IELTS (International English Language Test System)

  1. What is IELTS?
  2. How does IELTS works?
  3. Which IELTS test should I choose?
  4. Why do we need IELTS?
  5. How to apply for the IELTS exam
  6. IELTS points distribution
  7. IELTS exam syllabus
  8. What is the history of IELTS and it’s full form?
  9. Talent Connected Worldwide and IELTS preparation
  10. FAQs about IELTS
what-is-ielts

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System with 4 sections and score ranges from 1-9 band. IELTS is one of the most widely recognized and accepted English language proficiency tests in the world. IELTS assesses the language skills of non-native English speakers who wish to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.

IELTS is quite a popular term in the world of immigration, whoever is planning to immigrate to any of the English centric countries, then he or she must have heard about it. Country like Canada needs a lot of immigrants to fulfill the labor needs, economic requirements and essential service posts.

Language is important factor for immigration in any high reputative country. That’s why Canada like countries has basic language requirements for the immigration and PR, each and every individual planning to immigrate must fulfill these requirements. 

ielts-test

How does IELTS works?

The IELTS test evaluates four language skills:

1. Listening: It test the ability of a individual applicant to understand spoken English through various audio recordings.

2. Reading: This section evaluate comprehension skills by reading passages from different sources like books, newspapers, and articles.

3. Writing: Writing section used to testing writing skills through tasks that may include essays, graphs, charts, or letters.

4. Speaking: It is used to measure proficiency of spoken English through face-to-face interviews with an examiner.

IELTS offers two main types of tests:

1. IELTS Academic
2. IELTS General Training

These tests are used on the basis of requirements.

Which IELTS test should I choose?

IELTS offers two main types of tests:

1. IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic test is used by students that is applying for higher education or professional registration in English-speaking countries.

2. IELTS General Training: is structured for individuals that are applying for work experience, training programs, or immigration to English-speaking countries.

The IELTS test band score ranges from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest proficiency level. Each section is given a separate band score, and the overall score is an average of the four section scores.

Why do we need IELTS?

IELTS play a crucial role in the whole immigration process for immigrants, in the provinces of Canada one receives a certain amount of points on the basis of their language skills and ability. 

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is widely recognized and required for several important reasons. We need IELTS for:

1. Necessary for Study Abroad in English speaking-countries
2. English Skills Have More Work Opportunities
3. Immigration Requirements
4. Visa Applications
5. IELTS provides a reliable and consistent assessment of an individual’s ability to understand and use English
6. IELTS is recognized by thousands of institutions, employers, and governments worldwide
7. It increases Career Opportunities
8. It has the ability to promotes cultural exchange

On the basis of the language result an applicant receives the CRS points, there are many other factors other than language but language is one of the important elements.

ielts-language

How to apply for the IELTS exam

Below are the steps to apply for the IELTS general-

Step 1. To apply IELTS you need to identify the most suitable IELTS center, or you can also apply online for the IELTS exam . To find the exam center nearby you have to go through the list of centers state wise.

Step 2. After identifying the IELTS exam center you needs to fill the form and submit it either online or to the center directly. Copy of the documents provided by an applicant needs to be brought on the day of examination for the verification. 

Step 3. Your IELTS exam is booked, you will receive the confirmation email directly on the email provided in the form. Email will also contain information related to the examination center, date and time of the exam.

NOTE – Other than IELTS there’s one more exam that is CELPIP. However, IELTS is internationally acceptable and CELPIP is accepted the Canadian provinces only.

IELTS points distribution

The individuals aspiring to immigrate to Canada are very familiar with the word IELTS. However, the question remains the same : how many points are awarded and how to convert IELTS points into CLB ( Canadian Language Benchmark).

CRS points calculator, 67 points calculator and other calculators of various immigration pathways measure language proficiency on the basis of an individual’s IELTS score.

To understand the point distribution one should firstly understand the conversion of the IELTS score into the CLB.

Note- Language proficiency points are always represented in the form of CLB.

CLB LEVEL IELTS reading IELTS speaking IELTS listening IELTS writing

10

8.0

7.5

8.0

7.5

9

7.0

7.0

7.0

7.0

8

6.5

6.5

6.5

6.5

7

6.0

6.0

6.0

6.0

6

5.0

5.0

5.0

5.0

5

4.0

5.0

4.0

5.0

4

3.5

4.5

4.5

4.5

Following conversion might clear each and every doubt related to the conversion of the IELTS points into the CLB score.

Points distribution of the CRS calculator

CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) With spouse Without spouse

Less than 4

0

0

4 or 5

6

6

6

8

9

7

16

17

8

22

23

9

29

31

More than 10

32

34

For 67 points calculator

In 67 point calculator language plays the prominent role, as out of 100 points 32 points are allotted to the language criteria.

CLB READING WRITING SPEAKING LISTENING SCORE GIVEN

7

6

6

6

6

4

8

6.5

6.5

6.5

7.5

5

9

7

7

7

8

6

This is the point distribution for language proficiency. Individuals should keep one thing in mind, that one can increase their points on a CRS calculator with language proficiency criteria. Profile created for the Express Entry is valid for 1 year. During the duration of this one year, an applicant can reappear for the IELTS exam. If an applicant managed to score better, then he or she can update the recent results on the CRS profile. This update can increase the CRS points.

IELTS exam syllabus

The four components of IELTS are speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The candidate who is actually appearing should receive more points in order to qualify with a higher score that must be completed within the given time frame.

  • Listening test: 30-minute
  • Reading test: 60-minute
  • Writing test: 60-minute
  • Speaking test: lasts 11 to 14 minutes
Syllabus of IELTS exam is broadly divided into four parts:
1. Listening:
   – Audio recordings of conversations, monologues, and academic lectures.
   – Understanding different accents and speech styles.
   – Answering multiple-choice, matching, labeling, and completion-type questions.
 
2. Reading:
   – Passages from various sources, such as books, articles, newspapers, and advertisements.
   – Understanding and comprehending the main ideas, supporting details, and implied meanings in the texts.
   – Answering multiple-choice, True/False/Not Given, matching, and others.
 
3. Writing:
   – Task 1 (Academic): Describing and summarizing information presented in graphs, charts, and diagrams.
   – Task 1 (General Training): Writing a letter in response to a given situation.
   – Task 2: Writing an essay on a given topic expressing an opinion, discussing advantages and disadvantages, or presenting an argument.
 
4. Speaking:
   – Part 1: Introduction and General Questions (e.g., personal information, hobbies).
   – Part 2: Speaking on a given topic for 1-2 minutes after one minute of preparation.
   – Part 3: Follow-up questions related to the Part 2 topic, discussing abstract ideas, opinions, and experiences.
 
The IELTS exam content is designed to reflect real-life situations and academic contexts. The topics covered in the exam can vary widely, encompassing themes like education, technology, travel, health, environment, culture, and society.
 
Note:
The listening, writing, and reading portions of three assessments must be completed on the same day. It is possible to schedule the speaking test before or after the other three tests. 

One has access to free study materials after registering. Additionally, a CD and sample test questions are included. There is also a free “BC IELTS Word power” android app that can be downloaded from the play store.
IELTS Every Test Components Brief Description Total Time Duration
LISTENING ( academic and general)
Four sections 40 items

Academic and general both have similar type of question and pattern

30 minutes

Reading (academic and general)
Three sections 40 items. (academia and general both have different approaches).

60 minutes

Speaking (academic and general

Three parts of one on one interaction. ( general and academia both are similar)

60 minutes

Writing (academic and general)
Two tasks

(academia and general both have different approaches).

11-14 minutes

What is the history of IELTS and IELTS full form?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. One must explore the subject’s history in order to fully comprehend something. In the year 1980, IELTS was introduced. In the beginning, when it was still known as the UCLES, Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council took the initiative. The entire goal of IELTS was to provide the simplest approach for non-speakers to learn English. It focused on making evolutionary changes in language learning. In its early stages, the initiative did encounter challenges. 1989 saw the launch of IELTS and a significant advancement. In the initial years there were two distinct components.

  • Non specialized modules listening and speaking
  • Specialized modules reading and writing

By 1995, the program had received huge attention, there had been a 15% increase in applications, and approximately 43000 people had taken the test. Around 210 test centers were located all over the world.

The US, UK, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada are some of the nations that have requirements for language proficiency. Your linguistic proficiency is guaranteed here by IELTS results. Nearly 3 million people took the test in 2017, compared to 2 million in 2012. The IELTS has become increasingly popular over the years, which is clear to see.

In India, there are currently thousands of coaching facilities for this exam. India saw an IELTS surge during the past 25 years. There were students in 2014 who received scholarship offers to attend US universities. Punjab, which accounts for 2% of the nation’s GDP, actually sends 10% of the migrant laborers to western nations. The great majority of student visas offered between 2008 and 2012 were primarily from Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Kolkata. Recently, Punjab has been the largest source of students. In Punjab, there are thousands of coaching facilities that annually enroll hundreds of pupils.

In the present time IELTS industry in India is worth more than 1000 crore rupees . There are so many coaching facilities, but not all of them are legitimate. Most of these institutions are not officially recognized by the government. An individual pays an average of Rs. 80,000 in coaching center costs. The fee structure varies from Rs 2000 to 20,000 depending on the coaching. One of the reasons the exam is so well-liked is because it does award scholarships to a limited fraction of the chosen students. The test continues to be popular as seen by the increase in applications each year.

Talent Connected Worldwide and IELTS preparation

Talent connected Worldwide is known for its work ethics, legal approaches and best of the best immigration solutions in the field of immigration. We provide the best assistance to our clients and help our clients as a partner. TCWW also provides free IELTS courses to the clients. Rather than running big coaching centers with hundreds of individuals in the single batch, we aim to provide a better learning environment with personal classes or batches with 2-3 individuals.

You can contact us to know the entire details related to IELTS classes and other immigration services provided by our team of professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Is IELTS mandatory for Canada PR?

No IELTS is not mandatory for the Canadian PR, there are two factors to it.

  1.  Some of the Canadian immigration pathways don’t require any kind of language test proficiency. In the easy terms one requires language test proficiency only in the case of economic and skilled worker immigration. Family sponsorship and refugees are two of the prime examples of the pathways which don’t ask for language proficiency or skills.
  2. Even for the economic immigration IELTS is not mandatory, there are other alternatives for the language proficiency validation. CELPIP is the prime example of it.
Which language test is required for Canada PR?

There are several language tests but CELPIP and IELTS are the only two language tests which are recognized by the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Canada Citizenship).

What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada PR?

If you are applying as a candidate for the Federal Skilled Worker programme, you must provide language test scores that are equivalent to or better than the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in order to be considered for entry into the Express Entry pool of candidates. A CLB 7 is equivalent to an IELTS speaking, reading, writing, and listening score of 6.0.

 

You must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0 in order to apply as a Canadian Experience Class candidate for a NOC 0 or A. However, if your line of work falls under NOC B skill level, you may be able to join the pool with a speaking, writing, and listening IELTS score of 5.0 and a reading score of 4.0.

 

Candidates for Federal Skilled Trades may be eligible to enter the pool with IELTS scores of 4.0 in writing and speaking, 3.5 in reading, and 4.5 in listening, which all translate to a CLB level 4. As a result, the bar has been lowered once again.

 

Of course, the better your test results, the more points you could receive and the greater your prospects of becoming a Canadian citizen. For more information, visit our page on how to raise your Express Entry CRS score.



What is a good IELTS score for Canada immigration?

This actually depends, however you should be aware of a crucial threshold for the Express Entry CRS: If you can achieve an IELTS result that is at least as good as a CLB level 9, your score will increase significantly. This entails scoring 7.0 on the IELTS in reading, writing, and speaking, as well as 8.0 or above in listening.

 

Obtaining a CLB 9 in each ability results in an increase in points under the skills transferability factors, together with your degree of education and non-Canadian work experience. This is in addition to the points received for improvements to that level.

How long is an IELTS score valid?

According to the IELTS official website of IELTS the IELTS TRF (Test Report Form) is valid for 2 years.

IELTS Age limit.

There’s no specific age limit for the IELTS. However, candidates 16 are not recommended to appear but if they want to have experience then they can.

Difference between IELTS academic and general?

Ielts academic is for those candidates who are planning or aiming to study in an anglophone country. The entire structure of IELTS academics is designed in such a way that it benefits and helps individuals who are planning to study in countries such USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New zealand.

Whereas IELTS general is for immigration or migration purpose only. Applicants planning to move or immigrate to Canada have to appear for the IELTS general even if they already have IELTS academic certification. For Express Entry IELTS general is a must.

What is IELTS fees in India?

Test type

Fees structure in Indian rupees

Computer delivered IELTS UKVI

15,750

Computer delivered IELTS

15,500

IELTS life skills (A1 and B1)

14,600

IELTS for UK immigration and visas

15,750

Pen and paper based IELTS

15,500

This is the official fees structure of the IELTS test program. If an applicant wants to reschedule the exam or cancel the exam then he or she needs to pay 3000 INR.

What is IELTS rechecking fees?

If in any case the candidate is unsatisfied with the results, they can apply for the rechecking. However for the rechecking one needs to fill the application form and courier the draft with the rechecking fees that is 11,625 INR. a candidate needs to submit the fees for rechecking, the money will be returned only if there is a change in the results. 

How can I postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

The IELTS exam is now online cancellable and reschedulable for candidates.Only if there are at least 15 days gap between the original test date and the new scheduled test date then only you can reschedule the exam. Without giving a reason, you may reschedule if the interval is 34 days or more.

Only if the test date is at least 15 days out from the date of cancellation can you request that the exam be canceled.

You will get a refund once an administration fee has been subtracted if you postpone or cancel your application more than five weeks before the exam date.

If a candidate withdraws from the exam less than five weeks prior to the exam, they will not be given a refund unless they have a major medical condition.

Those who don’t show up for the exam won’t get their money back.

If the candidate is absent from the exam because of a genuine medical condition?

The candidate will forfeit the entire exam cost if they fail to show up for the test. However, in order to claim a refund after subtracting the administrative fee, the candidate must provide a medical certificate within five days of the exam if they are genuinely unable to take the test owing to a medical condition.