The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may seem intimidating at first, given the hype surrounding it, but with a solid grasp of English, it is manageable for most people who have studied in English medium educational institutions. Your success depends on understanding the module and curating your approach to tackle it. The details about IELTS fees in India are available online. You can book your IELTS slot with the help of a reputed education consultant. 

What is IELTS? 

The International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS, is an exam designed for non-native English speakers to determine their level of English. The results have a band score between 0 and 9. People need to take IELTS if they are applying for a job, studying at a college or university in an English-speaking country, or immigrating to such a country.

The IELTS test has two modules: Academic and General Training. The Academic Module is for prospective students, while the General Training Module is for those who intend to live and work in another country. You can take the IELTS on paper or on a computer.

Inside the IELTS: Structure and Format 

The IELTS test comprises four parts:

• Listening Test
• Reading Test
• Writing Test
• Speaking Test

The Listening Test lasts about 40 minutes. The first 30 minutes are for listening to a recording and answering questions based on what you hear, followed by 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet (if you are taking the paper-based test). In a computer-delivered IELTS, you will have 2 minutes to check your answers, which you would have already typed into the gaps.

The Reading Test takes 1 hour. You will read passages of text and answer questions based on them. There are several types of tasks you may encounter. 

The Writing Test lasts 1 hour and is divided into two parts. In the first part, you will have 20 minutes to write a letter or report and 40 minutes to write an essay.

The Speaking Test takes up to 15 minutes. It consists of three parts: An Interview where the examiner asks questions about yourself, a Cue Card talk where you will speak independently, and a two-way Discussion with the examiner.

Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are administered one after another, and you only receive a break before the Speaking Test. Sometimes, the Speaking Test is scheduled on a different day.

How to Prepare for IELTS? 

The IELTS fees in India may seem substantial, but the good news is that your preparation does not have to match it. You can prepare for IELTS at little cost. All you need is a good IELTS study guide and plenty of practice. Preparing for IELTS involves more than just learning English. It must focus on mastering the tips and tricks that IELTS is known for. Be ready, stay informed, and look out for them. If you are aiming for a high band score, expect several weeks of daily training to grasp and excel at those tips and tricks.

IELTS should not be as intimidating as it seems. Begin by familiarising yourself with the exam format and knowing what to expect during the IELTS exam. Then, utilise free online IELTS-like tests for practice to become comfortable with the types of questions and structure.