IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized English language proficiency exam that has been designed to test the English Proficiency of International students and migrants who wish to study, live and work in an English-speaking country/ environment. IELTS in managed by reputed International Organizations including the British Council, IDP, IELTS Australia and University of Cambridge ESQL Examination.

Test Formats: The IELTS has two test formats:

• General (for migration to English Speaking countries)
• Academic (for higher studies abroad)

Testing Capacity: The IELTS is designed to test a person’s ability in four capacities including, Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.

The subject matter of the Listening and Speaking components are the same for both the Academic Test and General Training, however the Reading and Writing components differ for the two exams. The Reading, Writing and Listening components of the exam are all completed on the same day, but the Speaking component is usually completed a week or two after the completion of the other components. The timings will be advised by the test centre.

Test Score Validity: Test scores are valid for two years and accepted in USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Scores are released within 13 days of taking the exam.

Test Centres in India: Punjab has 7 centres for conducting IELTS, including Chandigarh, Patiala, Ludhiana, Jelandhar, Amritsar, Moga and Bhatinda. Every month, two General and four Academic IELTS tests are conducted at these centres.

Exam Fee: for both Academic and General IELTS is INR 13,250

Exam Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Listening Component (Duration: 30 minutes)

In this component, users must listen to recordings of conversations and monologues by native English people and write down their answers to a series of 40 questions that follow.

Assessment Criteria The assessors are looking to test:

• The ability to understand and decipher the key ideas and facts stated in the recording
• Understanding of the opinions and attitudes expressed by the speakers in the recordings.

Reading Component (Duration: 60 minutes)

Academic: component includes three lengthy reading passages which have been taken from journals, books, articles, magazines and newspapers.

General: Includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, advertisements, notices, company handbooks and guidelines.

Assessment Criteria

The reading component includes a set of 40 questions which have been designed to test a range of reading skills, including:

• Ability to read and understand main ideas expressed in the text
• Understanding logical arguments
• Recognize the writer’s opinions and attitudes
• Detail oriented reading

Writing Component (Duration 60 minutes)

You are required to complete two tasks within a one-hour time frame.

Academic:

Task 1 - this component will include a table, chart or graph, and would require you to summarize your understanding of what the graph/chart depicts in your own words. It may require you to analyse data, describe stages of a process, or describe an object or an event.

Task 2 - You will be asked to write an essay based on a point of view or argument that has been expressed in the task.

*Both tasks must be completed using a formal style of writing.

General:

Task 1 - A situation/ scenario will be presented to you and you will be asked to write a letter describing your understanding of the situation. The letter can be written in formal, semi-formal or personal format.

Task 2- You will be asked to write an essay based on a point of view or argument that has been presented in the task. It can be written using a personal style of writing.

Assessment Criteria

The writing component assess the individual on:

• Task achievement and response
• Consistency
• Use of vocabulary
• Grammatical range and accuracy

Speaking Component (Duration: 11-14 minutes)

This part of the test will be recorded and will test your ability to speak and communicate in English.

Part 1 - The examiner will question you on general topics such as your hobbies, studies, work, family, interests and generally lasts about five minutes.
Part 2 - You will be given a topic and asked to speak about that topic for two minutes. You will be given one minute to prepare what to say. At the end of the two minutes, the examiner will ask you a few questions on the topic.
Part 3 - The examiner will ask you additional questions about the topic you discussed in part two. At this point, you will have the opportunity to discuss the topic in greater detail, including any ideas or issues relating to the topic. This part lasts about four to five minutes.

Assessment Criteria

• Fluency and consistency
• Use and extent of vocabulary
• Grammatical range and accuracy
• Pronunciation

SIEC IELTS Training/ Coaching
SIEC conducts frequent training programs to enhance a person’s ability to successfully attain their desired score in the IELTS exam. We have several branches throughout India that operate as test centres, all of which have been authorized by the British Council.

Types of training We provide two types of training methods, Online training and Classroom Training.

Online Training
Our trainers provide the best quality guidance and tips on how to score effectively on each band of the IELTS exam, to achieve the maximum possible score in a limited time frame. All you require is a stable internet connection, a laptop/ desktop, a set of headphones, a paper and a pen.

Classroom Training

• All our training rooms are well equipped with handling IELTS exam preparations.
• SIEC has some of the best IELTS preparation coaches, who are highly qualified and experienced to ensure that individuals score satisfactorily in their exams and are well versed in identifying and addressing the different learning needs and levels of individuals.
• SIEC IELTS training centres are located in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Ludhiana.

IELTS coaching can be undertaken at the following test centres. *The seats are subject to a first come, first serve basis.