The IELTS exam (International English Language Testing System) is administered by the British Council and is one of the premier tests for study abroad and immigration.
How does it work? Which kind of IELTS exam is right for you?
Keep reading to find out how you can succeed on your IELTS exam.
What is the Structure of the IELTS Test?
IELTS exams are divided into four sections: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
The first three sections are taken consecutively, while the Speaking section happens later on either the same day or a separate date that you book in advance.
Which IELTS Test Should I Take?
The authority requiring you to take the test will be able to tell you which version they need, but generally this is the breakdown:
IELTS Academic is for those who need the test to study abroad, while IELTS General is for those needing it for work purposes.
If you are looking to study or work in the UK, then you will likely need the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (IELTS UKVI) version of either the Academic or General test, depending on the purpose of your travel. IELTS Life Skills involves only the Speaking and Listening portions of the test and may suffice for UK immigration purposes- be sure to verify with the requesting authority before registering for your IELTS test.
Computer-based IELTS exams are offered weekly in Ramat Gan and Haifa paper-based exams are offered a few times a year and only for certain kinds of tests, so be sure to register early if you require a paper-based test.
What Happens If I Don’t Get the Score I Need?
The IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake one section of the test- Reading, Writing, Listening or Speaking- within 60 days of your original test date.
The option to book a One Skill Retake should appear within your test-taker portal on the IELTS website.
This option is only available for those who took their original test on the computer.
How Do I Get My Results?
When your IELTS scores are ready, you will get an email directing you to check your test-taker portal.
Within the portal you can see your scores, download them in order to send them elsewhere, and make requests for IELTS to send your scores directly to institutions that you specify.
Paper results are available only for those who have taken a paper-based test.
How Should I Prepare for My IELTS Test?
First of all, use English as much as you can- read English material, talk to friends in English, listen to English media and write English summaries of what you’ve learned.
You can test your level with a sample test on the IELTS website.
Looking for more structured IELTS preparation? At Yeda Plus we offer dedicated IELTS prep courses as well as private lessons with our teachers, customized to your needs and schedule.
Our instructors are native English speakers and have served as IELTS examiners themselves.
Whether by Zoom or in person, we can help you find the solution you need to succeed on the IELTS test!
