International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most popular English language proficiency test for both higher education and immigration purposes. Thousands of organisations and institutions worldwide trust IELTS, so when you decide to take the test, rest assured it is recognised by educational institutions, employers, Governments and professional bodies globally.

There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training: choose the appropriate test based on your future goals. IELTS Academic measures your level of English language proficiency for suitability in an academic environment such as universities and other institutions of higher education. While IELTS General Training measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations that one would encounter.

How does IELTS work?

IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and tests the examinee for a full range of English skills needed for success in your either at the workplace or for university enrollment abroad.

IELTS was one of the first tests to introduce four language skills-based (listening, reading, writing and speaking) testing more than three decades ago. It continues to set the standard for English language testing today. In fact, it is also an immigration criterion in a number of countries today. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications. The United Kingdom in fact has a specific IELTS requirement for both study and work visas in that country known as the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Academic or General Training or the IELTS for Life Skills test.

IELTS – band scale

You will be given a score from band 1 to band 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The highest score for IELTS is band 9 and the lowest score is band 1, each score is a reflection of different levels of English users.

How your overall band score is calculated

Your overall band score is calculated by taking the mean score of the four test components (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). The score for each component is equally weighted. Your overall band score is rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

For example: If you achieve 6.5 for Listening, 6.5 for Reading, 5.0 for Writing and 7.0 for Speaking, you will be awarded an Overall Band Score of 6.5.Total score of 25 ÷ 4 = 6.25 which is a band score of 6.5.

Alternatively, if you achieve 4.0 for Listening, 3.5 for Reading, 4.0 for Writing and 4.0 for Speaking, you will be awarded an Overall Band Score of 4.0.Total score of 15.5 ÷ 4 = 3.875 which is a band score of 4.0.

Listening and reading scores

IELTS Listening and Reading components each contain 40 questions. Each correct item is awarded one mark, so the maximum raw score you can achieve for each component is 40. Band scores ranging from Band 1 to Band 9 are awarded to candidates on the basis of their raw scores. The tables indicate the number of marks required to achieve a particular band score.

Note: In order to equate different test versions, the band score boundaries are set so that all candidates’ results relate to the same scale of achievement. This means, for example, that the Band 6 boundaries may be set at slightly different raw scores across versions.

Writing and speaking scores

When marking the Writing and Speaking components of the test, examiners use detailed assessment criteria which describe written and spoken performance at each of the 9 IELTS bands.

Writing: Examiners award a band score for each of four criterion areas: Task Achievement (for Task 1), Task Response (for Task 2); Coherence and Cohesion; Lexical Resource; Grammatical Range and Accuracy. The four criteria are equally weighted.

Speaking: Examiners award a band score for each of four criterion areas: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy; and Pronunciation. The four criteria are equally weighted.

Get The London Bridge Centre edge in
your IELTS preparation

At The London Bridge Centre, our trainers come with Masterclass for IELTS Trainers Certificate that certifies them to train examinees preparing for the exam.

We follow the Cambridge CELTA methodology as the standard for all our training modules. CELTA (Certificate in the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages) is an internationally recognised teaching qualification from Cambridge English Assessment (UK) and is respected by institutions and employers in English Language Teaching around the world.

Cambridge English Assessment is part of the University of Cambridge, UK, making CELTA the gold standard in imparting both English language and communication skills to students and professionals. We work with the participants in our sessions using CELTA-backed elicitation methods, task-based activities, real time activities, role play and kinesthetic-learning that serve the important purpose of building the confidence of the trainees in addition to enhancing their skills. So, when you walk in to give your IELTS exam, you'll have an assured edge over your competitors.

Online training

We offer our IELTS trainees, the convenience of accessing world class training from the comfort of their homes. Individuals are required to register and pre-pay for sessions. Our experts based in Hyderabad, Mumbai and London will ensure you get the edge you need to set you apart from your peers. All at the click of a button.

Get The London Bridge Centre team on your side today.

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