Looking for the best IELTS classes in Kathmandu?
Here's all you need to know about IELTS
IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular English language test for work, study, and migration. More than 10,000 organisations trust IELTS as a reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English. IELTS assesses a test taker's English language proficiency across four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Delivered on either a computer or paper, IELTS is the only high-stakes language test recognised for migration across Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. With a focus on human conversations, IELTS was a pioneer of four-skills English language testing more than 30 years ago. IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today.
IELTS test format
IELTS is a test of all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between. For the Speaking test, you can book a slot online on your preferred date and time. If you fail to choose a slot within the stipulated time, a slot will be automatically allocated to you. The total test time is under three hours.
IELTS Listening test (30 minutes) You will have to listen to four recordings and then answer the questions asked. The recordings are of native English speakers and the duration of the test is 30 minutes.
IELTS Reading test
(60 minutes) The IELTS Reading test requires you to answer 40 questions and is designed to test you on an array of reading skills. You would have to read for gist, main ideas, details, logical arguments, skimming, and figuring out the writers' attitudes, opinions and intentions.
IELTS Writing test (60 minutes) The IELTS writing test requires you to complete two tasks and covers topics of general interest based on the module you are taking.
IELTS Speaking Test (11-14 minutes) The IELTS Speaking test assesses your spoken English skills. The test is recorded and conducted in three parts.
IELTS test dates
The IELTS test dates in India are available four times a month or 48 times a year (for paper-based) and are generally held on Saturdays and Thursdays to provide flexibility and convenience to the test seekers. If you opt for computer-delivered IELTS, you can choose from multiple dates and time slots and get your results within 3-5 days. However, the availability of the IELTS dates may differ as per the test type and module you have opted for – Academic or General Training.
Why choose IELTS?
It is the test for study − Thousands of the world's most reputable universities and colleges accept IELTS results as evidence of English language proficiency.
It is the test for professionals − Professional registration bodies in many fields including accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching bodies in many countries accept IELTS scores. This implies that you'll need to take the IELTS to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country.
It is the test for migration – Most governments prefer IELTS scores as proof of your language skills than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency. Unlike other providers, the IELTS General Training test is the only non-academic test available for migration to Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the USA.
It's the test that's fairer to you – IELTS assesses you on your practical communication abilities and provides with an accurate assessment of the four skills being tested. It focusses on testing the language abilities rather than specialist knowledge of the candidate and offer two versions – Academic and General Training. Plus, the Speaking test is held one-on-one with a certified examiner.
The test content for IELTS is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, background, gender, lifestyle, or location.