IELTS - International English Language Testing System

IELTS or International English Language Testing system is an international standardize test of English Language designed to assess language proficiency there are two versions of the IELTS exam:

• Academic version: academic format is for those who want to study in an English speaking university or institution of higher education. Acceptance in to undergraduate or postgraduate courses depend on the results of the academic test
• General version: the General format is for those undertaking non-academic training. This has been mainly designed for those who are going to English speaking countries for work experience or training programs as well as migrants.

It should be noted that in some professions require an academic test result for registration or migration purposes. The IELTS exam results are valid for two years.

 

Brief history of IELTS

IELTS is jointly managed by the University Of Cambridge EOSL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Pty Ltd and was established in 1989.

IELTS is the worlds most proven test in English language testing combining all the four major elements of the English language (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). This groundbreaking testing system came in to prominence around 17 years ago and continues to set the standard for English Language testing today. Candidates can sit the exam in one 700 locations around the world

From 1989 candidates took two non-specialized modules (Listening and speaking) and two specialized modules (Reading and Writing) based on the candidates chosen course of study. The test was further modified in April 1995 replacing the old field-specific Reading and Writing modules with One Academic Reading Module and One Academic Writing Module. Also the General Training Reading and Writing modules were brought in .the main differences between the two modules are in the content, context and purpose for testing rather than the scales of ability.

The IELTS partners continue to renew and develop the test. The revision project for the Speaking test began in 1998 and the new format was introduced in July 2001.new assessments for the Writing Test was also in operation from January 2005. A computerized version of the IELTS test was also introduced in 2005 at a number of IELTS centers.