International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS, was formulated in 1989. It is an international standardized test of the English language competency and fluency mainly amongst non-native English language speakers. By standardized test, it specifically means that it is a fool proof tool that has its proven forms of methodology to evaluate and assess the language of the test-takers. Being jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English, it is one of the major and most sought out examination for evaluation of English fluency in the world; with other tests being the TOEFL, PTE;A and OPI/OPIc.
As far as the mode of examination is concerned, it is either computer-based examination or the traditional paper-based examination. With centres spread around the world in countless numbers, test-takers are convened with easy access to centres for taking a test. The tests are usually conducted in dates, pre-planned by the regulating authority, where the test-taker gets to choose a preferable date, time and venue for his or her examination. The marking is band based, where the band ranges from 0-9, with 0 means totally inadept with the language, while 9 interprets as perfect with the language. Average scores range between 6-7.5, which indicates that the language is enough for survival, though it needs refinement.
To shed light on the types of IELTS modules, there are basically two: Academic and General. Academic modules are taken by those candidates who prefer to fly abroad for studies or academic related purposes, where the concerned education department requests for the language proficiency on an academic scale. General module, however, is taken by those who migrate to English-speaking countries such as Australia, New-Zealand and Canada, where the commonplace language skills of the candidate is evaluated.
Even if it is on an academic basis or on a general basis, what is actually being evaluated? IELTS is conducted for testing four basic communication skills which is needed to effectively deliver information intact. These skills are the listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills of the candidate. Both Academic module and General module of IELTS rest these four skills. The examination lasts for an hour each, except for listening and speaking.
In the Academic and General module of listening, tapes of various conversations are played without any pauses. Relevant questions are provided to the exam taker based on the tape being played. The exam taker is to listen to the tape and simultaneously answer the questions the match the content being conversed on. Basically, four sections are played, with considerable time intervals of not more than forty seconds given in between each section, so as to check answers and check questions. In the end, the exam taker is expected to transfer their answers to the answer sheet provided for them within ten minutes time, all of this being done in half an hour’s time. The trickiest part of this exam is to follow the conversation being played and to reproduce them in form of answers, all at one go. Time is a major factor, so is space. If a particular content is missed, about three to four questions go astray. The ability of an effective listener is to be portrayed here.
Moving on to the next skill being examined, reading, it differs according to module. In the Academic module, three passages consisting of newspaper articles, educational extracts, studies, research thesis, and similar contents, with the element of an Academic atmosphere in mind, is given to the examinee. In total, sixty minutes is provided to answer forty questions, with the time schedule split twenty-twenty-twenty between three passages. The comprehension skills of the examinee is extensively put to test through this exam. The general reading does not differ in timing; however, it differs in content, as the passages are split into sections with clippings of newspaper advertisements, hotel brochures, and all those that is concerned with the society, The difference here is that an understanding is needed about the contents because not all cultures have adopted to the western culture and its norms. As far as a native speaker is concerned, it takes extensive practice to comprehend such information. On the whole, it is the comprehension that is being tested.
The IELTS writing test is conducted for an hour. With two tasks in hand. Task 1 and Task 2. Task 1 is for twenty minutes which is either a graph in case of academic module or a topic based on letter for General module test takers. Task 2, however is the same. It consists of an essay topic which is to be answered within forty minutes in not more than two hundred and fifty words, while it’s a word limit of a hundred and fifty for the former task. It is up to the candidate’s discretion of answering the tasks in any hierarchy. All that is born up on is the sixty minutes given to answer the questions. Writing demands the extensive use of the examinee’s lexical resources. Like how Shakespeare managed to put words into life, the examinee is expected to put words into play, as it is a game of words.
The speaking exam is conducted on a separate date, time and in many cases, a different venue. The test taker’s presentation skills, vocabulary, grammatical accuracy and other factors that makes an answer sensible is put to test. Here, during the exam, the examiner simply asks questions and is the keeper of time, the answers are recorded and sent for evaluation. It hardly lasts twenty minutes, yet that time seems like a lifetime. As far as modules are concerned, no differences arise in the pattern of the speaking test.
Once all the exams are over, the results are published in thirteen days’ time. Here the test taker is informed of his or her scores via electronic messages. However, the final scores are conveyed through the TRF, also known as Test Report Form. The results published are sent to the test taker via post. The test taker is given the privilege to give the scores for revaluation, but it comes with a price tag.
It is a common sight to watch scores of candidates’ flock into training centres, both online training centres and physical ones. They bid on their skills and luck to score the best. As far as the centres are concerned, they are to be approved by either British Council or IDP to be deemed fit to provide training for IELTS. For such institutions, materials are provided by either of the agencies. Centres provide mock tests for candidates so as to be adept with the eamination. Training camps are arranged by the centres and by the agencies for both teachers and students which provide better insight into IELTS. The bid taken by the students take a toll when they give no time for IELTS while the teachers pour in their effort and resource for the students. It is a fact that learning a language is a pain. But it is proven, no pain, no gain.
The British council and IDP sets up seminars that lasts for two to three days where the representative heads come up front and coach the teachers. This comes with updated information on IELTS, new techniques to take on IELTS, how to help the students gain better. But from all these seminars, it is evident that the small things that are being neglected for bigger gains actually are the stepping stones to attain a perfect score in IELTS.
As of today, it is seen that the trend has shifted to a completely different level. Classes are being broadcasted online in the web, where the information is at the disposal of the student. Very convenient and practical for office goers which is cost effective. The option of computer-based examinations are being brought to life. It thus seems that virtual classrooms would come into effect, so would virtual examination halls. It is the next level of education. Whether the tides change in favour or against the trainers and test takers, would entirely depend on how well they adapt to the change.