What is IELTS ?
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is widely recognized and accepted by educational institutions, employers, and immigration authorities around the world.
IELTS Category
Academic
For higher education
General Training
For work and migration
Best IELTS Preparation Classes in Nepal (2024)
At A One Global, our IELTS preparation classes will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to tackle all sections of the IELTS test. Whether you’re aiming for academic or general training, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what our course offers:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Our classes address all four essential skills: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. The six weeks long course will delve into each and every question types and step by step approach to teach you secrets of scoring higher bands.
- Effective Tips & Tricks and Strategies: Learn valuable tips and tricks to impress the examiner during your test. There are certain ways to unfold questions that allows you to get Band 8 or even 9 particularly in listening and reading section. Our seasoned instructors will help you identify such questions and teach you methods to answer them.
- Academic Word Bank and Grammar Enhancement: Grammar and vocabulary that are two major pillars of getting higher score in IELTS. We’ll expand your academic vocabulary, teach you a range of grammars and show you ways of paraphrasing that will help you enhancing your chances of achieving higher scores.
- Authentic Materials: All activities are based on official IELTS test materials. A booklet covering five latest IELTS will be provided. In additional, latest and authentic materials and questions will be used for the regular mock-test that you can take for as many time as you wish to.
- Score Improvement: With our guidance, regular tests, intensive classes and academic environment you’ll see your scores improve in a short period. Here in A One students take more and more mock test on a regular basis as we help them identify their mistakes and teach them how to tackle them, until they get desired scores.
Understanding IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized standardized test. It assesses an individual’s English language proficiency for purposes such as international studies, professional certification, and immigration. Here’s what you need to know:
- Test Components: IELTS evaluates listening, writing, reading, and speaking abilities through a variety of assessment questionnaires.
- Format: It combines paper-based writing and reading tasks. Hearing equipments for listening test and face-to-face interviews for speaking test.
- Validity: Test results remain valid for two years from the test date.
Scoring: The test is scored on a nine-band scale, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest band.
IELTS Test Preparation
Before diving into IELTS preparation, it’s crucial to understand the test structure. Familiarize yourself with the format, practice consistently, and aim for success!
Language Skills Set
The IELTS test evaluation for the four essential language skills to determine English proficiency
LISTENING
READING
WRITING
SPEAKING
IELTS Score Range(0-9)
IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of English proficiency
IELTS Skills Test Assessment Formats
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Skills Test is divided into four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section assesses different language skills and uses specific formats.
Reading
- Duration: 60 min
- Questions: 40
- Sections: 3
- Score Range: 0-9
Strategies and Tips
The IELTS Reading section assesses your ability to comprehend written texts and extract relevant information. To excel in this section, consider the following strategies:
- Skim and Scan: Begin by skimming the passage to grasp its main theme. Then, scan for specific details, keywords, and phrases.
- Time Management: Allocate time wisely. Spend approximately 20 minutes on each passage. Don’t get stuck on a single question; move forward and return later if needed.
- Vocabulary: Enhance your vocabulary. Note unfamiliar words and their meanings.
- Paraphrasing: Answers are often paraphrased. Look for synonyms and rephrased sentences.
- Context Clues: Understand the context to infer answers. Look at sentences before and after the target information.
- Practice: Regularly attempt practice tests. Familiarize yourself with different topics and question formats.
Question Types
- Multiple Choice: Read the question carefully and identify keywords. Eliminate incorrect options systematically. Remember, sometimes the keywords can be paraphrased or described so try to identify specific names and dates that can’t be paraphrased.
- Matching Headings: Match headings to paragraphs based on central themes. Understand the summary which often lies within first and last sentence of the paragraph.
- True/False/Not Given: These are factual question types, however, be cautious with “Not Given” answers; they require precise evidence from the text.
- Yes/No/Not Given: Do not get confused this question with True/False/Not Given. If the answer is ‘Yes’ but write ‘True’ would be a wrong answer. These questions are little difficult as these questions requires essence of the text to be understood rather than factual True/False question.
- Sentence Completion: Pay attention to context and grammar.
- Summary Completion: Fill in missing words using context clues.
Remember, the IELTS Reading section evaluates not only your comprehension skills but also your ability to apply effective strategies. Stay focused, manage time, and practice consistently to achieve your desired score.
Feel free to adapt this content to your specific needs. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
Number of Passages
The IELTS Reading section typically consists of three passages. These passages cover a range of topics, such as science, history, culture, or social issues.
Each passage varies in length, complexity, and style.
Number of Questions
Within each passage, there are 40 questions in total.
Scoring
The IELTS Reading section is scored on a scale of 0 to 9.
Your raw score (number of correct answers) is converted to a band score using a conversion table.
Here’s how scores correspond to band scores:
| Correct Answers | Band Scores |
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 33-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-32 | 7 |
| 27-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-26 | 6 |
| 19-22 | 5.5 |
| 15-18 | 5 |
| 13-14 | 4.5 |
| 10-12 | 4 |
| 8-9 | 3.5 |
| 6-7 | 3 |
| 4-5 | 2.5 |
Focus on understanding the passages, applying effective strategies, and practicing consistently to achieve your desired score.
Good luck!
Listening
- Duration: 30 min
- Questions: 40
- Sections: 4
- Score Range: 0-9
Number of Passages
The IELTS Listening section comprises four parts.
Each part focuses on a different type of speech or conversation.
Content of Each Part
- Section 1: A social or transactional dialogue. For instance, a conversation about travel arrangements.
- Section 2: A topic or short speech. It might cover local facilities or general information.
- Section 3: An academic conversation. Typically involves two university students discussing a topic guided by a tutor.
- Section 4: An academic lecture. Here, only one person speaks on an academic subject.
Question Types
The IELTS Listening test includes 40 questions in total.
These questions assess various listening skills:
a) Multiple Choice: Choose the correct answer (A, B, or C) based on the recording.
b) Sentence Completion: Fill in missing words using context clues.
c) Matching Headings: Match headings to paragraphs.
d) Maps Matching: Identify and match information provide in maps as per audio.
e) True/False/Not Given: Evaluate specific points in the recording.
Scoring
Each correct answer receives 1 mark.
Your final score is given as a band score (e.g., 5.5 or 7.0).
| Correct Answers | Band Scores |
| 39-40 | 9 |
| 37-38 | 8.5 |
| 35-36 | 8 |
| 32-34 | 7.5 |
| 30-31 | 7 |
| 26-29 | 6.5 |
| 23-25 | 6 |
| 18-22 | 5.5 |
| 16-17 | 5 |
| 13-15 | 4.5 |
| 11-12 | 4 |
Remember to practice regularly, familiarize yourself with different accents (British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American), and manage your time effectively during the test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
Speaking
- Duration: 11-14 min
- Phases: 3
- Score Range: 0-9
Overview
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English.
It evaluates various aspects of your speaking skills, including pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and coherence.
Test Format
The Speaking test consists of three parts:
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
The examiner asks you general questions about yourself, your family, work or studies, and interests.
Duration: Around 4 to 5 minutes.
Part 2: Cue Card (Candidate Task Card)
You receive a cue card with a topic.
You have 1 minute to prepare and then speak about the topic for 2 minutes.
Part 3: Details Discussion
A longer, more in-depth discussion related to the topic from Part 2.
It involves a two-way conversation with the examiner.
Duration: Around 4 to 5 minutes.
Preparation Tips
- Practice with a Partner: Find a study partner to simulate the exam scenario. Practice speaking regularly.
- Use Free Practice Materials: Utilize free practice materials provided by the British Council online.
- Watch Your Timing: Practice all three sections consecutively to replicate the exam experience.
Scoring
The Speaking test is scored on a scale of 0 to 9.
Criteria include fluency, coherence, vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammatical accuracy.
Remember to stay calm, express your ideas clearly, and engage in natural conversations during the test. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For additional practice, explore sample speaking questions and answers to enhance your skills. Watch / listen to English news and try to reiterate whatever the news anchor says.
Writing
- Duration: 60 min
- Sections: Task-1 & Task-2
- Score Range: 0-9
The IELTS Writing section evaluates your ability to express ideas clearly, organize information logically, and use appropriate language. It consists of two tasks:
Task 1: Academic Writing (150 words)
It’s a descriptive essay and requires you to describe graphs, charts, process, maps or diagrams in minimum 150 words:
You’ll describe visual data (such as bar charts, line graphs, or pie charts), and avoid giving opinion.
Focus on key trends, comparisons, and significant points.
Use a formal tone and report factual information.
In process or map question, explain a process (e.g., how something is made) or describe changes in a map.
Highlight main stages, significant features, and spatial relationships.
Use a mixture of simple and complex sentences.
Do not make grammatical mistakes and use unique academic words related to the topic.
Task 2: Essay Writing (250 words)
Task 2 requires you to write an essay on a given topic. These essay can be persuasive or argumentative and you have to put forward your idea so as to argue or persuade the examiners.
Common themes include education, environment, technology, and social issues.
Essay Structure
- Introduction: Paraphase the question and state your opinion or position or give your thesis about what will you discuss in the essay.
- Body Paragraphs (2-3): Present arguments to your claim. Support them by examples, and evidence.
- Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate your opinion.
Five kinds of question IELTS Essay are:
A. Opinion (Agree/Disagree) Essays:
In this type of essay, you are presented with someone else’s opinion, and you must express whether you agree or disagree with it.
The opinion provided is often flawed or extreme.
Sample question: “Some people think that only electric cars should be allowed on the road by 2040. Do you agree?”
B. Discussion Essays:
Discussion essays require you to present both sides of an issue.
It could involve two sides of the same topic (e.g., free healthcare) or two separate issues.
Sample question: “Urban spaces should be used for parks rather than housing. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.”
Advantage/Disadvantage Essays:
These essays focus on presenting both positive and negative aspects of a given topic.
There are two subtypes:
- Advantage and Disadvantage Essay: Discuss the pros and cons of an issue.
- Outweigh Essay: Present your opinion on whether the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Sample question: “Is taking a gap year before university beneficial? What are the advantages and disadvantages?”
C. Solution Essays:
Solution essays address problems and propose solutions.
Different types within this category include:
- Solution Only: Propose solutions for a specific issue (e.g., childhood obesity).
- Cause-Solution: Identify the reasons behind a problem and suggest solutions.
- Problem-Solution: Discuss problems caused by a specific trend (e.g., urban migration) and propose solutions.
D. Direct Questions Essays:
Also known as “Two-Part Question Essays,” these may contain one, two, or three questions.
Sample question: “What problems does global pollution cause, and what can be done to address it?”
Remember to structure your essays logically, use appropriate vocabulary, and practice writing regularly. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
Remember to use right connecting verbs while arguing your idea,
E. Vocabulary and Cohesion:
Use a range of vocabulary (avoid repetition).
Link ideas using cohesive devices (e.g., transition words).
Time Management
Allocate approximately 40 minutes for Task 2.
Scoring
Both tasks are scored on a scale of 0 to 9.
Criteria to score your essay:
- Task Achievement (TA): Addressing the prompt appropriately.
- Coherence and Cohesion (CC): Organizing ideas logically.
- Lexical Resource (LR): Vocabulary usage.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): Correct grammar and sentence structures.
| Task Achievement (Task 1) | Presenting accurate information Providing an overiew Highlighting key features / stages Supporting detail with data |
| Task Response (Task 2) | Addressing the task (answering the questions) Giving relevant main points which are supported & developed Giving a clear position (stating an opinion when asked) Providing a conclusion |
| Coherence and Cohesion | Organising information / ideas into paragraphs Having one central ideas in each paragraph (T2) Using a range of linking devices |
| Lexical Resource | Using a range of words & paraphrasing Using collocations Spelling Avoid errors |
| Grammar Range & Accuracy | Using a range of sentence structures Using a range of grammar tenses Punctuation Avoiding errors |
Remember these key points:
- Practice writing essays on various topics.
- Proofread your work for errors.
- Manage your time effectively during the test.
Feel free to adapt this content to your specific needs. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
IELTS Computer-Based Test
Format
Identical to the paper-based IELTS test but taken on a computer.
Features include highlighting text, making notes, and browsing forward/backward through questions.
Sections
- Listening: Familiarize yourself with audio-based questions.
- Reading: Experience the computer-based Academic and General Training reading tests.
- Writing: Practice writing tasks using the computer interface.
Benefits
Automatic word count for writing tasks.
eTRF (electronic Test Report Form) for quick results.
One Skill Retake: (Available only for computer based IELTS)
Purpose
Helps you showcase your full potential by retaking one specific skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking).
Available within 60 days of your original test.
Process
Take the full IELTS test (on computer).
Receive results.
If unhappy with one skill, book an IELTS One Skill Retake.
Results
You’ll receive a new Test Report Form (TRF) with updated scores for the retaken skill.
Choose whether to use the original or new TRF.
IELTS General
Suitable for individuals interested in migration, work, or study below degree level.
Assesses essential survival skills needed in diverse employment environments.
Includes listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections.
Accepted by various institutions worldwide.
IELTS UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration)
Approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the UK.
Identical to IELTS General in format, content, scoring, and difficulty.
Required for UK student visas, work visas, and migration purposes.
Available in Academic and General Training formats.
Widely accepted by UK universities and colleges.
Such test are conducted in separate test centres.
Countries Accepting IELTS
Commonly Accepted
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, and Ireland.
Recognized by 11,500+ organizations across 140 countries.
Widely accepted for immigration, employment, and study purposes.
Specifics
USA: Accepts IELTS scores for university applications.
UK: Also accepts IELTS UKVI for student visas and professional registration.
Canada, Australia, and New Zealand: Recognize IELTS for various purposes. Remember to check specific visa requirements and individual university preferences when choosing the right IELTS test!
