The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that assesses the English language ability of candidates. Recognised by many institutions, universities and employers internationally, it is a benchmark used by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies in determining an applicant’s competency in the English language.
IELTS assess a candidate’s English ability in listening, speaking, reading and writing. It is compulsory every candidate undergoes the same assessment for the listening and speaking aspects of the test. The reading and writing aspects of the test differ depending on whether a candidate takes the academic or general training module. If the candidate intends to enrol in a university or institute of higher learning, he or she is advised to take the academic training course. Otherwise, the general training module of the course would suffice. You may visit www.ielts.org to find out more.
The duration of the IELTS test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The listening, reading and writing components of the test must be completed in one day. Depending on how the test centre chooses to arrange the test, the speaking aspect can be tested 7 days before or after the other components of the IELTS test.
Compulsory
Listening
A number of recorded texts will be played during the test. The text will only be played once and its difficulty will increase as the test progresses. These texts usually consist of monologues and conversations in different English accents or dialects concerning a given everyday experience or topic. Candidates are expected to answer the questions in the test based on the recorded text.
Speaking
This is a face-to-face interview. Candidates are evaluated based on their ability to communicate verbally, coherently and fluently during the interaction with the examiner.
General Training
Reading
The reading texts are usually taken from newspapers, advertisements, books or other instruction materials taken from schools in English speaking countries. The text is usually descriptive and has to do with daily experiences.
Writing
Candidates must write a letter of about 150 words based on a given situation. They are then required to submit a 250 words expository or argumentative essay which is persuasive, coherent and supported by relevant facts and details.
Academic
Reading
There are altogether 3 passages a candidate has to read. These texts may be taken from the newspaper, magazines, books or journals targeting the general public. One or more of the texts will be argumentative in nature. Candidates will then be asked to answer some questions.
Writing
You will have to write a report of around 150 words based on some statistics or diagram. You need to describe and explain the data. In addition, you must write an argumentative or expository essay of about 250 words and show that you are able to discuss issues, and persuade, evidenced with relevant facts.
Test Results
Your results will be available within 2 weeks after you have taken it. You will be given a score of 1 to 9 for each component, in addition to an overall score. A candidate who is proficient in the English language will get a maximum score of 9.
Prerequisites
To qualify for our IELTS course, you should have at least studied English at intermediate level. Alternatively, you could take our placement test. You must not have sat for the IELTS test within 90 days at any centre.
Course Details
We offer 4 types of IELTS courses. Course textbooks (some of which may have to be imported) are included in the Materials Fees. There will be a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 15 students in a class.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I study IELTS at Inspire Education Centre?
Studying at Inspire Education Centre allows you to interact with students from other countries and this increases the chance of you using English to communicate with your classmates. Due to our cap of 15 students per class, this greatly increases the teacher’s ability to facilitate lessons. Our experienced teachers would make use of each time to train and equip students with the basics of English via various teaching mediums and methods to make class interesting.
2. How is TOEFL different from IELTS?
These tests are accredited by different organisations. TOEFL focuses more on the usage of English in North America and Canada whereas IELTS focuses more on British English. Otherwise, they are more or less similar as they asses a candidate’s competency in the English language.
3. Who accredits the IELTS test?
It is accredited by IELTS (International English Language Testing System) originating from UK
You may visit www.ielts.org to find out more.
4. Who should take IELTS?
Students who have gone through advanced level English language learning and want to improve their English academically should take this Course. Taking the Course will also better students for the IELTS test.
5. When can I re-take the IELTS test?
The IELTS test results are valid for 2 years. If it has been more than 2 years since you last took the test, you will need to re-take it. You must not have sat for the IELTS test within 90 days at any centre.
6. When must I register for the IELTS test?
Students are encouraged to register for the IELTS test 3 months before the commencement of the Course. This is to avoid disappointment of not getting the desired test date.
7. How do I register for this Course?
You can register for the Course by filling up the Course application form and signing a Student Contract.
8. Do I require a student visa?
For courses longer than one month, the student is required have a valid visa or student pass. For a 3 months course, it is compulsory to apply for a student visa. Our Centre offers student pass application for students who require this service.
9. Do you provide services like airport transfer or arrangement of accommodation?
These services can be arranged. Please contact us regarding the services you require.
10. Who should I contact if I have further queries?
For more information, please contact:
Inspire Education Centre
Tel: (65) 6345-3147
Fax: (65) 6836-4975
Email: info@inspire-edu.com
