELTS Specimen Materials.
Of course, not everyone has the opportunity to purchase these materials, so people can look them up at the British Council Library for free. You can also watch movies and listen to cassettes there.
There are tasks that will be elementary for native speakers, but will be difficult for you. For example, you will need to write down your last name, first name, prices, home phones under dictation. The data speaks pretty fast, so you need to literally memorize the numbers and letters, and for this you need someone to dictate random numbers and letters to you, or you yourself need to dictate it into a recorder.
Take the Cambridge Practice Tests for IELTS collection, find some complete tests there and solve them, while not forgetting that you are given a certain amount of time to solve them. Then look at your results, and if you have more than 60%, then this is a good result, but do not forget that you did it at home, and as you know, houses and walls help.
Where and how to take IELTS?
If you live in Russia, then you can take IELTS at the British Council centers located in Moscow. IELTS can also be taken in Ukraine, Poland and other countries. IELTS is accepted in 106 countries, with 224 reception centers.
As for the cost of passing, IELTS will cost you more than TOEFL, namely, it will be 70 pounds sterling. At the same time, you will not have to pay in dollars through Holland, you will pay in rubles at Sberbank. There are competitive programs of the British Council, according to which you will study and train in the UK. And if you have been selected to participate in these programs, then you do not pay for the delivery of IELTS.
Registration for the test
IELTS is accepted by the British Council, the Examination Board of the University of Cambridge and the Australian public organization IDP Education Australia. There are no clear dates for passing exams, they are held when the required number of applicants is recruited in the second half of the calendar month. To register for the exam, you need to go to any of these organizations from the 2nd to the 11th of each month. Living in Moscow, you need to come to the office of the British Council from 14.00 to 17.00 on a weekday, you will receive bank details, fill out the form. You need to bring two photos 3x4 cm. If you live in another city, then you can sign up for the exam by phone.
IELTS test procedure
The exam time will be 7.5 hours, taking into account the time it takes to change tasks and two breaks. The first and second sections go in a row, after them there will be a break, it is 20 minutes. Then comes Writing, followed by Speaking.
Eating and drinking is allowed, so if you didn’t have time to have breakfast at home, you shouldn’t despair, but it’s still recommended to eat at home so that you don’t get distracted by food during the exam.
You need to arrive early for the exam, because there are many formalities that take time. And if you have extra time, it’s even good, look around the place, get used to it a little, then it won’t be so exciting.
When all the candidates come, you will be launched into the audience, where they will check the documents. In the British Council, it is mandatory to present 2 documents that prove your identity, in addition, you must have a general passport with you.
Although all these formalities are tedious and, at first glance, seem like a waste of time, experience shows that it is precisely because of these formalities that many institutions rely on exam results.
Then you will receive Listening booklets and answer sheets, you need to note that you are choosing an Academic Module and sign.
If suddenly for some reason you decide to refuse to take the test, but at the same time you have already paid the required amount for passing it, you can take it in the next two months on any day or return 50% of the cost. But if you were unable to come to the exam due to illness, and you have a sick leave certificate that confirms this fact, then you will be refunded 100% of the cost.
How to behave on the test?
The most important thing is that you need to carefully read the tasks with concentration. Many people skim through assignments without reading them completely and end up answering them incorrectly. Also get ready for the fact that you will have to write down very quickly, you can shorten words, draw what you hear, the main thing is quickly.
In preparation for Listening, you need to listen to as many audio recordings as possible, watch films, most importantly with pure English speech.
When taking this test in Reading, you can choose the easiest tasks and do them first. After all, all tasks are evaluated equally, so do from the easiest to the most difficult.
Also, during the time given before listening to the cassette in the Listening section, usually 2-3 minutes, you can look through the questions and try to guess the answers to them.
If you are guided by the rule "the more the better", then this is not for this exam. You should not write a lot, it is better to write less, but better.
If you suddenly have a desire to peep answers from a neighbor, immediately forget about it, because if you are suspected of cheating, your results will not be counted. Is such an attempt worth the money that you paid for passing the exam ?!
Perhaps you didn’t have time somewhere or don’t know something, in which case you shouldn’t get lost and panic, it’s better to decide something else during this time or just try to guess what you don’t know.
As for the Speaking section, your grammar, speech speed, vocabulary and looseness are assessed here. Therefore, you should not be nervous, worried, afraid, it is better to just relax, and then it will be easier for you to talk with the examiner. Jokes will help you, and if you can’t joke, just show that you are a polite and confident person. At the same time, you should not turn away, look at the ceiling and somewhere else, no, you need to look the person in the eye. If you feel very nervous, take a few deep breaths and think that you will succeed.
When will the results be?
Your results will be known in about two weeks, they will be sent to you by mail. Once the results are known, you can ask the British Council to send your results to any institution.
In case your results disappoint you, do not despair, because you can take the exams as many times as you want, but only after three months. And remember that IELTS scores are valid for two years.
Methodology
There are two types of test academic(intended for people who want to get higher education in educational institutions where teaching is conducted in English) and General Training(intended for people planning to immigrate to the above English-speaking countries).
A feature of the Academic test is the increased level of complexity of the reading test (Reading section) and writing (Writing section) compared to the same tests in General Training.
IELTS consists of 4 sections, which are taken in the following order: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.
- Listening - lasts 40 minutes, of which 30 - direct listening plus 10 minutes for transferring answers to the form
- dialogues on everyday topics
- monologues on a given topic
- Reading - exactly one hour (it is necessary to answer questions on the texts (usually 3))
- Writing - exactly one hour
- task one. Academic: Describe a diagram or table in 150 words. General: Write a letter
- task two. Essay for 250 words, the topic is given in the assignment
- Speaking - from 11 to 14 minutes. In this module, the candidate is interviewed one-on-one with an examiner. In the event of an appeal, the interview is recorded.
The rating scale changes from 0 ("did not try to pass the test") to 9 ("the user is an expert").
Test Structure
All candidates must complete 4 sections - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for everyone, while Reading and Writing differ depending on which version of the test is chosen - Academic or General.
The total duration of the test for the sections Listening, Reading and Writing is approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. These three modules are always played in that order, and without interruption. The Speaking section can be taken separately, depending on the test center, with an interval of 7 days before or after the remaining modules.
- Listening 40 min. The first 30 minutes of them are played centrally, the remaining 10 minutes the candidates write down the answers in the questionnaire.
- Reading 60 min
- Writing 60 min
Evaluation scale
IELTS results are evaluated on a 9-point scale covering possible levels of English proficiency. The score may be rounded up to half a point.
9 User - expert
Fully fluent in the language: adequate, clear and fluent with full understanding.
8 Very good user
Fully fluent in the language, with the exception of some inaccuracies. In some uncharacteristic situations, it may show misunderstanding. Able to explain his position in detail.
7 Good User
He speaks the language well, despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. In general, demonstrates a good command of the language and a clear detailed understanding.
6 Competent user
In general, he speaks the language well, despite some inaccuracies. Relatively good command of the language, particularly in standard situations.
5 Moderate user
Has limited command of the language, generally demonstrates understanding of most situations, although making many mistakes. Capable of basic communication.
4 Limited user
Basic knowledge of the language is limited to standard situations. Often has problems with complex language constructs.
3 Extremely limited user
Demonstrates only a rough understanding of very standard situations.
2 Intermittent user
In reality, communication is impossible, except for the most standard situations using single words and short formulations.
1 Non-linguistic
Generally unable to use language except for a few isolated words.
0 Didn't try to take the test
No information provided for evaluation.
Conversion table
This table can be used to convert the scores in the Listening and Reading sections into a final grade. It is only approximate, since in specific cases the assessment may depend on the complexity of the exam.
Fraud
October 2009, Gurgaon, India(Indian Express.com)
June 2010, Perth, Western Australia (The Australian)
Where is testing done
IELTS tests are conducted at 500 locations in 121 countries. The number of candidates grew from 80,000 in 1999 to 1.2 million in 2009.
For 2007, most candidates were evaluated in the Academic category in the following countries: China, India, Pakistan.
During the year, testing is carried out 48 times. Each test center can conduct testing up to 4 times a month, depending on the needs of a particular region. There is usually a minimum limit of 90 days before you can retake an exam, but this limit has now been lifted.
After the British Council ceased commercial activities in 2008, three independent organizations began to conduct the exam in Russia - the IELTS Center (the first official center for taking an international exam since 2005), the Students International IELTS Test Center and the Bookhouse.
Exam results
As of 2007, the top ranked countries in the Academic category were:
IELTS study requirements
Approximately 51% of candidates take the IELTS test to study abroad. Specific requirements may vary by institution. However, in general, English-speaking countries require a higher score.
United States
The highest requirement - 8.5 points - exists at Columbia University School of Journalism, which is the only one that makes such requirements.
Ohio State University Moritz College of Law requires an 8.0.
MIT requires a 7.0 credit.
Saint Louis University requires 6.0 credits.
United Kingdom
The highest requirement - 8.0 points - is made by the University of Warwick for a PhD in Marketing. Most educational institutions have requirements from 5.5 to 7.0 points.
| university | Minimum IELTS score |
| Oxford University | 7.0 |
| University of Edinburgh | 7.0 (All programs in Business, Management, Finance, Law, English Literature and Celtic/Scottish Studies) |
| Cambridge University | 7.0 |
| Glasgow University | 6.5 (General)/ 7.0 (Faculty of Arts & Humanities) |
| University of Aberdeen | 6.5 (General) / 7.0 (Taught Degrees in Engineering) |
| University College London | 6.5/7.0/7.5 (depends on UCL's individual faculty/department requirement) |
| Imperial College London | 6.5 (7.0 for the Life Sciences Department and the Imperial Business School) |
| Exeter University | 6.5 |
| Liverpool University | 6.0 |
| Birmingham University | 6.0 |
| Essex University | 5.5 |
Germany
The University of Stuttgart requires a minimum of 6.0, as do most German institutions.
Italy
The Polytechnic University of Turin requires 5.0 points. Most Italian universities require 7.0
Kazakhstan
IELTS for immigration purposes
A number of countries in the British Commonwealth use this exam as proof that an immigrant speaks English.
Australia
Australian immigration authorities have been using IELTS since May 1998. In general, it is desirable for independent migrant candidates to demonstrate English proficiency of at least 7.0 IELTS scores in each of the sections. The minimum level is 6.0 points for each of the sections. This minimum means that the candidate for immigration will receive fewer points in the test assessing his suitability for immigration.
Citizens of English-speaking countries (UK, Canada, New Zealand, USA, Republic of Ireland) can choose to complete the minimum level without any tests, or take IELTS up to level 7.0 to get additional points.
New Zealand
New Zealand has been using IELTS since 1995. Applicants must achieve an overall Academic or General score of at least 6.5. Those who do not meet this requirement may pay a separate fee of NZ$20,000. This money is returned if the candidate successfully learns English for a period of 3 to 12 months after immigration.
Canada
The immigration authorities of Canada assign points to the candidate for immigration, floating depending on the scores in individual sections of IELTS. To get maximum points, it is enough to get 6.5 points in all sections, except for Listening, which requires 7.5 points.
United Kingdom
Depending on the type of immigration program, an average score of 4.5 to 6.5 is required. An alternative would be a university degree from an institution where most of the instruction was in English.
Other tests
- TOEIC
Notes
Links
| International exams in English | |
|---|---|
| Common European Framework of Reference for Languages | |
| Most Popular | TOEFL, IELTS, FCE , TOEIC |
| Cambridge (ESOL) | General English: KET , PET , FCE , CAE , CPE ; Professional English: BEC, BULATS, ILEC, ICFE; Academic English: IELTS |
| American | TOEFL (PBT, CBT, IBT), TOEIC |
| Other | UNIcert, GRE |
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We invite you to take an IELTS practice test. The test consists of 10 vocabulary questions. You can also download the correct answers to the test
Choose the word that most closely matches instead of the ellipsis. Also, we want to remind you that the forms of the word have been changed in some questions. This list shows the original forms of the word.
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Trial IELTS test online. Test 1
IELTS is widely recognized as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to work or study where English is the lingua franca.
The IELTS exam consists of 4 sections. All candidates take the same Speaking and Listening exam. The Reading and Writing sections may differ depending on the test module. Students are offered a choice of either an academic or a general module. The first is aimed at those who wish to study abroad. The second is for those who leave for a permanent place of residence or work.
The results of the exam are evaluated on a 9-point scale, where 9 is the highest score and 0 is the lowest. In this case, the score is set for each of the 4 sections separately. For example, you got 8 for the reading section, 7 for the speaking section, and so on. After that, 4 results are added up, and you get an average score.
After 14 days, each candidate can view the results of the test online. You also receive one paper copy. In addition, when applying for the test, you indicate the universities where you want to send your results. Usually these are the universities where you plan to enter.
Most universities in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States accept candidates with IELTS scores of 6-7.5 for admission to degree programs.
The more tests you do, the more prepared you will be to pass the test.
