How to prepare for IELTS like a boss
What is IELTS?
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is an official English language certificate, probably the most asked for internationally. The test has many different purposes, usually for people who migrate, workers and students.
Why should you apply for the IELTS test?
If you are planning on going to an English speaking country the IELTS exam might probably be your best option. The ceretificate is accepted in the UK, USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It is also useful in some non-speaking English countries.
IELTS is taken by approx. 3.5 million people each year.
IELTS for professional jobs
It is usually demanded in healthcare professions such as nursing, medicine and pharmacy. But also other jobs such as governmental workers, energy, tourism, accountance, finance, engineers and lawyers are usually required to take the test.
Students
Most undergraduate and postgraduate university and high education programs demand a high level of English. IELTS is recognized by more than 11,000 education institutions in the world.
- You might need it for an Eramus + internship: https://proder.org/erasmus-intership/
- Or to study in Europe: https://proder.org/study-in-europe-for-free-a-guide-for-university-students/
If you are interested in applying to an Erasmus + program you can get information in our article about Erasmus + program 2021 – 2027: https://proder.org/the-new-erasmus-program-2021-2027/
Migrants
Depending on the country you decide to study, work or settle down you might need a higher or lower English level. You should also check Visa requirements before you plan and pack.
How is the exam?
The test is paper-based. Therefore, you will have to go to an official office to do it. IELTS evaluates testers’ English level in four different skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each one of these competences is evaluated in only one paper. So make sure to think before you write.
It takes 165 minutes, or 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.
- Listening: 40 questions in 30 minutes
- Reading: 40 questions in 60 minutes
- Writing: 2 essays in 60 minutes
- Speaking: 3 parts in 11 – 14 minutes
An interesting and exclusive feature of IELTS is that it has two different types of exams, according to the tester’s needs: Academic and General Training. Most English level tests don’t separate between practical and more study-related English knowledge. But IELTS does.
The Academic module is more focused on professional and formal English, while in the General Training testers are expected to show off their communication skills and fluent basic English knowledge.
Academic IELTS Exam
The Academic IELTS module is made for undergraduate and postgraduate students, official certificates and professional experts that need English for their job, such as doctors, nurses or teachers, amongst others.
General Training IELTS Exam
The General Training certificate is very helpful for migrants and travellers who enter and stay in English-speaking countries, and for some undergraduate programs.
Speaking and Listening tests are the same for Academic and General Training modules. But Reading and Writing exams change, since they evaluate different competences.
IELTS Test scores
The test is graded from 1 to 9 points. The highest mark you can achieve is 9, considered “Expertise level”. If you score a 5 or 6 you are able to communicate and understand English, although with some limitations and errors. If you mark between 7 and 9 however, we congratulate you: You are probably able to apply to professional jobs and study programs.
Where to take the test in Turkey?
If you want to see the dates of IELTS exams and the locations where you can take the test in Turkey look up the IELTS website: https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test/location-list/turkey/tv
In Eskisehir you can take the test in the British Council located in Atayurt Okullari: https://www.ielts.org/for-test-takers/book-a-test/location-list/turkey/eskisehir/tv
Ready to learn English? Here we give you some hints on how to start learning a new language: https://proder.org/how-to-learn-a-new-language/
