Benefits and Advantages of IELTS Exam - General and Academic

Overview

The IELTS exam is important to check the language proficiency of candidates, especially those who want to study, immigrate, or work in English-speaking countries such as the UK, US, Australia, Canada, etc. This blog involves a discussion about the benefits associated with IELTS.

Benefits of the IELTS Test?

As discussed above, IELTS offers numerous advantages to students such as the aforementioned ones. Whether you want to build a new professional life or are looking for the best universities in English-speaking nations, IELTS offers you the route to success.

The IELTS test is important for better academic opportunities

If a candidate is desirous of studying abroad, IELTS is the perfect examination for him/her. Prestigious universities across the world accept IELTS scores and they are quite important for admission. 

The IELTS test helps in attaining international growth

In today’s highly professional and sophisticated market, perfect English is desired by most reputed organizations. An IELTS certification seems quite attractive to employers across different firms and good IELTS scores can push your career graph to a vast extent.

IELTS is important for Visa and immigration

Those candidates who aspire to gain PR and immigrate to English-speaking countries, usually need to 
pass the IELTS examination. Further, IELTS scores are mostly mandatory for requirements related to visas and immigration. A good score can definitely accelerate the process and boost one’s chances of success.

IELTS is necessary to enhance communication

IELTS speaking is utilized to assess the communication ability of candidates, especially in everyday situations.

• Majestic improvement in communication: IELTS speaking practice is not only important for passing this examination but it also helps us to enhance our communication standards.
• Improvement in professional communication skills:  Apart from day-to-day verbal practice, preparing for the IELTS speaking section also boosts a person’s professional communication skills; and in turn could be widely helpful in corporate atmosphere or English-speaking environments.

Why IELTS Stand Out from Other English Proficiency Tests?

IELTS has a special significance attached to it in comparison to other English proficiency tests and its scores are important for admission in prestigious universities across the world. Let’s look at some prominent reasons that push IELTS in a league of its own:

Proper evaluation techniques are used in IELTS

The most prominent advantage of the IELTS examination is that it evaluates candidates English language skills comprising of speaking, reading, writing, and listening. This test gives a holistic assessment concerning strengths and weaknesses of a candidate regarding his/her language proficiency.

The IELTS examination is accepted worldwide as a proficiency evaluator test

The IELTS examination is trusted as a major prerequisite of testing English skills for various international students and PR aspirants in English speaking nations. Some of the major features of this exam include:

• It is a highly preferred exam across the world and is widely recognized by prestigious universities, governments of English-speaking nations, and organizations.
• IELTS scores are renowned for their credibility and are accepted by institutions and employers across the globe.

Multiple ways can be used to prepare for IELTS

IELTS provides several benefits to candidates and that has boosted its popularity. A highly prominent advantage it provides is its preparation flexibility that comprise of both online and offline methods. Further, there are various methods to prepare for this examination:

• A candidate can pursue online coaching for IELTS, especially via WayUp Abroad Consultants.
• Moreover, the option of conventional, in-person training is also present for candidates and they can approach WayUp Abroad Consultants regarding the same.
• Interactive webinars related to IELTS need to be attended by candidates.
• Candidates need to watch videos of previous test takers and gain valuable insights from them. 
• Furthermore, one should also try to use applications on iPhone and even Android to practice for the exam.
• Further, academic material, practice tests, and tips provided by expert trainers at WayUp Abroad Consultants will offer extreme guidance to candidates.
• It’s also important to read prominent articles regarding IELTS for thorough guidance.

Candidates are offered amazing flexibility to choose their own module of IELTS 

There are three available test formats for this examination; which completely depend on one’s requirements. The different formats are described here in detail:

• Academic reasons: As far as the academic module of IELTS matters, it has been developed for international students who aim to study at English-speaking institutions/universities. The prominent use of this module is to understand their skills to tackle academic tasks.
• Immigration and PR: The General Training module puts emphasis on assessing practical and customary English language abilities; needed for immigration or work-related reasons.
• Residing in the UK: IELTS for UKVI tests known as the secure English language tests (SELT) have been designed for aspirants who are trying to apply for visas and immigration to the UK. These tests are undertaken at UKVI-approved test centers and the overall content, format, scoring, and level of difficulty are as same as IELTS tests. 

Adequate flexibility provided with the IELTS exam

Aspirants are free to choose the exact date and time to give the test apart from the specific mode. Let us check some key points regarding the same issue here:

• Choose a proper format - The IELTS examination provides us with both paper-based and computer-delivered tests and examinees have the option to choose their desired format.
• Date and time can be chosen via the Internet - Candidates are offered proper flexibility to choose the exact time and date online throughout the year.
• You can choose your exact location: As far as IELTS is concerned, candidates can choose their location out of the 78 IDP centers spread across 75 cities throughout India or can even take the exam online. 

One skill retake option is present for the convenience of IELTS aspirants

A single skill retake option is also provided by IELTS to various aspirants and in order to be eligible for this option, candidates should have undertaken the IELTS test within the past two years. Further, as per this test, if examinees haven’t scored the required bands, they can retake one section of the exam and improve their overall score. 

Now, that we have understood the various benefits associated with this exam, let’s go through the eligibility factor:

Eligibility for Taking the IELTS Test?

The IELTS examination can be undertaken by anyone, as its conducting body, IDP claims that no specific qualifications are needed to pursue it, and anyone above 16 years of age is eligible for this examination. This test can be given by those who desire to study, migrate or seek employment in mostly English-speaking countries. However, we need to follow a specific pattern, outlined by IDP.

Structure to Follow to Take the IELTS Test

As far as IELTS is concerned, it has much more importance for an aspirant rather than being just an examination. It acts as a powerful qualification and is accepted by over 12,000 organizations in more than 140 countries. Further, this test checks your capability to excel in four pillars of English communication comprising of listening, reading, writing, and speaking modules. Apart from this, most of the time, the Reading, Writing, and Listening sections of the IELTS Examination are held on the same day with no breaks in between. However, the Speaking section of the IELTS Examination can be completed a week before or after the other tests, which is dependent on the availability of slots at the test center.

Let’s go through a brief overview regarding each section’s structure:

Listening Section

Candidates are required to hear four recordings of native English speakers and are then asked to respond to a set of questions. As far as these recordings matter, they encompass conversations, monologues, and academic discussions. Further, different questions include matching features, matching headings, multiple choice, sentence completion, and summary completion. Overall, there are 40 questions and candidates need to finish the section in 30 minutes.

Reading Section

The reading section of IELTS is one hour long and includes three passages which are taken from research material, magazines, books, newspapers, and journals. This section constitutes of 40 questions that involve multiple choice, diagram completion, sentence completion, and summary completion. Aspirants should carefully read the passages and provide answers to questions covering main ideas, supporting details, and vocabulary.

Writing Section

Now we move on to the writing section, which comprises of two major tasks in the Academic and General Training section:

• Academic Task 1 writing (150 words) - Candidates are provided a visual representation comprising of a chart, bar graph, line graph, or some other image and they need to summarize the information.
• General Training Task 1 writing (150 words) - Aspirants need to write a letter in this section which could either be a formal, semi-formal, or informal one. They need to use formal language for the first two sorts of letters whereas, for the third one, they can use informal language.
• Task 2 writing (250 words) - Candidates are expected to write an essay that consists of 250 words and is in response to a prompt. Candidates should practice topics ranging from science, technology, arts, commerce, geopolitics, current affairs, and business among others. Further, aspirants need to provide their argument or opinion related to task two.

Speaking Section 

The speaking section of IELTS is conducted in an offline manner with a certified examiner. This whole section constitutes of 11-14 minutes and is divided into three parts:

• Part 1 - The first part of IELTS speaking consists of questions related to the introduction and interview-related matters that revolve around basic topics like studies, work, hobbies, interests, etc. 
• Part 2 - The part 2 speaking consists of a cue card that provides a specific question or task to the aspirant. Candidates are given one minute to prepare and then they have to speak for two minutes on the topic.
• Part 3 - In the part 3 section, questions are related to the topic that’s asked in part 2; and these are based on opinions, implications, and abstract ideas.

Now, that we have gone through an overview of IELTS, it is easier for candidates to understand that this exam has multiple benefits for candidates and provides an overall evaluation of English-related listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. 

On the contrary, whereas on the one hand, there are numerous benefits of IELTS that range from better employment, education, and immigration-related opportunities; some misconceptions and myths also revolve around this exam. As a result, it becomes highly important to get rid of such misconceptions.

Common Myth Busters of Taking the IELTS Test in India?

There are a lot of rumors regarding the IELTS exam, especially in India; and in this blog, we will expose them apart from showcasing the real situation.

1. Myth: An American or British accent is required in order to score well in the Speaking section.

Truth: Accent is not required in IELTS as the examination’s main motive is to understand a candidate’s ability to speak effectively in English, irrespective of his/her accent. The major job of the examiner is to check fluency, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar.

2. Myth: It’s not possible to receive a high score in the writing exam if one doesn’t have adequate knowledge of complex grammar or vocabulary

Truth: Although it's highly prominent to have a perfect command of grammar and lexical resources, examiners also give importance to cohesion, task response, and coherence. A thoroughly researched, clear structured writing can fulfill the void created by utilisation of simple language.

3. Myth: The IELTS test’s difficulty standard depends upon the location of the test or the leniency of the examiner

Truth: The reality regarding this point is that the IELTS test is conducted via standardized processes and scoring criteria throughout the world so as to maintain fairness and accuracy regarding assessment.

4. Myth: Candidates can give the IELTS examination only once

Truth: This is the biggest rumour surrounding this test and the reality is quite contradictory. IELTS can be pursued as many times a candidate desires in order to achieve a perfect score.

5. Myth: If an aspirant is unable to achieve his/her desired score in the first attempt, the person is not going to succeed in future attempts

Truth: A lot of aspirants have improved their scores through consistent practice, despite facing failure in the beginning. Every attempt enhances knowledge and offers a chance to upgrade your skills for the future.

As a result, in order to succeed in the IELTS exam, it becomes very important to discard different myths surrounding it and embrace the realities associated with it. 

Moreover, it's important for candidates to approach the examination with supreme confidence, and WayUP Abroad Consultants can help you to succeed by focusing on perfect strategies and targeting important areas.

WayUP Abroad Consultants is all set to offer exceptional support to candidates regarding their preparation for the IELTS test, and how to find the perfect option, time, and study material amongst others; which in turn will make things easier for test takers.