Score more with an IELTS familiarisation test

Here’s why English language proficiency test is important for studying, working or living abroad:

1. Educational opportunities: English language proficiency tests are often a requirement for admission to English-speaking universities or colleges, and for scholarship or exchange programs. These institutions require proof that students have the necessary language skills to succeed academically.

2. Employment opportunities: Many employers require English language proficiency as a prerequisite for hiring, particularly for jobs that involve international communication, such as in business or technology. A good score on an English proficiency test can help job seekers stand out in a competitive job market.

3. Immigration: Many countries require English language proficiency as part of their immigration process, particularly for skilled worker programs. This ensures that immigrants have the necessary language skills to integrate into the society and contribute to the economy.

IELTS is a globally recognised acronym for the International English Language Testing System. It is particularly familiar among study-abroad aspirants and individuals planning to immigrate to English-speaking nations, including popular destinations such as Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, New Zealand, and Ireland.

As an English proficiency test, it is designed to evaluate a test taker’s language expertise on a scale of 0-9, with 9 indicating the highest proficiency. The test consists of two types: Academic, which is designed for international study programs, and General Training, which is used for immigration processes.

IELTS is the most widely accepted testing system, trusted by over 11,000 organisations globally and more than 3,400 institutions in the US alone. This widespread acceptance indicates that many universities rely on IELTS evaluations to admit foreign students. The primary reasons for IELTS' importance are its standardised evaluation structure and its strict security measures. The test takes authenticity seriously, performs careful authenticity checks, and features a standardised assessment by certified IELTS examiners. Additionally, IELTS prioritises data security and confidentiality for both the test-taker and the assessor. These aspects ensure that IELTS assesses test-takers fairly and accurately, making it one of the most trustworthy tests available.

IELTS has a global presence and is there in 140+ countries, meaning it is the most popular test that has been trusted by the authorities and has been welcomed in their countries.

It has been a trademark among international aspirants with more than 3 million test-takers every year. IELTS always takes quality and compliance seriously making it convenient and hassle-free for its test takers.

There are 75+ and 250+ test locations for paper-based and computer-delivered modes respectively in India alone covering the major cities.

IELTS test is conducted multiple times in a month. You can also choose your speaking slot at your convenience. You can choose from three test slots available per day and seven days a week.

1. Universal acceptance
2. Global presence
3. Trademark among test takers
4. Multiple test locations
5. Multiple test dates

Four primary skills are assessed of a candidate: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

1. Listening Test (about 30 minutes): It is categorised into 4 sections with a wide range of question types. There are 4 recordings of native English speakers played and about 30 seconds are given before each recording starts to get yourself acquainted with the questions which help you to listen “on purpose” as you get to know what you are looking for and answer the respective question type in a grammatically correct form.

2. Reading Test (60 minutes): There are 40 questions. It tests your reading skills where one can be expected to look for the writer’s intent, purpose, arguments, assertions, and conclusions.

3. Writing Test (60 minutes): Test taker is required to attempt two tasks; Part 1 and Part 2 where Part 1 constitutes report writing (for Academics) or letter writing (General Training) and Part 2 evaluated your essay writing. One is expected to allocate a significant amount of time for Part 1, which takes 20 minutes, and Part 2, which takes 40 minutes, as the latter carries twice the weight of Part 1.

4. Speaking Test (13-15 minutes): The speaking skill assessment consists of 3 parts and is done by skilled and certified IELTS Examiners.

There is a vast amount of free preparation study material available for IELTS.

Additionally, there has been an exponential increase in the use of online platforms for tutorials. You can also follow and subscribe to the official YouTube channel of IELTS IDP India.

The IELTS on computer is essentially the same test as the paper-based version, but it is taken on a computer. The main advantage of this format is that it provides test-takers with more flexibility in terms of choosing test dates and time slots, whether for the Academic or General Training modules. With up to three test slots available per day and seven days a week, scheduling the test becomes much more convenient. Moreover, test results are typically available within 3-5 days, allowing for faster feedback and planning.

In the paper-based IELTS, the traditional approach is followed, wherein the test is taken at an official IELTS test centre, where you will be provided with question papers and answer sheets for the Reading, Listening, and Writing tests. Also, you will be required to write your answers using either pen or HB-pencils. The Speaking test will be conducted on a one-on-one basis with a certified IELTS examiner. Results for the test will be released 13 calendar days after the test date.

Although the format of both PB-IELTS and CD-IELTS remains unchanged, the experience of taking the test on a computer differs slightly from the traditional paper-based approach. With CD-IELTS, test-takers complete the skills components using a desktop computer. To help individuals prepare for this format, IDP has created familiarisation tests that simulate the computer delivered IELTS in its truest form. These tests enable individuals to assess their performance in real-time, providing a valuable opportunity for test-takers to familiarise themselves with the computer-based IELTS experience.

An IELTS familiarisation test is a simulation of the actual computer-delivered IELTS test that closely mimics the test format and includes the same tools, such as a timer, word count, highlight and note-taking options that are available in the actual test components. While these tests are not marked, they provide an opportunity for test-takers to familiarise themselves with the test format and the tools available to them. Additionally, the answer key for the Listening and Reading components is provided, allowing test-takers to self-assess their performance.

The IELTS familiarisation test is readily available online and can be accessed via the official IELTS website. It is free of charge and is available for both the Academic and General Training modules. The familiarisation test includes sample questions for all four modules of the test: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, as well as the answer keys and audio files for the Listening test.

Access the free familiarisation test

It's highly recommended to take advantage of this resource and practice regularly to increase the chances of success on the test day. By using the IELTS familiarisation test in conjunction with other preparation materials and resources, test-takers can confidently approach the IELTS exam and achieve the desired results.
We hope, this blog will help you in understanding the IELTS familiarisation test better. To know more about IELTS or book the test you can walk into your nearest IDP IELTS branch.  

Updated on April 14, 2023