What Is IELTS – Here’s What You Should Know

What is IELTS?

IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System certification is crucial for non-native English speakers looking to expand their opportunities abroad. 

It is recognized by over 10,000 organizations worldwide and assesses your English proficiency for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. 

It helps you to achieve goals, whether pursuing higher education, advancing your career, or immigrating to other countries.

IELTS Structure

1. IELTS four modules

The IELTS exam is divided into four sections that assess different language abilities. 

The first section is Listening, which tests the candidate's skills in understanding spoken English through audio recordings and questions. 

The second section is Reading. 

It evaluates the candidate's reading comprehension skills by presenting passages from different sources such as books, newspapers, and articles. 

It's important to note that the Academic and General Training modules have different reading materials. 

The third section is Writing, where candidates must complete two writing tasks. 

In the Academic module, they need to describe a graph or diagram and write an essay. 

While in the General Training module, they must write a letter and an essay. 

Finally, the fourth section is Speaking, which consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner. 

It assesses the candidate's spoken English abilities, including fluency, pronunciation, and communication skills.

2. IELTS Scoring Band

Proficiency in the English language is evaluated through the IELTS using a nine-band scoring system. 

Depending on the particular language skill level, each band indicates a different level of proficiency. 

For instance, a non-user is represented by band 1, while an expert user is denoted by band 9. 

Institutions and organizations may require specific score thresholds, such as university admissions or immigration applications.

According to the official website of the British Council, here is the breakdown of the IELTS scoring band:

Band score	Skill level
9	Expert
8	Very good
7	Good
6	Competent
5	Modest
4	Limited
3	Extremely limited
2	Intermittent
1	Non-user
0	Did not attempt the test

IELTS Score Requirements

The score requirements for the IELTS can differ depending on many factors, such as the institution, organization, country, and purpose of taking the test. 

Universities, colleges, employers, and immigration authorities may have minimum score requirements based on their standards and needs. 

Moreover, the score requirements can vary between the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training modules.

To give a general idea, here are some examples of score requirements for different purposes:

1. University admission

Different universities have distinct IELTS band score requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate studies. 

Some may require a minimum band score of 6.0 to 7.5 for undergraduates and 6.5 to 8.0 for postgraduates, while others may require a higher band score of 7.0 to 8.5.

2. Employment

IELTS score requirements for employment vary depending on the job position and employer's language prerequisites. 

Entry-level jobs may require a minimum overall band score of 6.0 to 7.0, while senior positions may require higher scores.

3. IELTS for Immigration

The IELTS score requirements for immigration vary by country and visa type. 

For example, Canada requires a minimum score of 6.0 in each module for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. 

In contrast, Australia may require an overall band score of 7.0 or higher for General Skilled Migration visas.

IELTS Examination Fee in Malaysia 

IELTS Tests	Details	Fee (MYR)
IELTS Regular	Academic and General Training  In-center (paper or computer)	RM835
IELTS (UK Visas and Immigration)	Academic and General Training  In-center (paper or computer)	RM935
IELTS Life Skills	A1 and B1  In-center	RM792

**After booking, you will get a confirmation with the start time and venue address.

IELTS Examination Preparation Tips

1. Take practice test

It is highly recommended to routinely take IELTS tests to become accustomed to the structure and types of questions. 

You can easily access official materials and sample tests online or through study guides. 

It's important to assess your strengths and weaknesses so you can concentrate on areas that require improvement.

2. Enroll in a preparation class

Image source: iStock

Enrolling in an IELTS preparation course can prove to be advantageous. 

Several language institutions and training centers offer courses tailored to the different sections of the exam. 

These courses provide structured guidance from experienced educators and allow you to practice with fellow students.

3. Improve your English skills

Exposing yourself to English content is key to boosting your English skills. 

You can improve your reading comprehension by browsing English newspapers, articles, and books. 

Enhancing your speaking and listening abilities can be done by tuning into English podcasts, watching English movies, and conversing in the language. 

Finally, practicing writing by composing essays and letters can help sharpen your writing skills.

Also read: 6 Effective Tips How To Improve English

4. Set goals and study schedule

Establishing clear and achievable goals is crucial to succeeding in the IELTS exam. 

Determine the desired band score and develop a study schedule for adequate time for each test section. 

Consistent practice and self-discipline are key factors in achieving success in the IELTS exam.

5. Review mistakes

Reviewing your answers after taking practice tests or completing practice exercises is important. 

Seek teacher, tutor, or study partner feedback to help you understand your mistakes. 

It allows you to identify areas that need improvement and focus your efforts on specific language skills.

Bonus Tip: 
To prepare for the IELTS examination, practicing in conditions that mimic the actual test environment is important. 

Time yourself during practice tests to become accustomed to the time constraints. 

It helps to alleviate test-day anxiety and enhance your overall performance.

Avoid These 5 Mistakes! 

1. Procrastination

It's important not to delay your IELTS preparation as this could lead to a major mistake. 

Preparing adequately is key to succeeding in the test. 

It helps identify your weaknesses, improve your language skills, and familiarize yourself with the test format. 

It's recommended to start preparing early and maintain a consistent study schedule to avoid last-minute cramming.

2. Focus on one component

It is crucial to note that every part of the IELTS test, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, is equally important. 

To maintain a high overall score, you must complete all sections. 

Make sure to allocate enough time for practicing each component and strive to enhance your skills in all areas. 

3. Overlooking test instructions

It's important to carefully read and understand the test instructions to avoid making unnecessary mistakes. 

Every component has its own set of instructions that guide how to respond to questions or tasks. 

It's crucial to pay close attention to these instructions to ensure that you provide the correct responses and format your answers properly.

4. Poor time management

Effective time management is crucial when taking the IELTS test, as every component has a specific time limit. 

Practicing with timed mock tests is recommended to get used to managing your time efficiently. 

Also, avoid spending too much time on one question and allocate sufficient time for each section to complete all tasks.

Why Are IELTS Preparations Important? 

If you're a student looking to secure a bright future with plenty of educational and career opportunities, you should prioritize your IELTS preparation. 

Here are some reasons why:

Firstly, many universities and colleges worldwide, especially in English-speaking countries, require IELTS scores as part of their admission criteria for international students. 

A high score can improve your chances of getting into the school and program you want, which means you'll have more options for higher education and academic success.

Another good reason to take IELTS seriously is that you can be eligible for scholarships and financial aid based on your academic achievements, including your IELTS scores. 

Doing well on the exam can make studying abroad more affordable and accessible.

And speaking of careers, proficiency in English is an important skill in today's globalized job market. 

Many employers look for candidates who can speak and write well in English, especially for international communication and collaboration jobs. 

A high IELTS score can help you stand out and improve your employability at home and abroad.

If you're considering working or settling abroad, you might also need to provide IELTS scores as part of your immigration or residency application.

Countries have different language requirements for skilled workers and permanent residents. 

So, achieving a good score can make the process easier and more successful.

But it's not just about academic and career benefits. 

Preparing for IELTS can also help you improve your overall communication skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. 

As you practice, you will also gain more confidence in yourself and your abilities, which can be valuable in life.

The IELTS is a highly regarded test for English language proficiency that offers a pathway to international education, career prospects, and immigration. 

Candidates must comprehend the exam format and prepare diligently. 

With adequate preparation, IELTS has the potential to unlock numerous opportunities for those who wish to improve their language abilities and fulfill their aspirations overseas.

If you want to know more about IELTS, you can read here.