IELTS (International English Language Testing System)IELTS is an internationally recognized English language proficiency test designed to assess the language
abilities for academic and general purposes, including studying abroad, immigration, and employment.

What is IELTS?

The world’s most popular English test for higher education and global migration.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a comprehensive assessment that provides a reliable indication of an individual’s English language proficiency, playing a crucial role in diverse academic and professional pursuits. Designed to assess language abilities for study or work in English-speaking environments, IELTS offers two versions: IELTS Academic, tailored for higher education or professional registration, and IELTS General Training, suitable for migration and various applications in English-speaking countries. The test comprises four components—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—evaluating spoken English understanding, reading skills, written argumentation, and spoken communication effectiveness. Scoring on a scale from 1 to 9 for each component yields an overall Band Score, with scores valid for two years. IELTS is available in both paper-based and computer-based formats and is conducted at authorized test centres globally.

What is included in an IELTS course?

  • Developing listening skills for various accents and contexts.

  • Practice with different question types such as multiple-choice, matching, and completion tasks.

  • Strategies for effective reading comprehension.

  • Practice with skimming, scanning, and understanding different text types.

  • Instruction on how to structure and organize essays for both Task 1 (Report Writing) and Task 2 (Essay Writing).

  • Guidance on improving vocabulary, grammar, and coherence in writing.

  • Techniques for enhancing spoken English and pronunciation.

  • Mock speaking tests and feedback to improve fluency and coherence.

  • Full-length practice tests to simulate the actual exam and timings.

  • Detailed feedback on performance and areas for improvement.

  • Brushing up on essential grammar rules and expanding vocabulary relevant to the IELTS exam.

  • Strategies for effective time management during each section of the exam.

  • Personalized feedback on practice tests and assignments to address specific weaknesses.

  • Valuable tips and strategies for approaching different question types and maximizing scores.

What coursebooks are used for the IELTS course?

One World Learning uses Mindset and Ready for IELTS for IELTS classes.

 

 

One World Learning follow two main coursebooks which are supplemented as required with pronunciation, grammar and vocabulary Booster classes.

Preparing for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam can be a daunting task for many students. However, with the right resources, achieving your target score becomes much more attainable. Mindset for IELTS by Cambridge is a comprehensive and versatile exam preparation series that empowers students to excel in the IELTS exam. With its combination of print and online resources, flexible teaching approach, and emphasis on self-study, this series equips students with the tools they need to unlock their full potential and achieve their desired band score.

Ready for IELTS has earned a reputation as one of the premier resources for IELTS preparation over the years. It serves as a comprehensive coursebook tailored for students aiming to achieve band scores ranging from 5.0 to 7.0 in the Academic IELTS exam. Structured around topics, each unit covers exercises dedicated to the four main skills tested in the exam: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Furthermore, it includes Vocabulary and Word-building sections intertwined with a Language Focus component to enhance students’ grammar proficiency.

What’s in the exam?

The IELTS Academic test is made up of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

IELTS Academic & AcademicContentMarks (points of total)
Reading (about 1 hour including transfer time)3 parts / 40 questions1 point for each correct answer.
Writing (60 minutes)2 parts. Part 1 describe some visual information in your own words (a graph, table, chart or diagram). Part 2 you need to discuss a point of view, argument or problem. You need to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.Part 2 contributes twice as much as Part 1 to the Writing score.
Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers to an answer sheet)4 parts/10 questions in each part1 point for each correct answer.
Speaking (11-14 minutes)3 partsAssessed on performance

IELTS Scoring: Overall Band Score

Your overall band score is calculated by averaging the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking section band scores and rounding to the nearest half band.

  • The test taker has fully operational command of the language.

  • Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.

  • The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.

  • They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.

  • The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations.

  • They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.

  • The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings.

  • They can use and understand reasonably complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

  • The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes.

  • They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.

  • The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations.

  • They frequently show problems in understanding and expression.

  • The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.

  • There are frequent breakdowns in communication.

  • The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

  • The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.

  • The test taker did not answer the questions.

IELTS Scoring: Section Band Score

The section band scores in IELTS provide a detailed breakdown of your performance in each of the four test sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

The IELTS Listening test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Listening section. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

  • Band Score 5: Listening 16

  • Band Score 6: Listening 23

  • Band Score 7: Listening 30

  • Band Score 8: Listening 35

The IELTS Reading test contains 40 questions. Each correct answer is awarded 1 mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

The IELTS Academic and General Training Reading tests are graded on the same scale. The Academic Reading test may contain texts which feature more difficult vocabulary or greater complexity of style. It is usual that a greater number of questions must be answered correctly on a General Training Reading test to secure a given band score.

Here are the average number of marks scored at different levels of the IELTS scale in Academic Reading, and General Training Reading sections. The precise number of marks needed to achieve these band scores will vary slightly from test version to test version.

Marks out of 40

Academic

  • Band Score 5: Reading 15

  • Band Score 6: Reading 23

  • Band Score 7: Reading 30

  • Band Score 8: Reading 35

General Training

  • Band Score 4: Reading 15

  • Band Score 5: Reading 23

  • Band Score 6: Reading 30

  • Band Score 7: Reading 35

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four criteria:

  • Task achievement (for task 1) and task response (for task 2)

  • Coherence and cohesion

  • Lexical resource

  • Grammatical range and accuracy.

Each task is assessed independently. The criteria are weighted equally and the score on the task is the average. The assessment of Task 2 carries more weight in marking than Task 1.

Examiners use assessment criteria to award a score for each of the following four areas

  • Fluency and coherence

  • Lexical resource

  • Grammatical range and accuracy

  • Pronunciation

Each of the criteria carry equal weighting and the overall average gives the IELTS score for Speaking.

What materials do I need?

One World Learning provide you with an online folder with your course material available for download. However, there are several essential requirements to ensure a smooth and effective learning experience.

  • A personal computer or laptop with up-to-date hardware and software is necessary.
  • Classes contain video and audio playback so a stable and high-speed internet connection is recommended for attending online classes.
  • A webcam and microphone are essential for participating in virtual classes and discussions. Most computers come equipped with built in webcams and mics.
  • Headphones or earphones can help reduce background noise and provide a better audio experience during online classes.
  • Set up a dedicated and quiet study space where you can focus on your online classes without distractions.
  • Have digital or physical note-taking tools ready. This could be a notebook, digital note-taking app, or any other method you find effective.

By ensuring that you have these essentials, you’ll be well-prepared for a positive and productive online learning experience.