For any candidate looking forward to studies in abroad, it is crucial to clear all the four modules of IELTS exam properly. Therefore, they must have a sound knowledge of all the test modules, so that they can practice accordingly and can prepare themselves for the exam.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination is generally taken for evaluation of the English language aptitude of any candidate. This evaluation process involves assessment of the writing, speaking, reading, and listening skills of the candidate. However, most of the times the candidate fails to understand these evaluation processes, and consequently, cannot clear the exam.
Evaluation of all the four skills are carried out based on separate focused tests and each of these tests are carried out for both of the educational and general purposes. Following are the patterns of those tests.
- Reading test:
This test assesses the reading skills of a candidate. During this test, the candidate is given a number of passages with ascending level of complexity. Within an hour, the candidate is expected to read all the passages and answer the questions associated with those passages. However, for the tests in educational purpose, the level of complexity is higher than that of the general purpose.
- Listening test:
This section is comparatively harder. In this test, the candidate will be given four audio footages, and the questions are asked from those pieces only. The first one is between two speakers on a general topic, second one is by one speaker on a general topic, third is a discussion among three or more speakers on an educational topic, and the fourth one is by one speaker on an educational topic. The candidate has to pay special attention of facts and figures, dates and times, and the nature of judgment of the speakers.
- Writing test:
This test is comparatively harder than the previous ones. In this test, the candidate is expected to write two essays. The first one is more of a general report on the facts provided, and the second one is an opinion-based writing, where the candidate must put forward valid points in support of the poised arguments.
- Speaking test:
This is perhaps the hardest part of the exam. In this test, a face-to-face interview session takes place between a candidate and the interviewer. After the generalized introduction, the candidate chooses a particular topic, and is asked to deliver a short speech on the same. Lastly, a detailed discussion takes place between them.
These are the four modules of IELTS examination. As a last word, combined grading is done for educational and general purpose tests, and therefore, IELTS for educational purpose is comparatively harder.
