IELTS vs TOEFL - Comparing the two English language proficiency tests.

Today's best IELTS information is about the difference between TOEFL and IELTS.

Recently, a huge number of people have asked me what the difference between IELTS and TOEFL is.  I recently came upon this 'youtube' video of a Belgian guy who has taken both tests and thought you might find it interesting. I have just one point to add, though, and that is that some of his comments are more specifically related to taking the tests in Belgium.

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For IELTS Speaking Test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

Alanna

 

The best way to practise listening for the IELTS Listening Test while you're relaxing.

Today's best IELTS tip is about how to practise for the IELTS Listening Test whilst you're relaxing.

So, how many of you feel guilty when you're watching TV; 'I should be studying', you think.  Now, I'm not going to suggest you spend all of your free time watching TV but I am going to suggest you can make it part of your study plan for the listening test.

If you live in an English-speaking country, make sure you always watch TV in English.  I've had too many students over the years who always watch TV from their own country via satellite.  Now I understand that this is very comforting and that you want to stay in touch with current affairs and popular culture from your own country but it isn't going to help you very much with your English study.

When watching TV in English, turn on the teletext sometimes so that you can also see the written form of the words you are hearing; a good way to improve your vocabulary.  Sometimes it's also a good idea NOT to turn on the teletext so that your comprehension depends totally on your listening skills.

Tryk to watch a variety of programs; documentaries, the news and yes, even soap operas sometimes!

If you don't live in an English-speaking country, you can follow the above tips if you have access to satellite TV.

Another ways to improve your listening skills is to watch movies on DVD; make sure you turn on the English language version; subtitles (in English) are also a good idea.  You can also access movies and TV programs in English on the internet.

I don't particularly watch much TV but when I was living in Italy and Germany, I watched a lot!  The main reasons for this was that when I first moved ot those countries, I didn't really have any friends :-( and then I realised how useful it was for practising my Italian and German!

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

Alanna

 

Best Procedure for Writing IELTS Task 1 letters.

Today's best IELTS tip is about writing letters for General IELTS Writing Task 1.

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Here's the four step procedure for writing letters that I give my students.

Step 1

Read and understand the task; understand the topic; the question and the requirements.

Step 2

Plan what you are going to write: greet; state the purpose; give/request information; request action; close and sign off.

Step 3

Write your answer on the answer sheet.

·         Write a greeting

·         State your purpose (why you are writing)

·         Give/request information

·         Request action

·         Close

·         Sign off.

Step 4

Check your writing; check the content; the language; and the presentation.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

Alanna

 

Word limits in the Writing Test.

Today's best IELTS information is about how many words to write in the IELTS Writing Test.

I am frequesntly asked about IELTS Writing Test word limits.  OK, for Task 1, the test says to write AT LEAST 150 words and for Task 2, AT LEAST 250 words.  The crucial words are 'at least'; if you write less than 150 words / 250 words, you will be penalised.  But what about an upper word limit?  The test doesn't specity one.

As a teacher, I usually advise my students to write between 150 and 170 words for Task 1, certainly not more than 180 words.  Why not?  Well, you don't need to; you can use your time better; constructing a good answer, checking grammar and vocabulary etc.  This point also applies to Task 2, where I advise students to write between 250 and 280 words; certainly not more than 300.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

 

Alanna

 

 

 

 

How is my IELTS score calculated?

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Today's best IELTS information is about how your IELTS score is calculated.

 

Over the years, nearly all my IELTS students have asked me “How is my IELTS result calculated?” I’ve also had a few requests from visitors to this site to write a post about the answer to this question. So, here it is…

IELTS Listening and Reading Tests. 

In the Listening and Reading Tests, each correct answer is awarded one point. A conversion table is then used to translate this number into a band score, which will either be a whole or a half band. The marking is absolutely objective as answer papers are marked against a set of model answers.

IELTS Writing and Speaking Tests. 

The Writing and Speaking Tests are marked by a specially-trained examiner who uses a set of descriptors: different ones for Writing Task 1, Writing Task 2 and Speaking.

As can be seen from the descriptors, the examiner considers a number of criteria when deciding which band you fall into.

Writing. 

The final band score for each writing task is an average of the scores for each of the following criteria.

• Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2)
• Coherence and Cohesion
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy

.
Task 1 carries one third of the final score and Task 2 carries two-thirds. The final score is rounded to a whole or half band.

Speaking. 

The Speaking Test is marked according to the following criteria and the final band score is an average of the scores for each of the following criteria. The final score is rounded to a whole or half band.

• Fluency and Coherence
• Lexical Resource
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy
• Pronunciation

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The criteria and the band descriptors are designed to make the marking of the speaking and writing Tests as objective as possible.

Overall Score. 

Your overall IELTS band score is calculated by averaging the scores for each of the different Skills tests and rounding to the nearest half band.

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For example:
Listening: 6.5
Reading: 6.5
Writing: 6
Speaking: 7
Overall: 6.5

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

 

Alanna

 

 

 

 

Best Tips to improve your IELTS Listening score - flow charts.

Today's best IELTS tip is about how to tackle flow chart completion in the listening test.

One of the possible question task types in the IELTS Listening Test is flow chart completion.  Here are a few tips to help you deal with this task type successfully:

• Study the words and phrases in the chart
• Look at how the chart is organised.  Look at any boxes and arrows on the chart and ask yourself what they represent
• The structure of the chart will also gives you clues about the information you are going to hear.
• When describing a process (so that you can fill in the flow chart), the speaker will use various sequencing words such as; 'first of all', 'then', 'after x has been done', 'finally' etc.
• The verb tenses usually used are present/present perfect simple when describing a process and verbs are often used in the passive voice.
• Flow charts follow the organisation of the recording you hear.  This means that the answers you have to write are in the same order as the information on the recording.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Tips for the Table Completion Task Type in the IELTS Reading Test.

Today's best IELTS tip is about the table completion task in the IELTS Reading Test.

In the IELTS Reading Test, you may have to complete a table with information from a text in note form.  Here are a few tips on how to approach this task type:

• Study the layout of tables carefully.  You should especially take note of the organising features, for example headings at the top of the columns.  Look carefully at the rows and columns to see what you need to write where.
  

• Look at the headings and key words in the table and scan the text for them..Then read that part of the text carefully.

• This kind of task type usually has a word limit e.g.  NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.  Make sure you take note of that instuction; I have seen too many students make the mistake of writing too many words in practice tests in class.

• Make sure your answer makes sense and is gramatically correct.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

Best IELTS information - What is IELTS?

Today's best IELTS information is an overview of the IELTS Test.

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What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination is primarily designed to assess the ability of candidates to study at a higher education level in the English language.

 

The examination lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of 4 tests in the following skills; listening (approx 30 minutes), reading (1 hour), writing (1 hour) and speaking (approx 15 minutes).

 

The IELTS test is available in two different formats; Academic or General Training.  Academic IELTS is usually used to determine the suitability of a candidate to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.  General Training IELTS is used tor candidates wishing to continue their studies to diploma level or complete their secondary education in an English-speaking country and also for immigration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.  The listening and speaking tests are the same for both formats but the reading and writing tests are different.  The reading and writing tests for General Training IELTS are less demanding than for Academic IELTS.

 

There is no pass or fail grade in IELTS, the institution to which you are applying informs you of the IELTS Band Score they require. 

 

You are given a grade between 0 and 9 for each of the four skills tests and this is then averaged out for and overall band score.

 

e.g.                              Listening        6

                                    Reading         5

                                    Writing           5.5

                                    Speaking       6

           

                                    Total                22.5

 

So the overall band score would be 5.5     (5.63 rounded to the nearest half band)

           

In my experience, universities often require an overall score of 6.5, and often specify a particular band score in certain skills.

 

Here are the IELTS band score descriptors; it is worth noting, however, that the IELTS test is pitched at intermediate level.

 

Band 9: Expert user: has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

Band 8: Very good user: has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

Band 7: Good user: has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

Band 6: Competent user: has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

Band 5: Modest user: has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

Band 4: Limited user: basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

Band 3: Extremely limited user: conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

Band 2: Intermittent user: no real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

Band 1: Non-user: essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

Band 0: Did not attempt the test: No assessable information provided.

 

How is the IELTS test marked?

The IELTS Listening and Reading Tests are marked absolutely objectively.  The IELTS Writing Tests and IELTS Speaking Tests are marked by a certified examiner.

I have had a number of people ask me my opinion on the objectivity of the writing and speaking scoring.  What I do know is that the examiners have to follow strict criteria when assigning their grades and I understand that examiners are also monitored from time to time (the speaking test is recorded).

The assessment criteria that examiners use are strictly confidential and do not leave the test centre.  There are, however, public versions of these descriptors:

IELTS Speaking Test Band Descriptors

(There are two IELTS Writing Tasks to complete)

IELTS Writing Test Task 1 Band Descriptors

IELTS Writing Test Task 2 Band Descriptors

The public versions of these descriptors give some idea of the criteria involved in different band scores.

Here’s to the best IELTS score possible!

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

The best vocabulary for IELTS essay conclusions

Today's best IELTS tip is about phrases you can use in your essay conclusions.

Here is a selection of some of the words and phrases I give students for essay conclusions.  

I’m giving you three pieces of information for each word or phrase:

1.    The word or phrase

2.    The word or phrase in context (it’s been my experience over the years that people learn lists of words or phrases but don’t know how to use them in context!)

3.    Any additional information I think is useful.

•    In summary,
•    In summary, I would say that…
•    Don’t forget the comma after the words ‘in summary’

•    view
•    My personal view is that
•    This is useful when the essay question asks you to include your own opinion.  You could also use the words ‘opinion’, ‘position’ and ‘conclusion’.

•    On balance,
•    On balance, it appears that the arguments….
•    Don’t forget the comma after the words ‘on balance’.

•    As we have seen,
•    As we have seen, many people are divided on this issue
•    A phrase that students tend to use less regularly than ‘in summary’ or ‘in conclusion’ but is a nice way to ‘round off’ an essay.

•    outweigh
•    The advantages outweigh the disadvantages
•    A nice ‘academic’ phrase for giving your own opinion.

•    however
•    It is a fact, however, that……
•    ‘however’ is an extremely useful linking word, not just in conclusions.  In conclusions, it is useful when you want to add an additional point to your conclusion.

•    In conclusion,
•    In conclusion, it is obvious that…
•    Don’t forget the comma after the words ‘in conclusion’

•    analysis
•    On analysis it can be seen that…. / My personal analysis is that….
•    This is a useful word in discussion essays

•    Finally,
•    Finally, it should be noted that…..
•    Don’t forget the comma after the words ‘finally’.

•    no easy answers
•    There are no easy answers to this question.
•    A useful phrase in an essay with a balanced conclusion.

•    complex issue
•    This is obviously a complex issue.
•    A useful phrase in an essay with a balanced conclusion.

•    both sides of
•    There are strong arguments to be made on both sides of the issue.
•    A useful phrase in an essay with a balanced conclusion.

I hope you find some of these words and phrases useful in your essay conclusions.  You should be aware, however, to make sure that they sound ‘natural’ and not to simply use as many phrases as possible.  If you look at the ‘Coherence and Cohesion’ section in the writing band descriptors,  Bands 5 and 6 mention words sounding ‘mechanical’ and talk about ‘overuse’ of cohesive devices.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

An overview of the IELTS Test.

Experience has taught me that for some people the best IELTS test description would be in a visual format.  For this reason, I am giving you this simple diagram of an overview of the IELTS test.

As can be seen the Academic IELTS Test and the General Training Test share the same listening test and the same speaking test.  The reading test and the writing test is similar for both in that both Academic and General Training have the same number of questions, word limits and prescribed timing.

It should be noted, however, that the Academic Reading Test and the Academic Writing Test are more challenging than their General Training counterparts and you therefore should make sure that you are taking the module best suited to your needs.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Alanna

 

How to get Band Score 7 in IELTS Writing Task 1

Today's best IELTS tip is a video on how to score band score 7 in the IELTS Writing Tes, Task 1.

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If you have enjoyed the information in this video and would like some Speaking Test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

Alanna

 

Improving your IELTS Reading Skills.

Today's best IELTS tip is about improving your IELTS Reading skills.

How often has it happened to you in an English class that the teacher asks you to read a passage and then asks 'So what's it about?' and the room is so silent that you can hear a pin drop?!  I always advise my students to practise note-taking to prepare for the test as you need to be able to identify ideas in a text.

I suggest you use a table similar to the one below:

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Paragraph	Main idea	Details
Para1
Para 2
Para 3

Doing this type of exercise whenever you practise reading will help train your brain into looking for the main idea and supporting details when you are reading. 

Before you attempt any of the tasks in the IELTS Reading Test, you should read the passage quickly for gist first.  After that initial reading, you want to have a clear idea of the key ideas and the previous exercise will help you get into the habit of doing this.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

Best tips for IELTS Spelling.

Today's best IELTS tip is about English spelling rules.
Spelling is taken into consideration in Listening, Reading and Writing and many students find English spelling very difficult because it is so irregular.  In fact many native speakers also find English spelling very difficult!
Here are some basic spelling rules when we add endings such as 'ing' and 'ed' to the end of a word: (note that there are always exceptions and these rules talk about what usually happens).

• Drop the final 'e' of a word if  the ending starts with a vowel e.g -ing and -able.  Eg  save - saving, ...
• If a single-syllable word ends in a short vowel sound + 1 consonant, double the consonant  if  the ending starts with a vowel e.g -ing and -ed. Eg big - bigger, ...
  
• If a word ends in consonant + 'y', change the final 'y' to 'i' when any ending is added.  Eg easy - easier, ...
  
• Nouns and verbs that end in consonant + 'y' have a plural form which engs in '-ies'. Eg story - stories, ...

I always advise my students to write words they have problems spelling on post-it notes and to stick them up around the house.
For more speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.
Alanna

The best phrases for IELTS Speaking Test Part 3

Today's best IELTS tip is about IELTS Speaking Test Part 3.

In Speaking Part 3, the Examiner asks you about more abstract aspects of a topic.  You can often extend your replies by talking about the advantages and disadvantages of something.  You can also discuss the arguments for and against it.

In this post, I'd like to give you some useful phrases for IELTS Speaking Part 3::

Arguing for something

• I think it's a good idea because.........
• There's a lot to be said for it; for example..........

Arguing against something

• I'm completely against it because.............
• There are too many disadvantages / drawbacks / dangers such as.......

Not sure

• I'm not sure.  You could say ..., but ....
• It's hard to say.  One way of looking at it is....., but.......

Remember, as with any suggested phrases I give you, you need to learn how to use the phrases in context.  They also need to be used naturally.  Finally, you can modify the phrases as you see fit.

For more speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

Alanna

 

The best way to label diagrams in the IELTS Reading Test.

Today's best IELTS tip is about how to deal with the 'labelling a diagram' task in the IELTS Reading Test.

To begin with, you should have skim-read the text (as for any task).  First, look at the diagram carefully and any labels that are already given.  Next, find the part of the text that describes the diagram and carefully complete the labels.

 

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Improving your vocabulary for the IELTS Reading Test.

Today's best IELTS tip is about improving your vocabulary for the Reading Test.

OK, first of all, you should read everything you can.  The ideal situation (if you usually read in your own language) would be to constantly have a book in English 'on the go').  In any case, aside from reading English for pleasure, you need to be reading intensively in English for 10/15 minutes a day.  So what do I mean, 'intensively'?  Well, you need to take note of how the author uses cohesive devices, both within and between sentences, how the grammatical structures are formed, what verb tense is used and why, which prepositons are used and if certain verbs are always followed by that preposition etc.  This intensive reading will improve both your reading and your writing for the Writing Tes.

So, now on to the title of this post; 'Improving your vocabulary for the IELTS Reading Test'.  You need to train yourself to work out or guess the meaning of words rather than immediately reaching for the dicionary (you can always use the dictionary to confirm later).  You should be taking into account any prefixes or suffixes and how these change the root of a word.  This will help you to prepare for the Reading Test in which you are not allowed to refer to a dictionary.

When noting down new vocabulary, it should note it down in 'famillies'; note down related words and how the word is used in context.  You should also note down the different parts of speech of the word; for example, if the word is a noun, what is it's verbal or adjectival form

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Improving vocabulary for the IELTS Reading Test.

Today's best IELTS tip is about improving your vocabulary for the Reading Test.

OK, first of all, you should read everything you can.  The ideal situation (if you usually read in your own language) would be to constantly have a book in English 'on the go').  In any case, aside from reading English for pleasure, you need to be reading intensively in English for 10/15 minutes a day.  So what do I mean, 'intensively'?  Well, you need to take note of how the author uses cohesive devices, both within and between sentences, how the grammatical structures are formed, what verb tense is used and why, which prepositons are used and if certain verbs are always followed by that preposition etc.  This intensive reading will improve both your reading and your writing for the Writing Tes.

So, now on to the title of this post; 'Improving your vocabulary for the IELTS Reading Test'.  You need to train yourself to work out or guess the meaning of words rather than immediately reaching for the dicionary (you can always use the dictionary to confirm later).  You should be taking into account any prefixes or suffixes and how these change the root of a word.  This will help you to prepare for the Reading Test in which you are not allowed to refer to a dictionary.

When noting down new vocabulary, it should note it down in 'famillies'; note down related words and how the word is used in context.  You should also note down the different parts of speech of the word; for example, if the word is a noun, what is it's verbal or adjectival form

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Academic IELTS or General Training IELTS for immigration?

Today's best IELTS information is about whether to take Academic or General Training IELTS.

I've been asked the question, 'Which test do I take?' so many times, so here's the information I generally give students.  If you want to study overseas, you must take Academic IELTS, if you want IELTS for immigration to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you should take the General Training IELTS.

Recently, a visitor to my website told me he had taken Academic IELTS six months ago (scoring band 7) and if I thought he'd be able to immigrate to Australia with the exam he'd taken.  OK, so here's the heads-up as I understand it.  Immigration authorities usually as for a particular General Training IELTS score but on more than one occasion I have had students who have successfully used their Academic IELTS score.  I have trawled the internet for information on this and it appears that Australian and Canadian immigration both accept Academic IELTS as well as General Training IELTS, which is somewhat logical as the Speaking and Listening Tests are the same for both formats and Academic Reading and Writing Tests are more challenging than their General Training counterparts.

In any case, I strongly advise you contact the relevant immigration authorities to confirm this.  You should keep the following in mind; you must take the Academic test for study purposes and as the General Training test is less taxing than the Academic test, take that one if that's what you're asked for.  One of my students needed IELTS for immigration and study so he took Academic IELTS and was successful in both aims.

Remember that your IELTS test result is only valid for two years so do your research before enrolling for a test.  You must find the balance between giving yourself enough time to achieve the IELTS result you need before any applications and sitting an IELTS Test too early (thinking of possible future plans) and finding that your score is no longer valid.  You don't want the additional expense of sitting a test more than once.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

Untitled

Today's best IELTS information is about whether to take Academic or General Training IELTS.

I've been asked the question, 'Which test do I take?' so many times, so here's the information I generally give students.  If you want to study overseas, you must take Academic IELTS, if you want IELTS for immigration to Australia, Canada or New Zealand, you should take the General Training IELTS.

Recently, a visitor to my website told me he had taken Academic IELTS six months ago (scoring band 7) and if I thought he'd be able to immigrate to Australia with the exam he'd taken.  OK, so here's the heads-up as I understand it.  Immigration authorities usually as for a particular General Training IELTS score but on more than one occasion I have had students who have successfully used their Academic IELTS score.  I have trawled the internet for information on this and it appears that Australian and Canadian immigration both accept Academic IELTS as well as General Training IELTS, which is somewhat logical as the Speaking and Listening Tests are the same for both formats and Academic Reading and Writing Tests are more challenging than their General Training counterparts.

In any case, I strongly advise you contact the relevant immigration authorities to confirm this.  You should keep the following in mind; you must take the Academic test for study purposes and as the General Training test is less taxing than the Academic test, take that one if that's what you're asked for.  One of my students needed IELTS for immigration and study so he took Academic IELTS and was successful in both aims.

Remember that your IELTS test result is only valid for two years so do your research before enrolling for a test.  You must find the balance between giving yourself enough time to achieve the IELTS result you need before any applications and sitting an IELTS Test too early (thinking of possible future plans) and finding that your score is no longer valid.  You don't want the additional expense of sitting a test more than once.

For speaking test tips, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

If you're enjoying my best IELTS tips, why not look me up on 'youtube'.  My channel is 'bestieltsonline'.

 

Alanna

 

The best way to get band 7 in the IELTS Speaking Test.

Today's best IELTS tip is a video on how to score band score 7 in the IELTS Speaking Test.

If you have enjoyed the information in this video, why not download my free IELTS Speaking report; Speaking Test Tips from an IELTS Tutor.  I'm sure you'll find it useful!

 

Alanna