Chapter 1 – IELTS Outline
What Is The IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures the
language proficiency of people who want to study or
work in environments where
English is used as a language of communication.
IELTS provides a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills:
listening,
reading, writing and speaking. An easy to use 9-band
scale clearly identifies
proficiency level, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9)
IELTS is required for people who want to study at secondary and tertiary levels and for
the application of visas and employment.
Academic_and_General_Training)'>The Two Test Modes (Academic and General Training)
IELTS provides two types of test modes and the type of test mode that you will need to
take will depend on your circumstances. The two test modes are; Academic and General
Training. Let’s look at the difference between the two test modes.
Academic
– Measures English language proficiency for
academic and higher learning
purposes.
For example – University, TAFE
General Training
– Measures English language
proficiency in a practical,
everyday
context for employment and visa purposes.
For example – Employment, Visas
Key Note:
The Academic and General Training test modes
are graded using the same
criteria for the writing section of the IELTS.
Scoring Structure – How IELTS will score you
Your IELTS score will be given between 0 – 9 for each of the four sections and then an
overall score given between 0 – 9.
Below shows the scoring range for each section and the overall score.
