As globalisation continues to reshape the preference for education and employment, proficiency in the English language has become a mandatory requirement for individuals seeking to study or work in English-speaking countries abroad. Among the various proficiency tests available, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) stands out as a globally recognised assessment of English language proficiency.
While there are a range of IELTS tests like IELTS Academic, General Training and UKVI, the test format for each of them is modified so that they are more relevant for each specific sector.
In this article, we will keep our focus on the IELTS Academic test. Specifically designed for academic purposes, this test is a gateway for students aiming to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many others. So, let’s get into the details of this English proficiency test so that you can achieve your required band scores.
IELTS Academic Test: Section-wise Format Explained
1. Listening
The listening section of the IELTS Academic test is meticulously constructed to evaluate a test taker’s ability to comprehend a range of accents and spoken English in various academic settings. It consists of four sections, each containing a monologue or conversation, followed by a series of questions. Test takers are provided with approximately 30 minutes to complete this section, including the time allocated for transferring answers to the answer sheet. 40 questions will be asked in total for this test section.
To excel in this section, candidates should focus on polishing their listening skills through regular practice with diverse audio materials.
2. Reading
The reading section of the IELTS Academic test assesses a candidate’s ability to extract information, identify main ideas, and comprehend detailed textual content. Comprising three long texts sourced from academic journals, books, newspapers, or magazines, this section presents candidates with a variety of questions. They include multiple choice, short answers to open questions, matching headings, complete sentences, and True/False/Not Given. With 60 minutes allotted for completion, nearly 40 questions will be asked.
Effective time management and utilising skimming/scanning techniques are important for reading through complex passages and answering questions accurately.
3. Writing
The writing component of the IELTS Academic test consists of two tasks designed to assess different aspects of English writing proficiency. Task 1 requires the test taker to describe, summarize, or explain visual information, such as graphs, charts, or diagrams, in at least 150 words. Task 2 involves writing an essay in response to a given argument, problem, or point of view, with a minimum word count of 250 words.
Time management is extremely important in this section, as candidates are allocated approximately 20 minutes to complete Task 1. And 40 minutes to complete Task 2. Test takers need to answer in full sentences, answers as notes or bullet points will not be taken into consideration. Furthermore, they need to ensure that there is coherence, cohesion, and lexical resources in their written responses.
4. Speaking
The speaking section of the IELTS Academic test assesses the test taker’s ability to communicate fluently. And logically in English through a face-to-face interview with an examiner. Divided into three parts, the speaking test begins with an introductory conversation and gradually progresses to more complex discussions on familiar topics and abstract concepts. Test takers are assessed on their pronunciation, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and ability to engage in interactive communication.
The speaking test usually lasts for 11 to 14 minutes, and it is recorded for evaluation. Thorough preparation and practice can enhance your confidence and performance.
Now that we have explored the IELTS academic test sections in detail, let’s move ahead to have a glance through some test strategies and answer all your how to prepare for IELTS questions.
Effective Strategies to Prepare for IELTS Academic
- Familiarize Yourself with the Test Format: Understanding the structure and question types of each section is essential for effective preparation. Use the official IELTS practice materials and sample tests to acquaint yourself with the test format and difficulty level.
- Develop Strong Language Skills: Focus on improving your overall English language skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Engage in activities such as reading academic texts, listening to podcasts or lectures, and practising writing essays on various topics.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to achieving the required IELTS Academic test scores. Dedicate adequate time each day to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Utilize a variety of resources, including online practice tests, study guides, and language learning apps.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Practice time management techniques during practice sessions to ensure that you can complete each section of the test within the allocated time limits. Pace yourself appropriately and prioritize questions based on their difficulty level.
- Seek Feedback: Take constructive feedback from IELTS trainers, tutors, or language experts to identify areas for improvement. Participate in mock speaking interviews and writing assessments to receive feedback.
Since you are now aware of some effective tips and tricks for preparation, let’s familiarize you with the test registration process.
IELTS Test Registration: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1 – Begin by creating an account on the official IELTS website.
- Step 2 – Choose the IELTS Academic option when registering for the test.
- Step 3 – Select a convenient test date and location from the available options.
- Step 4 – Fill out the necessary personal and payment information to complete the registration process.
After successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email containing important details about the test venue, date, and timings. Keep this email safe and refer to it for any updates or changes regarding your IELTS exam appointment.
IELTS Academic Test Results & Validity
After taking the IELTS Academic test, test takers can expect to receive their results within 8 to 13 days of the test date. Test results are reported on a nine-band scale. With each band corresponding to a specific level of English proficiency. Ranging from Band 1 (Non-User) to Band 9 (Expert User). Candidates can access their results online through the official IELTS website or receive a hard copy via mail. It is important to note that IELTS test scores are valid for a period of two years from the test date, after which they expire.
In conclusion, this is all that you need to know about the IELTS Academic test as a test taker. Now that you have all the resources and information in hand, you can enhance your chances of achieving your anticipated score.
Make sure that you prepare diligently, use effective study strategies, and stay consistent in practice. You can also reach out to the best IELTS coaching near you to get targeted preparation techniques and authentic practice materials.
Best of luck for your IELTS Academic test!
