ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IELTS IS ON THIS PAGE.
(Read it Carefully)
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.
Who can take IELTS?
Anyone can take the tests. Age is not a barrier as long as you have completed secondary school.
Is IELTS Mandatory ?
No, it is not mandatory for everyone. It is a requirement for certain situations. For example, if you want to go to school and the school requires it, or if you want to go abroad and the visa institutions require it.
The Type of IELTS to take?
Many people ask me these questions:
– Should I take General or Academic?
– Is it the regular IELTS or the UKVI?
What is UKVI?
Let’s first consider the different types of IELTS tests available:
1. General IELTS Training is for immigration purposes. If you are applying for Canada PR or low-level jobs below a degree level, you should take this test.
2. Academic IELTS is for those who are going abroad for studies or high-skilled jobs like doctors, nurses, and accountants. If you have a work visa, you need to take this type.
It’s important to note that if you immigrate to a country via the general training IELTS, there may be jobs there that require you to take the Academic IELTS to upskill. This is why some people prefer to take both types and have both certificates.
Now, let’s talk about IELTS UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). If you are specifically applying to work or immigrate to the UK, you should take the UKVI version. There are two types under this category:
1. General IELTS UKVI is for immigration or training below a degree level in the UK, such as healthcare assistants.
2. Academic IELTS UKVI is for studying in the UK or professional registration, such as nursing, medicine, or pharmacy.
Additionally, there is another type called IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1), which is for people who want to join a relative, spouse, or partner who is a permanent resident in the UK, apply for permanent residency, or become a British citizen.
To summarize:
– For work: Academic IELTS
– For immigration: General IELTS
– For the UK specifically: UKVI versions
– For joining a relative or partner in the UK: IELTS Life Skills
However, it’s always recommended to check with the institutions, programs, or immigration authorities to be sure of the specific type of IELTS you need to take.
Is the standard IELTS training the same as IELTS for UKVI?
The exam structure for both IELTS and IELTS UKVI is the same. The only difference is the cost of registering for the exam, with IELTS UKVI being slightly more expensive.
IDP vs. British Council: Which one is easier?
Some people believe that the IELTS organized by IDP is easier than the one organized by the British Council, claiming it’s easier to achieve a band 7 with IDP. However, both IDP and the British Council are the same company, and there are no differences in the IELTS exams they conduct. They both coordinate the exam alongside Cambridge and use the same marking scheme.
When choosing between IDP and the British Council, consider the following factors:
1. Proximity of the test center to you.
2. Test centers often use headphones for listening; check if this is the case at your preferred location.
3. Test dates that are convenient for you; IDP and the British Council have varying test dates, so choose one that suits your schedule best.
Now that you know what should inform your decision, you can make a choice.
IELTS Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Paper - Based Test, Which should you choose
IELTS Computer-Based Test (CBT) or Paper-Based Test (PBT): Which one should you choose?
The decision between CBT and PBT is yours to make based on the information provided here.
CBT and PBT have the same marking scheme; the difference lies in using a computer for one and paper for the other.
For CBT, you need to be moderately fast with the keyboard. Here’s a brief overview of each module in CBT:
– Listening: You listen and type your answers, with some question types requiring you to drag or select boxes.
– Reading: Questions are next to the passage, making it easier to scan. You can also highlight text.
– Writing: You can copy, cut, paste, and edit. Handwriting is not an issue, and the screen shows the word count.
– Speaking: It is a one-on-one interview, either physical or via video.
If you type fast and have poor handwriting, CBT may be a good fit for you.
How do I register for IELTS?
You can register, pay and select your preferred test centre for IELTS on either the British Council’s website or IDP’s website, depending on your preference.
What advice do you have for first-time test takers to pass IELTS?
Here are some recommendations:
1. Know the specific type of test you need to take.
2. Prepare adequately for the exam using a guide or study materials.
3. Once you feel ready, book your test.
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