What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System and the most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. These are the things you need to know about IELTS. It is a standard test of English language proficiency for non-English-speaking countries. About 3.5 million take the test each year.
Over 11,500 organizations globally in about 140 countries accept the test.
The International English Language Testing System is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. This exam is for immigration and academic purposes for those who want to relocate to countries like Australia, the UK, New Zealand, the USA, and Canada.
International English Language Testing System expands your chances of success on test day and equips you with the strategies you need to be successful in those countries. Though IELTS is not mandatory to get admission into the university in those countries mentioned, some universities will not require the admission test. But bear in mind that your chances of getting the student visa will be slim, as the visa officers might not be well convinced about your English proficiency without your International English Language Testing System result. So it is safer to appear for IELTS and aim to score at least six (6) bands.
Most educational institutions, government immigration agencies, professional registration bodies, and employers often require the International English Language Testing System as part of their requirements.
A good score on the international English language testing system can enable you to pursue higher studies as an international student at the best universities or work in English-speaking countries where English is the primary language of communication after completing your graduation or post-graduation studies.
The British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English own IELTS.
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Types of IELTS
IELTS Academic
This test suits students pursuing graduation or post-graduation studies in a foreign country. This test enables the university or college you are applying to assess the English language proficiency of the candidate who wants to pursue higher studies abroad.
IELTS General
The General Training test is for those who wish to move to the UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand for secondary studies, work purposes, or other employment training. It focuses on assessing basic survival skills in a workplace environment. The International English language testing system general is for those who want to apply to study below degree level. The test features everyday English language skills that a person needs in a social and workplace environment.
The format and question pattern is almost the same for both. Each test consists of four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The format and questions on the Academic or General International English Language Testing System are related. Those who wish to write the exam can expect questions such as essays, writing, MCQs, sentence completion, letter writing, identifying data, matching lists, and more.
IELTS UKVI
The International English language testing system UKVI is for those planning to move or migrate to the UK to train or study below degree level and who need to make a direct application to UK Visas and Immigration. The test also involves listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The format, content, and scoring pattern are similar to Academic and General IELTS.
It follows specific steps to determine the authenticity of the candidates or applicants who apply for it, but there is a difference in the customer journey on the test day; the test report forms will be different to show you have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.
It’s divided into the following types: IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS for UKVI General Training, and IELTS Life Skills. Applicants can decide to appear for two types of International English Language testing system UKVI exams based on the mode of the examination.
Things to have in mind while preparing
Writing
You need to know how to describe chat and data
How to Write an Essay
How to write about trending topics.
Speaking
- Learn how to Speak with confidence
- Take note of your punctuation marks
- How to give a brief talk but get right to the point.
Listening
- Learn how to listen to a conversation in English
- Learn how to be focused while listening.
Reading
- How to read unfamiliar words fluently
- time yourself why reading
- How to meet up with time while reading
- learn how to increase your vocabulary
What is the age limit to write for the IELTS exams?
IELTS exams have no age limit set by their administrators (IDP or British Council)but are not recommended for candidates or applicants below 16 years.
International English Language testing system eligibility
The organization sets no IELTS eligibility criteria for the test; whoever wants to pursue higher studies or wants to work abroad can sit for the IELTS IDP test, whether academic, general training or IELTS UKVI; therefore, candidates or applicants should always check the eligibility criteria set by the institution and the organization to which they are applying.
IELTS Exam Date
IELTS IDP India is the official conducting body of the IELTS. The IELTS test is available multiple times throughout the year. Candidates or applicants are encouraged to book an IELTS exam at their most convenient date, knowing the university admission timeline.
Candidates who want to book for the test should choose a test date 3–4 months before the deadline of the application to which they applied. The IELTS centers are available across various major cities in Nigeria, and India.
How to score the International English Language Testing system
The IELTS score band is calculated simply by finding the average score of all four sections: writing, reading, listening, and speaking. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. If the average score comes out in a decimal place, it will be approximate to the nearest whole number.
For instance, the IELTS scores come out in a Test Report Form, and the candidates will view their results online and are also eligible to receive one TRF. The minimum IELTS score requirement varies among different universities. Therefore, the candidate should know the eligibility score of the school of choice or the employer. Learn more
IELTS Result
Test results will be released by postal mail 13 days after the test is taken and an online preview of the results will be available within 28 days.
How To Register for the International English language testing system
- Visit the official IELTS site
- Go to the Register for Test option.
- Select your preferred test, Test type, and available Test Date and preference for the city.
Test Centers to Write IELTS in Nigeria
Abeokuta
- Abeokuta: FUNAAB, the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State.
- Ibadan: Kakanfo Conference Center, No. 1 Nihilola Street, New Era Ibadan.
- Best Western Plus: No. 25 Jibowo Crescent,Iyagunk,GRA Ibadan, Oyo State.
Port Harcourt Cernter
- Royal Charlin, No. 13 Birabi Street, Hotel Presidential Road, Gra Phase 2 P/H.
- King David Event Center, No. 10 Orazi Road, opposite Ebony Hospital off Rumuola Road P/H.
- Bereton Montessori School, Stadium Road, Port Harcourt.
- Vine Internation School, Tombia Street Extension, Port Harcourt.
Lagos Center
- Lagos: Ben Autos Event Center-NO17Oladipupo Fafore Street, Santos Layout by Akwonjo Roundabout.
- Ace Olivia Hall- Lagos City Mall, Onikan Roundabout Lagos Island.
- Bespoke Event Center, – Sabitex Road, Lekki Beside Germain/Toyota Building 4th Roundabout Chisco Bus stop Lekki Epe Expressway.
- Bunker Yaba, No 279, Herbert Macaulay Way, Yaba
- Cedar College 6, Celestial Church Street, off Amara Olu Street (Beside Zenith Bank), Agidingbi, Ikeja.
- Beji Hotel 26, Emmanuel High Street,Off Ojota/Ogudu Road,Ogudu Gra,Lagos.
- Etor Residence Hostel And Apartment, 17B Adetokunbo Adesanya Close, Lekki Phase1.
Abuja IELTS Center
- Abuja: Holborn Academy – No 5 Mekong Close, off Mekong Crescent, OFF Euphrates Street off Aguyi Ironsi Maltama,
- Aduvie International School-No1 Auvie way OFF Katampe Road, Jahi Abj.
- Sentosa Great Hall- Sentosa Great Hall Sentosa ParkBo1-373 Zona APO Legislative Quarters.
- Top Rank Hotel Abuja: Top Rank Hostel Galaxy,245 P.O.W Mafemi Cres, Utako by Chida Hotel Abuja.
Enugu Center
- Bon Hotel and Sunshine, plot C5 presidential road, Independence Layout Enugu
Kano IELTS Center
- Tahir Guest House, NO4 Ibrahim Nataugune Road, Kawo, Kano.
- Skyline University, NO2 Zaria Road, OPPosite Kano Line Bus stop, Kano.
- Grand Central Hotel,No 1 Bompia Road Kano.
- Ile-Ife Center
- Florence Nightingate Hall, Nurse Houses Behind School of Health infofmation,Oauthc Ile-Ife Osun State.
Conclusion: Having seen the meaning and the type of IELTS test we have, what is involved, and the countries that need your test of English for your education and work in their country, the candidates or applicants should inquire from the school or the employer about the type of test to take and the score range they need to qualify. Visit here to learn about some schools you can apply to as an international student.