The IELTS is one of the most widely recognized English language proficiency tests, used for academic and immigration purposes. It is designed to assess the four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The test has two versions: Academic, for students seeking admission to universities and higher education institutions, and General Training, which is typically used for work or migration purposes. Each section is scored on a scale from 1 to 9, with 9 being the highest possible score, and the overall score is an average of the four sections. IELTS is recognized by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in countries like the UK, USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
The Listening section consists of four recorded audio passages, each followed by questions, assessing the ability to understand spoken English in various accents and contexts. The Reading section tests comprehension skills through reading passages and answering questions. The Writing section requires test-takers to complete two tasks: a descriptive task and an essay, while the Speaking section involves a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. This personal interaction makes the IELTS Speaking test stand out from other tests. IELTS is typically taken in a test center, though some locations also offer a computer-based version of the test. Test results are available within 13 days, and the scores are valid for two years.