IELTS in 4 Parts

The International English Language Test System (IELTS) is an English proficiency examination that gives people the opportunity to work, study, or live in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. The Philippines may have a population that primarily understands English, but those who wish to ensure that they will be able to take the IELTS in only one sitting should make sure that they prepare for the exam well, such as practicing English at home or enrolling into a review center.

There are four subtests of the IELTS examination that a test-taker should be familiar with. Let’s have a rundown of each:

·         Listening Exam is a four-section written examination that requires the test taker to answer questions based on recordings that are played. The four sections utilize different English accents so the Philippine test taker must be prepared to understand more than the typical American English. There are 40 questions to be answered

·         Reading Exam is the second test taken on the written section of the IELTS. Academic reading is different from General Training reading in terms of content, but the question types are essentially the same. The question types in the Reading exam are said to be very tricky, but a good review center would teach its students the proper techniques to attack these questions. Just like Listening, there are 40 questions to be answered.

·         Writing Examination is the last test you sit during the IELTS written exam. Academic Writing requires you to describe data in the form of a graph, table, or chart whereas General Training Writing is mostly letter writing. Both module would also ask for an essay. Most people find IELTS Writing difficult because they don’t know what “good writing” in the IELTS really is. This is where coaches and teachers from a review center come in. These people have the expertise to pinpoint exactly what changes and improvements your write-ups need.

·         Speaking Examination is usually taken within the five days before you sit your written examinations. It is a face-to-face interaction between an examiner, who may be a native or non-native speaker of the language. It is actually the shortest examination in the IELTS. In the Speaking Exam would really test a person’s confidence and it is helpful if you get as much practice as you can, both at home and at your review center with your teachers.

Good luck!