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IELTS Test Features
• Test of communicative English language ability.
IELTS tests a candidate’s ability to produce language and communicate in English. It is not a test of knowledge about English.
• Test of all four English language skills.
IELTS tests a candidate’s ability to speak, read, listen and write in English.
• Test of international English.
IELTS minimises content with cultural or linguistic bias and uses a variety of accents in test materials. International teams of item writers contribute to the bank of IELTS test materials.
• Global recognition.
IELTS is accepted as a measure of a candidate’s English proficiency by over 1,200 higher education institutions, government agencies, employers and professional associations around the world. IELTS is recognised across the world as the leading test of communicative English language ability.
• Global access.
Candidates can access the IELTS test in over 110 countries through an international network of more than 300 accredited test centres. All test centres are monitored and follow the IELTS code of practice. All IELTS examiners are trained, certified and monitored to ensure a standardised testing and assessment system around the world.
• Candidature growth.
Over 355,000 candidates took the IELTS in 2002 and in excess of half a million candidates are expected to take the test in 2003, continuing an exceptional sustained growth trend. IELTS is the preferred test of English proficiency for many candidates due to its wide international recognition, accessibility and high security features.
• Credible international partnership.
IELTS is owned by three reputable international institutions, IDP:IELTS Australia, the British Council and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations. Cambridge ESOL manages test content production and distribution. The British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia manage test centre administration, quality and security control, examiner appointment and training, and global marketing.
• Fit for purpose.
IELTS is offered in two test formats – Academic and General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules while Reading and Writing are offered as Academic or General Training modules. The Academic modules assess whether a candidate is ready to study or train in English at an undergraduate or post graduate level. The General Training modules emphasise communication in a broad social and educational context. IELTS General Training is suitable for candidates who plan to work, live or study at a secondary or vocational level in an English speaking environment.
• Test results that can be trusted.
The IELTS test partners invest considerable resources into the development of test materials, examiner training, centre management, ongoing research and security management. Test administration, results certification and verification processes include a range of practices that put IELTS on the cutting edge of security and integrity management in global test administration.
• Provides a language profile.
Candidates receive scores for each language sub-skill (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing) and an Overall Band Score. Candidates are assessed on a scale from Non User (1) to Expert User (9). Band Scores are allocated a Band Descriptor profiling the language competence of the candidate. For example, Band 6 Descriptor – Competent User: Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate uses and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. Descriptors provide the candidate and the receiving institutions with a profile of language proficiency at a point in time.
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