What are some Frequently Asked Questions about the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?

International English Language Testing System, IELTS, is the most trusted and noteworthy English Language aptitude test all over the globe for testing the institutional education of migrants. Worldwide, over 10,000 federations count on IELTS.

IELTS still strives to set new benchmarks in testing the language. Authorities in Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand also opt for IELTS to proceed with migrant forms.

As an IELTS aspirant, you may have a lot of queries regarding IELTS. Here are all the answers to the question “What are some frequently asked questions about International English Language Testing System (IELTS)?”

IELTS FAQs

Q1) What are the Two Variants of the IELTS Examination?

Among the two variants of the IELTS examination, one is IELTS Academic, and the other is the IELTS General Training. IELTS Academic mainly focuses on the group of people who are visiting a foreign country where the primary language is English for higher education purposes or either for training.

This test is to assure that you are fit for studying or getting trained in that country.

On the other hand, IELTS General Training is for the group of migrating people, for experiences in the work field, training, or students who migrate for their secondary education in an environment where the first preferred language is English.

This general training is mostly to test your social abilities: how you can generally communicate in society.

Q2) What is the Duration and Structure of the IELTS Test?

The total duration of the IELTS test is two hours and 45 minutes. The test is segregated into four segments.

1. The first segment consists of Learning.
2. The second segment consists of Reading.
3. The third segment consists of Writing.
4. The fourth segment consists of speaking tests – The speaking test is held on the same day or within seven days, i.e. before or later the first three tests conducted.

Q3) Is There Any Interval Between the First Three IELTS Tests?

There are no intervals between the IELTS test. The test is conducted in a continuous form. However, the speaking test is scheduled according to the arrangements available in the locality.

Also Read : How do I Get British Council IELTS General Training Preparation Material?

British Council IELTS FAQ

Q1) What Type of Accent is Expected in the British Council IELTS Exams?

IELTS is an examination conducted on a global level. It is counted by many of the authorities and federations. Hence, an international accent should be expected in the listening as well as speaking test. However, British, American, and Australian accents are preferred the most in the IELTS exams.

Q2) Is There a Chance to Lose Marks in the British Council IELTS Test Because of Handwriting?

Handwriting is none of anyone’s concern until and unless your English is perfect. The priority of this exam is to check how efficient you are using English as a language. Handwriting in IELTS exams is not going to bring your score down.

Q3) Is American Spelling Allowed in British Council IELTS?

As far as the spelling is concerned, American spelling and British spelling both are considered and accepted. The only conditions regarding spelling are that you should not mix both spellings. You must either use British spelling or American spelling throughout the paper.

Q4) Can the Answers in British Council be Written with Pen?

Computers checking the answer sheets cannot recognise the answers written with a pen when conducting listening or reading test. So, you must strictly use a pencil in the listening and reading tests of this exam. Nonetheless, you can use a pen in the writing test of IELTS exams.

IDP IELTS FAQ

Q1) What if One Fails to Attend the IDP IELTS?

If anyone fails to attend the IDP IELTS without any earlier notice, the fees paid will be refunded. However, in some medically exceptional cases, a medical certificate before five days of commencement of the exam is accepted. This also includes returning fees but with a deduction of some authoritative costs.

Q2) What If Someone Wants to Delay or Call Off the IDP IELTS?

If someone wants to delay or call off their IDP IELTS exams, the aforementioned notice is to be submitted before five weeks of the onset of the exam. A refund with a deduction of 25% of the local authoritative cost is received.

Nevertheless, if you want to delay the exam within five weeks of the exam, no refund will be approved until it is a medical condition.

Q3) How Long is Each Component of the IDP IELTS?

The listening component is 30 minutes long. The reading section and the writing section are 60 minutes each. These are conducted without any intervals. The speaking test is of 10-15 minutes, which is conducted on the availability of all the requirements for the test.

Q4) Can Body Language be an Important Aspect of the Speaking Test?

The most important part of your speaking exam is that your English language is accurate. To most people, body language comes naturally while speaking, so if that is the case, you can use your body language. Make sure you are calm, confident, and composed in your speaking test.

Also Read : What Material does the British Council Provide for the IELTS Study? Let’s Find Out!

IELTS Exam FAQ

Q1) How Should One Write Answers? Should You be Writing the Answers Immediately or Later?

In a reading test, there is no additional time to write down the answers. Hence, one should immediately write down the answers in the reading section. However, in the listening section, there is an additional ten minutes provided. You can easily write down the remaining answers later.

Q2) Is There Any Negative Marking in the IELTS Exam?

IELTS exam that there is no negative marking in this exam. Therefore you must make sure that you never leave any question unattempted. The marking system either gives you a point, or it doesn’t. It doesn’t cost you any extra points on any wrong answers.

Q3) For How Many Years can Your IELTS Score be in Effect?

Your IELTS score is effective for two years. This can be a chance for you to schedule your IELTS exams before the threshold of two years and accordingly prepare for it.

Q4) What is the Major Variation Between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?

In the case of both exams, the speaking test and the listening test are the same. But in terms of writing tests and the reading test, there is a major variation. IELTS Academic focuses more on the study factor while the IELTS General Training focuses on socialising with other people in the English Language.

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Important Facts about IELTS

1. You can ask your examiner to restate or change the question in the IELTS exam speaking test. This won’t deduct your marks.
2. Having a vocabulary that is a bit complex, adds to your score in the IELTS exam. The more intricate words you use, the more are the chances of getting good scores.
3. You can achieve Band 9 even if you are not a native speaker. Both have the same chances of scoring Band 9.
4. There is no chance of cheating. The examiners are highly trained in locating any misconduct or unfair means.
5. Your confidence, communication skills, and application of grammar while speaking are examined intensively in the speaking test.
6. Not filling any answers in the answer sheet’s even though filled in the IELTS booklet equals zero points.
7. Misspelt words can deduct your score. You must spell each word clearly and correctly.
8. Make sure you write your answers in reading tests and listening tests with a pencil and writing tests with a pen.
9. The word limit and demand for specific answers are to be followed strictly.
10. No extra time will be given to anyone in the exam. The examiners are very strict in the IELTS exam, so make sure to adhere to the given time.

In Conclusion

IELTS is a global examination that confirms your fluency in English and if you are comfortable with the language. It is recognised by many huge federations and is used by migrants from all over the world as a certificate for education or work purposes.

Some facts and theories about IELTS should be understood seriously. This will help you gain a good score in the IELTS exams. The IELTS facts are the ultimate myth busters, so overlooking them could result in silly mistakes. All four components of the exam are equally important. The exam duration is two hours and 45 minutes.

Focusing on grammatical mistakes and bolstering confidence will create a marginal difference. IELTS is not that difficult if you follow all the rules and regulations appropriately. It is a communication-based exam. Hence giving lively answers with correct grammar, spelling, accent, and confidence will push you through these exams.

Keep reading our blogs for more updates and information on IELTS exams!

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