IELTS - The Most Widely Accepted English Proficiency Test in Australia
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
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The most commonly accepted English language test in Australia is International English language Testing System (IELTS). Apart from this, the Australian education system also accepts other tests like TOEFL, CAE, and PTE.
In this article, we will have a look at the most common and widely accepted English language proficiency tests in Australia:
International English language Testing System (IELTS)
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge, the British Council and IDP Education Australia, and is the main test for students seeking to enroll in Australian Universities. The test is designed to evaluate the language ability of those who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. Its score is recognized by over 6,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, employers, professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
The test is internationally focused in its content. For instance, the Listening test section uses a range of native-speaker accents (North American, Australian, New Zealand, and British) and all standard varieties of English are accepted in candidates' responses in all parts of the test.
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(Click here to see the list of Australian educational institutions that accept IELTS score for entry to their programmes).
How to Prepare
An individual preparing for IELTS should familiarize himself with the pattern of the test. It will be helpful for you if you do practice test constantly. You can purchase official IELTS Practice Materials from test centers or online. These materials comprises full practice test with answers, and sample Writing and Speaking performances with examiner comments. You do not need to attend a preparation course. Bust in case you like assistance to improve your performance, IELTS centers and language schools around the world offers preparation courses. For additional information about resources, students can click here.
Additional Readings on Preparation:
Evaluation System
IELTS is designed to evaluate English language skills at all levels. There is no pass or fail in IELTS as the results are presented as band scores on a scale from 1 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).
IELTS Band Score Scale |
|
|---|---|
| 9 | Expert user |
| 8 | Very good user |
| 7 | Good user |
| 6 | Competent user |
| 5 | Modest user |
| 4 | Limited user |
| 3 | Extremely limited user |
| 2 | Intermittent user |
| 1 | Non user |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score for Top Australian Universities in 2024
Test Format/Syllabus
The test comprises four modules. Some of these modules are further divided into Academic module and General Training module.
The Academic module is for candidates wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration
The General Training module is for candidates wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK), and for those wishing to train or study at below degree level.
Modules |
No. of Sections |
No. of Questions |
Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 | 40 | Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes’ transfer time) |
| General Training Reading | 3 | 40 | - |
| General Training Writing | - | 2 Tasks (150 and 250 words) | - |
| Academic Reading | - | 40 | 60 minutes (no extra transfer time) |
| Academic Writing | - | 2 Tasks (150 and 250 words) | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 3 | 11-14 minutes |
Q: Â What is IELTS exam all about?
Conducted by IDP, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the world’s most popular English language proficiency tests for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad and global migration. The IELTS exam is available in two formats. The IELTS Academic and the IELTS General.
The IELTS Academic test is designed for candidates looking to pursue higher education across universities and colleges abroad. The IELTS General Test is for candidates who are looking to migrate to an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the UK among others.
The IELTS exam evaluates the English speaking, writing, listening and reading skills of the candidate. Your total IELTS score will be a combination of the band scores from the four sections. You will receive IELTS scores based on each of the four skills on a band of 1 – 9, and you will also be awarded an overall band score. You can score whole (example 5.0, 6.0, 7.0) or half (example 5.5, 6.5, 7.5) bands in each part of the test.
Q: Â Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Â How can I practice for the IELTS exam?
After learning the complete format familiarize yourself with all the topics that you need to cover while preparing for the test. You can get online practice tests and make sure to do it while following the time. Prepare for the Listening test by listening to the audio recordings. Similarly, prepare for the Reading and Writing sections accordingly. Make sure you do as much practice as possible in order to get a decent IELTS score.
Q: Â What is the IELTS exam passing score?
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Students taking the IELTS exam are graded on their performance in the IELTS test using Bands from 1 – 9 for each skill of the test: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Candidates would also receive an overall band score which would be the average of all the individual scores received by the candidate and rounded to the nearest half band. The IELTS exam does not have a passing score. Universities abroad would have an IELTS minimum score requirement which is often referred to as the IELTS cut-off. This is the minimum score that candidates need to achieve to apply to the university. Candidates should note that getting the minimum IELTS score does not guarantee admission to the university. Candidates are required to score higher than the expected IELTS cut-off.
Q: Â What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score can vary depending on your specific goals, such as study abroad requirements, visa applications, or employment opportunities. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements, so it is essential to research and understand the specific score expectations for your intended purpose. In general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered a good IELTS score. However, this may differ based on the individual's needs and the requirements of the institution or organisation they are applying to.
Some universities and programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is crucial to review the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you are interested in and aim to achieve a score that meets their criteria. Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when determining what constitutes a good IELTS score for you. Get more details at What is a good IELTS score?
Q: Â Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Â How can I prepare for IELTS exam?
Shiksha Study Abroad has introduced a new, 1-month free online IELTS course to help students prepare for their IELTS Exam. Students associated with Shiksha get complementary free IELTS training for a month. This programme aims to help students prepare for studying abroad without any additional costs.
Starting in early February 2024, the course has already attracted over 1,000+ participants. Shiksha Study Abroad reports impressive results: 80% of students have succeeded in their goals, with the average participant achieving an IELTS score of 7.0.
Key Features of Free IELTS Training
Some of the key features of the Shiksha Study Abroad Free IELTS Training programme typically include:
- Live online classes are accessible from anywhere and on any device
- 1 Month Free Training - Option to choose from Weekend and Weekday Batches
- Learn from experienced British Council and Cambridge-certified trainers
- Coverage of all IELTS modules: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Option for students to retake classes if needed at 0 cost
- Mock Tests for the students to practice before the exam
Q: Â Is it easy or tough to appear for IELTS exam?
Armed with B.Com from Delhi University, Anuradha Sharma has accumulated rich experience as an education counsellor. She is especially adept at handling Australia and NZ admission procedure. Before becoming a GTE Exp... Read Full Bio
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