IELTS

Introduction
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely recognized as a reliable means of assessing the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. These Practice Tests are designed to give future IELTS candidates an idea of whether their English is at the required level.
         IELTS is owned by three partners: the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP. Education Australia (through its subsidiary company. IELTS Australia Pty Limited)
         Further information on IELTS can be found in the IELTS Handbook and the IELTS Information for candidates leaflet, available free of charge from IELTS centres. These can also be downloaded from the IELTS website               (www.ielts.org).

WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT?

IELTS consists of six modules. All candidates take the same Listening and speaking modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing modules according to whether a candidate sis taking the Academic or General Training version of the test.

The test modules are taken in the following order.

Listening
This module consists of four sections. Each with ten questions. The first two sections are concerned with social needs. The first section is a conversation between two speakers and the second is a monologue. The final two sections are concerned with situations related to educational or training contexts. The third section is a conversation between up to four people and the fourth section a monologue.
                           A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choices, short-answer questions. Sentence completion, notes/form/table/summary/flow-chart completion, labeling a diagram/plan/map, classification matching.
                        Candidates hear the recording once only and answer the questions as they listen. Ten minutes are allowed at the end for candidates to transfer their answers to the answer sheet.

Academic Reading
This module consists of three sections with 40 questions. There are three reading passages, which are taken from magazines, journals, books and newspapers. The passages are on topics, of general interest. At least one passage contains detailed logical argument.
             A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/summary/flow-chart/table completion, labeling a diagram, classification, matching, choosing suitable paragraph headings from a list, identification of writer’s views/claims – yes, no, not given – or identification of information in the passage – true, false, not given.

General Training Reading
This module consists of three sections with 40 questions. The texts are taken from notices. Advertisements, leaflets, newspaper, instruction manual, books and magazines. The first section contains texts relevant to basic linguistic survival in English, with tasks mainly concerned with providing factual information. The second section focuses on the training context and involves texts of more complex structure, but with the emphasis on descriptive and instructive rather than argumentative texts.
         A variety of question types is used, including: multiple choice, short-answer questions, sentence completion, notes/summary/flow-chart/table completion, labeling a diagram, classification, matching, choosing suitable paragraph heading from a list, identification of writer’s views/claims-yes no not given- identification in the text-true, false, not given.

Academic Writing
This module consists of two tasks. It is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on Task 1, which requires them to write at least 150 words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which requires them to write at least 150 words, and 40 minutes on ask 2, which requires them to write at least 250 words. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.
            Task 1 requires candidates to look at a diagram or some data (graph, table or chart) and to present the information in their own words. They are assessed on their ability to organize, present and possibly compare data, describe the stages of a process, describe an object or event, or explain how something works.            
Introduction
In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are assessed on their ability to present a solution to the problem, present and justify an opinion. Compare and contrast evidence and opinion, and evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or argument.
           Candidates are also assessed on their ability to write in an appropriate style.

General Training Writing
This module consists of two tasks. It is suggested that candidates spend about 20 minutes on Task 1, which them to write at least 150 words, and 40 minutes on Task 2, which requires them to write at least 250 words. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

            In Task 1 candidates are asked to respond to a given problem with a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. They are assessed on their ability to engage in personal correspondence, elicit and provide general factual information, express needs, wants, likes and dislikes, express opinions, complaints, etc.
           In Task 2 candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem. They are assessed on their ability to provide general factual information, outline a problem and present a solution, present and justify an opinion, and challenge ideas, evidence or arguments.

Candidates are also judged on their ability to write in an appropriate style.

Speaking
This module takes between 11 and 14 minutes and is conducted by a trained examiner.

There are three parts:

Part 1
The candidates and the examiner introduce themselves. Candidates then answer general questions about themselves, their home/family, their job/studies, their interests and a wide range of similar familiar topic area. This part lasts between four and minutes.

Part 2
The candidate is given a task card with prompts and is asked to talk on a particular topic. The candidate has one minute to prepare and they can make some notes if they wish, before speaking for between one and two minutes. The examiner then asks one or two rounding-off questions.

Part 3
The examiner and the candidate engage in a discussion of more abstract issues which are thematically linked to the topic prompt in Part 2. The discussion lasts between four and five minutes.

The speaking module assesses whether candidates can communicate effectively in English. The assessment takes into account Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.