Well, if you are thoroughly new to IELTS you should be having “n” number of questions obviously. It’s quite natural. You could be having any of the basic questions like… What does it actually look like? Who is it for? Why is it so important? How do I prepare for it? How much should I score? How do I even book for the test? Here’s where you can get these doubts clarified, so that you can know whether IELTS is for you and how do you prepare the right way….
WHO IS IELTS FOR?
IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System and it is test of English proficiency for people whose mother tongue is not English. If you want to study or work in an English speaking country you might probably have the need to prove that you have a good control of both spoken and written English. IELTS can help you achieve that. IELTS has been accepted by over 11000 education providers around the globe and specifically around 3000 education providers in the United States.
If you want to migrate to any country where English is the native language such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom or the United States, IELTS is the test you can take to show that your English is good enough.
DO I NEED BRITISH ENGLISH TO GIVE THE IELTS TESTS?
This is such a common question. The straight answer is NO. IELTS is owned by 3 partner organizations, Cambridge English, who write the test and IDP and the British Council, who deliver the test. Cambridge English and the British Council are British. IDP is an Australian organization that provides international education services.
Interestingly, most people think that IELTS is a test of British English it is not right. The clue is in the name, IELTS, that means when you write you can use American spelling or British spelling. Choose any of these, please do not mix both while writing. In the speaking test you can speak in the American accent or British accent or in the local accent. In fact, accent is not evaluated in IELTS speaking. Only pronunciation is evaluated, accent is not evaluated. Also, there is the listening test, where you will be tested for your ability to understand speakers of many countries. So, it is very much an international test.
WHICH IS EASIER IDP OR BRITISH ENGLISH?
Well, both the organizations deliver the test. But, here’s the thing, Cambridge English write the test so it is the same test. Whether you go to IDP or British Council it doesn’t matter. It’s the same test the result will be the same. So, neither are easier, right?
WHAT DOES IELTS LOOK LIKE?
Now, how does the IELTS test look like? Well, in fact, the test has Two modules, you can choose either the Academic IELTS or the General IELTS. It actually depends. The Academic module is the suitable one if you are going to study abroad or in an English speaking environment at undergraduate or post graduate level. It is also favoured by many organizations for professional registration purposes. For example if you want to work as a professional in medicine, nursing or accountancy fields you may need IELTS Academic.
The general module will be needed for those going to an English speaking country to study below degree level, so for example, in secondary education. For those who ae going to English speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK for work experience or for visa requirement, for migration they need the IELTS General module. The most important thing will be you have to always check with the university or the organization you are applying to, as to which module you should take.
Let’s dive in more into the IELTS and the extended areas of doubts in the forthcoming blog posts. Stay tuned to English with Janet by subscribing.
Janet
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