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What is IELTS?

  • 執筆者の写真: egcisjp
    egcisjp
  • 2024年12月17日
  • 読了時間: 5分
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Table of Contents




1. What is the IELTS Test?

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a widely recognized English language proficiency test. More than 4 million people take the IELTS test annually, making it the most popular English proficiency test for those seeking higher education or wishing to migrate to English-speaking countries.


2. How IELTS Works

IELTS is designed for people who want to study, work, or live in English-speaking countries, or those who need to prove their English language proficiency for job requirements in their home country. Therefore, IELTS offers two types of tests:


  • IELTS Academic

    This test is useful for university admission, obtaining student visas, and proving English proficiency to professional bodies.

  • IELTS General Training

    This test measures workplace English proficiency and is useful for employment in English-speaking companies.


2.1 IELTS Test Format

IELTS can be taken on paper or on a computer at official test centers. Depending on your location, you may also have the option to take the IELTS online. The test assesses four key skills:


  • Listening: Ability to understand ideas, recognize opinions, and follow discussions.

  • Reading: Understanding general meaning, main ideas, details, and inferences of the author.

  • Writing: Ability to use a broad vocabulary and grammar while organizing and writing a response accurately.

  • Speaking: Ability to convey opinions and information on everyday topics, and express and justify personal opinions.


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2.2 Main Content of IELTS Academic and General Training


Test Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes

Test Format: Four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking.


The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are held on the same day with no breaks. The Speaking section is held on the same day or within 7 days before or after the other sections.


3. Why Choose IELTS?

IELTS focuses on communication skills and offers several important benefits:


  • Access to New Opportunities: IELTS is trusted by over 12,000 organizations in more than 140 countries.

  • Career Advancement: Prove your English proficiency with a reliable result when applying for jobs.

  • International Experience: The Listening section includes various English accents, and the Speaking section tests the ability to communicate in the English of different regions around the world.

  • Living in an English-Speaking Country: IELTS helps prove that you meet the required language standards for immigration authorities.

  • Flexible Test Options: You can choose between paper, computer, or online tests depending on what works best for you. IELTS is available in many countries on different dates.

  • Confidence in Results: IELTS is a fair and accurate test. Examiners are qualified and experienced English specialists, focusing on language skills and practical communication abilities.


3.1 IELTS is a Test for Everyone!

IELTS provides modified tests for people with disabilities on the test day, ensuring fair access to all candidates, regardless of nationality, cultural background, gender, or special needs.


4. How IELTS Helps with Visa Acquisition


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Many immigration departments in English-speaking countries require proof of English proficiency as part of the visa application process. IELTS provides this proof.


After completing the IELTS test, a Test Report Form (TRF) with the individual’s IELTS score is issued.The TRF is valid for two years and must be submitted to visa authorities as proof of English proficiency.Each visa has specific IELTS score requirements, so it is important to check the required score for the visa you are applying for.


5. Visa Requirements by Country

The required IELTS scores for the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand are as follows:


5.1 United Kingdom

If you wish to immigrate to the UK, IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is the authorized test for UK visa applications. The UKVI test can be taken either in Academic or General Training format. The IELTS UKVI test must be taken at an approved test center authorized by the UK government. The IELTS Life Skills test is available for family visas, family extension visas, spouse visas, partner visas, indefinite leave to remain, and citizenship applicants.


5.2 Canada

IELTS is recognized by the Canadian Citizenship and Immigration (CIC) as proof of English proficiency. The Express Entry system, which is a primary route for skilled immigrants, requires proof of English or French proficiency. You may be asked to provide test results as part of your application for study permits, work visas, professional registration, and permanent residency in Canada.


5.3 Australia

For the Australian Immigration Department, IELTS is an important English test. Proof of English proficiency is required for student visas, immigration visas, and general skills migration visas.


5.4 United States

In many U.S. visa categories, proof of English proficiency is required. Proof of English is a necessary condition for student visas. Unlike countries like the UK and Australia, some work visas, such as H-1B and L-1, do not require proof of English proficiency. However, having an IELTS score can improve your chances of approval.


5.5 New Zealand

IELTS is recognized throughout New Zealand and is preferred by universities and employers. Proof of English proficiency is required for work visas, skilled migrant visas, and student visas.


6. Comparison with Other Common Tests

IELTS is widely recognized as the benchmark for English language proficiency testing. To understand the advantages of IELTS, let’s compare it with other common tests:


6.1 IELTSとTOEFL

IELTS

TOEFL

IELTS is widely recognized worldwide and is not limited to British English, making it a versatile test for candidates. It also offers flexibility, allowing you to take the test on paper, computer, or online, based on your preference.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests proficiency in North American English and is primarily computer-based.

Both tests aim to assess English proficiency accurately and fairly, and neither is inherently more difficult than the other.


6.2 IELTSとPTE

IELTS

PTE

IELTS Academic assesses academic English proficiency, while IELTS General Training tests practical, everyday English. You can choose between paper-based and computer-based tests.

PTE (Pearson Test of English) focuses on academic English and is entirely computer-based. The difficulty level of both tests is the same.


The difficulty level of both tests is the same.


6.3 IELTSとC1 Advanced

IELTS

C1 Advanced

IELTS tests all major English skills.


C1 Advanced, a Cambridge exam, also tests all major English skills.

Both tests are globally recognized.


6.4 IELTSとDET

IELTS

TOEFL

IELTS is a more comprehensive test and remains the standard for educational institutions and immigration departments.

DET (Duolingo English Test) is a newer test that offers an on-demand online exam.


 
 
 

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