Around 7.7 lakh Indian students went abroad to study in 2022. That is, more than a 60% rise had been seen in the numbers. Similarly, every year, many students migrate to other countries either in search of work or to study so, interestingly, an exam has exclusively been designed for this purpose. As very few of us know about this, we will discuss “The IELTS Exam” in this article.
This article clearly discusses the IELTS exam’s eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, scam, etc. So, let’s get started.
What is IELTS Exam?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been designed to study or migrate abroad where English is the native language, such as in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. This exam assesses your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English, graded on a scale of 1-9.
- IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Its popularity is mainly due to its wide acceptance by more than 11,000 organisations in over 140 countries, such as universities, colleges, schools & governments. Discussing communities that are usually more motivated to migrate abroad, one of them has to be Punjabis. People in Punjab have always been known for their fascination with migrating abroad. Thus, this is the reason that Punjabi youths are mostly inclined towards IELTS.
In 1900, the census reported 2050 people migrated from India to the North American continent. The majority of these people were Punjabis who had settled in Canada looking for: Greener pastures & Better lifestyle.
What is the use of IELTS exam?
English is the third most spoken language worldwide, with 379 million speakers worldwide. Communicating in the native language of the country one wish to work or study in, is highly beneficial.
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Availability and frequency
Its availability in a large number of places worldwide is a major asset. For example, IDP has 450 test centres which offer the test in more than 145 countries.
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Non-native speakers only
Both native and non-native English speakers are required to prove their language ability, and many do so by taking an IELTS test.
Eligibility criteria for IELTS exam
The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The prime eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam in India are that a candidate needs to be at least 16 years or above, irrespective of gender, nationality, or background. This is also subject to an exception that is only made when a school needs the IELTS scores for admission purposes. Their conducting bodies fix no upper limit, though. Here’s a list of eligibility criteria.
IELTS Eligibility-USA
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Universities
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IELTS band scores
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Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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7
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California Institute of Technology
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7
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Harvard University
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7
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Princeton University
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7
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Yale University
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7
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IELTS Eligibility-Canada
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Universities
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IELTS band score
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University of Toronto
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6.5-7.0
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University of Alberta
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6.5
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McGill University
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6.5
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University of British Columbia
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6.5
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IELTS Eligibility-UK
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Universities
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IELTS Band Score
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University College London
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6.5
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University of Edinburgh
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6.5
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University of Oxford
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7-7.5
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University of Cambridge
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7
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Imperial College London
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7
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IELTS Eligibility- Australia
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Universities
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IELTS Band Score
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University of Melbourne
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6.5 (with no section score less than 6.0)
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University of Sydney
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6.5 with no band below 6.0
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University of New South Wales
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6.5 with no band below 6.0
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University of South Wales
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6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band or equivalent
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University of Queensland
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6.5 with 6.0 in all sub-bands or equivalent
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IELTS Exam Pattern and Syllabus
IELTS Exam includes four sections, Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Exam Pattern 2023
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Section
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Description
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Questions/Duration
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Listening
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It encompasses four recorded monologues and conversations
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4
30 minutes
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Reading
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Three long reading passages with tasks. Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive, and analytical includes non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations texts are authentic (taken from books, journals, and newspapers)
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40
60 minutes
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Writing
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A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must summarize, describe or explain table, graph, chart or diagram, and another short essay task of at least 250 words
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2
60 minutes
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Speaking
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The face-to-face interview includes short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, and a structured discussion
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3
11 to 14 minutes
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Syllabus of IELTS
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IELTS Writing Section
There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1 requires 150 words, and candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table, or data and to produce the information in their own words.
Task 2 requires at least 250 words, and all candidates are presented with a point of view, argument, or problem and asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, evaluate ideas and evidence, etc.
Total no. of questions: 2
Total time: 60 minutes
Writing Section- IELTS Academic
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It includes two tasks including topics of general interest and helpful for students applying for an UG & PG program.
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In Task 1- A paper is handed out containing either a diagram, table, or graph in which students have to analyze and provide the given data in their own words such as explaining a certain data entry etc.
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In Task 2- one need to write an essay as a response to their deduction from the given data and support their argument with relevant examples.
Writing Section- IELTS General Training
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It includes two tasks that are comparatively easier than the academic part.
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Tasks include writing a letter in accordance with a given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal, or personal based on the situation presented. Then, the student will be asked to explain, request something, or support your argument to a certain authority.
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Based on such pointers, one is asked to draft an essay on the same. The arguments and opinions mentioned here are supported by relevant instances with a somewhat personal writing style.
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IELTS Reading Section
The reading module comprises three general-interest texts dealing with issues appropriate for candidates entering UG & PG courses. Both reading modules comprise three passages or sections with 40 questions. Question types include MCQ, sentence, or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases, and identifying writers’ views.
Total no. of questions: About 40
Total time: 30 minutes
Reading- IELTS Academic
It comprises three long paragraphs that are either descriptive, factual or analytical, taken from newspapers, research works, journals, books, or even magazines.
Reading- IELTS General Training
Identical to the previous one, there are excerpts from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures etc. Of course, it is easier than the academic format.
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IELTS Listening Section
Divided into four sections. The first two conversations are related to social needs, while the last two are connected with situations which are more closely related to education. A variety of question types are asked, like MCQ, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, labeling a diagram, etc.
Total no. of questions: 40+
Total time: 30 minutes
Sections 1 and 2- Social needs
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Recording 1: The first recording would have a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
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Recording 2 – The second recording would happen to be a monologue set in an everyday social context.
Sections 3 and 4- Educational situations
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IELTS Speaking Section
The Speaking part is like a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills assessing the required knowledge of candidates and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English.
Total no. of questions: 3 parts
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Personal Interview
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Little Speech
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Discussion
Total time: 11 to 14 minutes
Part 1- introduction and interview (4–5 minutes)
One will be asked questions about themselves, such as family, home, studies, hobbies and interests, etc.
Part 2- Long turn (2–3 minutes)
The examiner will hand the candidate a flashcard that would contain a certain topic after which they will have to speak (speech) on that topic for 2 minutes. After the speech, the examiner might ask a few questions based on one’s understanding of the topic.
Part 3- Discussions (5–6 minutes)
Deeper questions and abstract discussions would take place based on the given topic and the speech. One will have to explore more on the given topic and delve into deeper issues.
IELTS Scam
The cops in Gujarat’s Mehsana district in 2022 discovered an alleged racket of 45 persons in which the ineligible students received assistance to gain high scores in this IELTS to travel to Canada on student visas, after which they tried to enter the US illegally. The accused included a coaching class owner, Chief Executive of a private examination management & educational services company. The accused were booked for cheating (Indian Penal Code section 420), criminal breach of trust (406), forgery (465) and criminal conspiracy (120-b).
IELTS Exam Dates 2023
IELTS IDP India is the official conducting body of the IELTS which conducts the exam multiple times in a year. Candidates are advised to book an exam date in 2023, keeping in mind the university admission timeline. Choosing an exam date 3-4 months before their application deadline is better.
IELTS Test Centers in India
IELTS has exam centres all over India so that one can take tests in 78 locations across India. But, choose the location wisely. These bookings must be done in advance according to a suitable time.
A message from IELTS to you all: “Looking to migrate to UK, Canada, Australia or New Zealand. Your migration journey can begin with IELTS”
-IELTS