IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that measures the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The test is widely recognized by universities, employers, and governments in many countries as a reliable indicator of English language proficiency.
The IELTS test consists of four components: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking. The Reading and Writing sections are completed on paper, while the Listening and Speaking sections are completed in person with an examiner.
The Reading section of the IELTS test consists of three texts and a total of 40 questions. The texts are taken from a variety of sources, such as magazines, newspapers, and academic journals, and are designed to reflect real-life situations that non-native English speakers may encounter.
The Writing section of the IELTS test consists of two tasks that require the test-taker to write a short essay and a longer essay.
The Listening section of the IELTS test consists of four sections and a total of 40 questions. The sections are designed to test the test-taker's ability to understand spoken English in a variety of real-life situations.
The Speaking section of the IELTS test consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner. The test-taker is asked a series of questions about themselves and a range of topics, and is expected to demonstrate their ability to speak English fluently and accurately.
IELTS scores are reported on a scale from 1 (non-user) to 9 (expert user), and test-takers receive separate scores for each of the four components of the test. The IELTS test is offered at authorized test centers around the world and can be taken on multiple dates throughout the year.
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) mark system is based on a 9-band scale, which ranges from non-user (Band 1) to expert user (Band 9). The 9-band scale is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of English language proficiency and to accurately reflect the ability of test-takers to use English in a range of real-life situations.
Each of the four components of the IELTS test (Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking) is scored separately, and test-takers receive a separate band score for each component. The four band scores are then averaged to give an overall band score, which provides an overall assessment of the test-taker's English language proficiency.
The 9-band scale is described as follows:
Band 9: Expert User Band 8: Very Good User Band 7: Good User Band 6: Competent User Band 5: Modest User Band 4: Limited User Band 3: Extremely Limited User Band 2: Intermittent User Band 1: Non-User
It's important to note that the IELTS band scores are not pass or fail grades, but rather a continuous scale that provides a comprehensive assessment of English language proficiency. The specific score required for a particular purpose (such as admission to a university or immigration) will depend on the requirements of the organization or institution in question.