IELTS Examination #EnatoBlogTips

What is IELTS?

IELTS is the International English Language Testing System that tests English proficiency all over the world. IELTS is the world's most popular English testing system conducting one million tests globally. It is accepted by more than 6000 organizations worldwide, these include Universities, immigration departments, government agencies, professional bodies and multinational companies.

Owner of IELTS: It is jointly owned by British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). International teams of writers contribute to IELTS test materials according to the body.

Versions of the test

there are two versions of IELTS test namely:

Academic test -  this test is for those who want to study at a tertiary level in an English-speaking country.

General Training test- is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary or migrate to an English-speaking country. during the test, candidates will undergo four parts of test, they are:

• Listening (30 minutes)

• Reading (60 minute)

• Writing (60 minute)
• Speaking (11-14 minutes)

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are done in one sitting. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests. Note that all candidate take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests, that is why individual must know the version of the test to take when you are completing the online application form for IELTS. To know the version of the test you are to take contact the organization or institution to which you are applying to find out what it requires.

Items needed

Candidate going to the examination room must only go with pens, pencils and erasers. Also you must take along the passport/national identity card you used on the IELTS Application Form to the test. Mobile phones must be switched off and placed with personal belongings in the area designated by the supervisor, failure to do so will lead to disqualification.

Accents that can be heard in the Listening and Speaking tests

As IELTS is an international test, a variety of English accents are used in both of these tests.

Speaking test: It is a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner. The Speaking is made up of three sections. It is recorded on an audio-cassette or a digital recorder.

Tests mark

IELTS uses a 9-band scoring system to measure and report test scores in a consistent manner. You receive individual band scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an Overall Band Score on a band scale from one to nine.

Test results

Your Test Report Form will be posted to you 13 days after your test date. Some test centers also provide SMS alerts and an Online Results Service. Keep your Test Report Form in a secure place as you only receive one copy. Note that Test Report only valid for two years so make sure you take the test at the appropriate time you need it.

How to apply for IELTS 

You can complete the application form online or go to nearest test centre in your country, official registration fee in Nigeris is #52,000 starting from January 2016 and it is subject to change anytime.
Test centre in Nigeria: Abuja, Benin City, Calaba, Enugu, Ibadan, Lagos, Ilorin and Port Harcourt.

British Council offices in Nigeria

Abuja: Plot 3645, IBB Way Maitama

            PMB 550

            Garki, Abuja, Nigeria.

office hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 to 16:00

                   Friday 8:30 to 12:00pm

Number: +234-1-4603090-9

Lagos: 20 Thompson Avenue

             PO Box 53702, Falomo

             Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria

Number: +234 14603090-99

Port Harcourt:127 Olu Obasanjo Road
                        GRA Phase 2,
                        Port Harcourt, Nigeria
         Number: +234 84465377
  
Kano: 24 Lamido Road
          Nassarawa GRA, Kano
          Kano State.
Number: +234 8030855773
              +234 14603090

For online registration and training materials contact EnatoBlog team on: Facebook, Twitter, BBM: 7F649507