IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures competence of communication in English. It is meant for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world. Over half a million people take IELTS every year.

Course Structure:

IELTS offers two Modules:

a) Academic Module
b) General Training Module

Taking either module depends on why you are taking the IELTS test. As a general rule the Academic Module is taken by those who intend to gain entry onto educational or professional courses at degree level. The General Training Module is taken by those who intend to join vocational or training courses, secondary education or immigration purposes.

The choice of module depends on your reason for taking the IELTS test.
Each Module is divided into four parts:
i) Reading    ii) Writing  iii) Listening vi) Speaking
The Listening and Speaking tests are the same for the Academic and General Training Modules but the Reading and Writing tests are different.

Advantages:

IELTS is convenient for candidates in terms of test dates and test venues.
IELTS is a benchmark for English Language ability worldwide.
IELTS Nine band score system measures scores in a consistent manner.
IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service is free worldwide.
IELTS score is recognized in 120 countries.

Academic and General Modules

Academic Reading Test

This is a 1 hour Test in 3 sections with 40 questions based on 1 reading text per section. Different types of questions are asked on each text. Some of them are given below:
-Multiple Choice
-Short Answer
-Sentence, Notes or Flow Chart Completion
-True False Statements
-Matching phrases
-Finding Writer’s opinions
Undergraduate level texts are given in the test. You are not supposed to have any specialist knowledge of any subject. Basically these are of general academic interest.

Academic Writing Test

This is a 1 hour Test. You are given 2 tasks to do.

Task 1 is basically a piece of descriptive writing. You are required to describe facts about the give forms. Such forms could be pictures, bar charts or tables. Your writing should not be less than 150 words.

Task 2 is similar to a piece a creative writing. You are required to write an essay on an academic topic. Your writing should be cohesive and logically developed. It should not be less than 250 words.

Academic Speaking Test

IELTS Academic Speaking Test is the same for both the Academic and General Training Modules. The test is recorded. It is divided into 3 sections:

Section 1: begins with some questions on personal information similar to the type of questions one would ask when meeting someone for the first time. Finally the examiner asks a series of questions on 2 topics of general interest. It takes about 5 minutes.

Section 2:  is a monologue by the candidate. The candidate is given a card with a subject and a few guiding questions on it. You talk on this subject for 2 minutes. You are given 1 minute in order to prepare for your talk. You can make some brief notes. After your talk 1 or 2 brief questions will be asked. It takes about 3 minutes.

Section 3:  You answer some more questions generally related to the subject spoken about in section 2. These questions are more demanding and require some critical analysis. It takes about 5 minutes.

Academic Listening Test

IELTS Academic Listening Test is the same for both the Academic and General Training Modules. You listen to a tape and answer questions on it. The tape is played once only. The Test is in four sections with 10 questions each. It takes about 30 minutes. After that 10 more minutes are given to transfer answers to the given sheet. Questions types usually come from list given below:

-Multiple Choice
-Short Answer
-Sentence, Notes or flow chart Completion