IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
It is divided into 4 modules which are reading, writing, speaking, and listening. It’s a standard test to check the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers to measure the language ability. The IELTS test has been administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment.
There are two ways through which the IELTS exam can be attempted.
1. Paper Based Test
It’s self-explanatory that it happens in a traditional way with the help of pen and paper at British Council test centres.
2. Computer Based Test
For more than 30 years, this test has been happening in a traditional way i.e. hand written paper, but in the year 2018, the IELTS online test or computer based format came into the picture. However, the level of difficulty is still the same in both the formats.
However, the test terms of content, format, and scoring in a computer based test are still similar to the paper-based format. Computer based tests are the most recommended format these days as the test dates are easily available and the test results are announced within 7 days.
IELTS is used by many organizations, including universities, immigration authorities, as a criterion for admission, immigration, or employment purposes.
IELTS Band Score:
Band -1: Non-User (Candidate has no eligibility to use the English Language)
Band -2: Intermittent User (Candidate has inadequate English communication skills)
Band -3: Extremely Limited User (Candidate has conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations and has frequent breakdowns in communication.
Band -4: Limited User (Candidate can communicate in simple, routine tasks, but may struggle with complex language)
Band -5: Moderate User (Candidate has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.)
Band -6: Competent User (Candidate has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.)