IELTS ACADEMIC / GENERAL TRAINING

It depends on WHY or for WHAT PURPOSE you are visiting a foreign country; which organization you are applying to or what are your plans for life in the new country.

Which type of IELTS is right for you? See the useful information below :

There are two types or versions of IELTS:

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

  • You must know well before applying for the test which one is required for you.
  • If you want to study abroad or join a professional organization in an English-speaking country then You should take IELTS Academic.
  • But if you want to go for business purpose, emigrate, work as a non-professional or for training in a certain area you need to take IELTS General Training.
  • It is worth to note that for education at the secondary level or for migrating to Australia, Canada, and New Zealand one must take the General Training IELTS.
  • What score you require in your IELTS exam also depends upon your purpose of visit. Different organizations/institutes and different immigration authorities have different accept different band scores.
  • We may also help you check what band score is required for you. So visit us any time for free information and advice.
  • IELTS is also widely accepted by the US colleges, universities and professional organizations/institutions. If you want to move to the USA for study, work or other purposes IELTS can be helpful.

There are no breaks/intervals between the first three tests.

However, the Speaking test is given either on the same day or seven days before or after that, depending upon your test center.

IELTS LISTENING

The IELTS Listening test takes approximately forty minutes. During first 30 minutes you will listen to four recorded monologues and conversations and then you will be given 10 minutes extra time to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.

There are 40 questions in all to be answered to.

The content of the Listening test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

Following are the important points for the IELTS Listening Test :

A wide range of native speaker accents (British, Australian, New Zealand and North American) is used in the Listening test. So you will hear a variety of accents in you listening test. Note that and all standard varieties of English are accepted in IELTS:

  • A variety of voices is used in the IELTS Listening test.
  • You will listen to pre-recorded audios in all four recordings.
  • The passages that you hear will increase in difficulty as you go through the test.
  • The purpose of the IELTS Listening test is to assess your range of listening skills It assesses how well you understand main ideas and specific factual information in a speech or conversation.
  • Your ability to understand and discern the view points, opinions, behaviours and intentions/purpose of a speaker/speakers are assessed.
  • You need to carefully follow the shift/development of an argument
    • .
Listening test format :

It is of utmost importance that you clearly understand how this test is given to you how you have to take it accurately within the given time. So come with us and what lies there in this test.

There are four sections of the IELTS Listening test:

Section one :

You will listen to a conversation between two people set in an everyday social situation. For example, a conversation in a market between a buyer and a seller or a telephonic conversation between the two persons on any topic/issue/seeking information related to a tour/accommodation facility.

You have to understand and comprehend the conversation well and answer questions. There will be 10 questions.

Section two :

In this section you will listen to a monologue. This is also set in an everyday social situation. For example, a speech on benefits of exercise and healthy food or a talk on what precautions one may take while going on a hiking trip.

This section also has ten questions and you are required to listen carefully to comprehend well before answering.

Section three :

You will be made to listen to a conversation between more than two people. The conversation may be related to some research/social issue/educational topic may be set in a training context. For example a professor and his students discussing research project or planning for a workshop or tutorial etc.

Ten questions will be given to answer.

Section four :

Again a monologue. You will listen to a monologue on an academic topic and ten questions will be given for answering.

Useful Tips to attempt this part of IELTS :

The test will start from a recording of instructions to attempt the test and a sample question for section 1. You are required to listen to the instructions care fully.

We train you well in this regard as understanding the rules and proper way to attempt any test gives you a half success in the first instance. So come and join us at Hamayoun IELTS Academy.

After that you have to read the questions for section 1 given in your question booklet and then listen carefully to the recording of section one , and answer the questions on your question booklet.

This procedure will be repeated for sections two, three and four.

After the all four recordings have been played and you have listened to them and answered the questions you will be given an extra time of ten (10) minutes to transfer your answers onto your answer sheet.

Don’t forget transferring the answers form question booklet to your answer sheet and do it properly following the given instructions.

Remember you will hear each section once only.

There will be 40 questions in all , each section containing ten questions.

Types of questions :

A variety of question types will be used. You may be asked to

  • Complete a Table or Flow Chart.
  • Fill in the blanks or a Form.
  • Answer the questions in not more than three words.
  • Answer multiple choice questions.
  • Label a plan, map or diagram.
  • Each correct answer is given one mark.
Follow this advice :

  • Follow our advice and score the top band. Make sure you understand how to respond to any given type of questions.
  • You will be given time to read through the questions before you listen. You will hear each recording of the Listening test only once.
  • As you listen, write your answers on the question paper.
  • At the end of the test, you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to theanswer sheet in pencil. You may write your answers in lower case or capital letters.
  • It is essential that you transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
  • Nothing you write on the question paper will be marked.
  • If you cannot hear the audio clearly, let a member of staff know straightaway.
  • Follow the instructions carefully as they may be different to your practice tests you have done with your IELTS trainer or previous tests you have taken.
How to get maximum band in listening :
  • Listen to the audio carefully.
  • Be clear what specific information you want for your answer.
  • Concentrate on what speaker/speakers say/says and comprehend the conversation.
  • If you don’t understand something don’t stick yourself to it. This will cause you to lose time and miss other important information you may need for further answers.
  • Just try to go along with the conversation.
  • Move quickly from one question to another and If you do not know the answer to a question do not waste time on it just attempt it and move on to the next one.
  • Remember spellings and grammar are important and these mistakes turn your right answers into wrong ones. So be careful.
  • Relax and tune in to the speed and accent of the speaker/speakers.
  • This is where Hamayoun IELTS ACADEMY is helpful for you to understand accents and pronunciations well with a native accent. So come and join us for your IELTS preparation.
  • Develop your skill to read, write and listen simultaneously.
  • Precise attention and focus is required to attempt various types of questions.
  • Words limit. If you are asked to answer in no more than two or three words then be restricted to that limit.
  • For example if the answer is “on the second floor” than just use “second floor” to be restricted within the prescribed limit. Similarly for the answer “in the morning’, you may write only “morning”.
  • There is no negative marking or penalties for incorrect answers. So attempt all questions. Recheck your answers carefully.
  • In the end will copy your answers onto an answer sheet.
We familiarize our students with the type of answer sheet used in the IELTS Listening Test so that you know what to expect.
IELTS READING

It is a one hour test comprising of three long reading passages and containing 40 questions in all.

The content of the Reading test is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.

IELTS READING TEST PURPOSE AND FORMAT No matter which version of the IELTS test you are taking it is designed to assess a wide range of your reading skills, including;
  • How well you read and understand the main ideas in the passage
  • Your skill and ability to comprehend the general sense of the written text.
  • Reading for detail
  • Understanding the implied meaning and inferences
  • Recognising the opinion of writer and purpose of writing the passage.
  • Understanding the development of an argument
Time is important
  • The IELTS Reading test takes 60 minutes.
  • There will be three different passages for reading each carrying 13/14 questions to be answered. Total questions are 40.
  • Time for reading and responding to related questions in each passage is just 20 minutes.
  • For your convenience, you can mark or underline the important information or write on the Question Paper. But you must write your answers on the Reading Answer Sheet.
  • Time yourself because no extra time is given for writing your answers from the Test Booklet to the Answer Sheet.
You have to read quickly and efficiently with understanding, and need to time yourself.

We train you how to read quickly and efficiently trough skimming, scanning and intensive reading of the text in long passages.

You will need to manage your time during the test because you will not be told when to start or finish each section.   

READING TEST FORMAT  

Read the instructions carefully.
  • It comprises of three sections
  • You will be given three different passages comprising of long text. At the end of each passage, there will be 13/14 questions with accompanying questions.
  • These passages are taken from magazines, newspapers, books or journals.
  • They are written on topics of general interest including researches, academic topics, social issues, science and technology.
  • These passages are analytical, descriptive, factual and discursive.
  • If there are technical terms in the text then a simple glossary is provided for your understanding, therefore, you need to check that as well.
  • There may be diagrams, graphs or illustrations and you may have to answer questions related to them so you must develop skills to understand these too.
IELTS General Training Reading test  

  • IELTS General Training Reading test has three sections.
  • The texts are generally taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers.
  • The topics of these texts are relevant to everyday life in an English- speaking country.
  • There are two or three short factual texts in section one on the topics like planning a tour with a tour company, hotel advertisements or information on food etc.
  • There are two short factual texts in section two focusing on work-related issues, e.g. applying for a job, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development and training etc.
  • There is a one longer, more complex text in section three on a topic of general interest.
Types of Questions  

There are 40 questions and different types of questions are asked. The questions may be of the type:
  • True, False or Not Given type.
  • Fill in the blank spaces in a passage of written text or in a table
  • Matching of headings to written text, diagrams or charts
  • Sentence completion
  • One, two or three words short answers to the questions
  • Multiple choice questions
  • Write the paragraph no which has the information given in the statement.
Follow our advice  

  • For your convenience, you can write your answers first on the question paper and then transfer them to the answer sheet before the end of the test. However, remember that you will not be given extra time for this.
  • You must write your answers on the answer sheet
  • Use a pencil to write your answers.
  • Read and follow the instructions given at the test centre carefully
How to Get Maximum Band Score in Reading Test 

  • Understand the questions and follow instructions.
  • The title, headings and any special features such as capital letters, underlining, italics, figures, graphs and tables important so mark them.
  • Time yourself. Don’t waste time on one passage or question.
  • If you don’t understand a word or phrase or find it difficult to read a word or name then stick to that. Just move over without wasting time.
  • Skim and scan the passage and don’t try to read every word.
  • If you do not know the answer to a question, don’t waste time thinking on it. Just attempt and move quickly onto the next one
  • All the answers are in the text so don’t get nervous if you don’t know something. Be cool and look for that information in the passage.
  • Be careful about spelling and use singular and plural correctly.
  • Write your answer according to the given word limit. If you are asked write answer or complete a sentence using no more than two words then mind it that it must not be more than two. For example instead of writing “the cotton fabric” you must write “cotton fabric”’ restricting yourself to the limit.
Attempt all questions. There is no negative marking or penalties for wrong answers.
  • Recheck all your answers
IELTS WRITING
  • The IELTS Writing test is one hour test comprising of two writing tasks.
  • Task One is to write a report of at least 150 words using given table, graph, chart or a diagram.
  • In Task Two you are asked to write an essay of at least 250 word responding to a given viewpoint, problem argument or a general statement on any social issue.
IELTS Writing Test Purpose and Format
  • Before anything you need to understand the purpose and know the format of the test.
  • The IELTS Writing test assesses your writing capability on any subject which includes a wide range of writing skills.
  • Though the writing task is different for both versions, i.e. Academic and General Training Test yet whichever version of the IELTS test you are taking you need to:
  • Write clearly, organising your ideas well on the paper.
  • Use a varied vocabulary and accurate grammar.
  • Write the response appropriately conveying the purpose and meaning of writing clearly.
  • Your ideas must be organized and in sequential order.
  • use a range of vocabulary and grammar accurately
  There are 60 minutes to attempt IELTS Writing Test. You will have to manage your time well and spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2.
  •  IELTS Academic Writing Test
  Task One
  • will be given a graph, table, chart or a diagram to explain in the form of a report and analysis in 150 words.
  • You have to describe, analyze, summarise or explain the information in your own words.
  • This involves describing and explaining data, or the stages of a process or how something works, or describing an object or event.
    •  
 
Task Two
  • In this task you have to write an essay which may be an opinion essay, argument essay or descriptive writing of at least 250 words.
  • You will write the essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem given in the test paper.
  • You need to write the essay in a well organized form conveying related information and your ideas and views on the subject very clearly.
  • Paragraphing must be cohesive and coherent.
  • Use good phrasing and varied vocabulary.
  • Make your essay interesting for the reader with nice flow, quoting examples, and using statistical figures where necessary.
  • Use formal style of writing in IELTS Academic Writing test.

IELTS General Training Writing test

IELTS General Training Test also comprises of two tasks but the format is bit different.


Topics of general interest are given in the IELTS General Training Writing Test.

 

Task One

In Task One you will have to write a letter of at least 150 words.

You will be given a topic on a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation.

can write the letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style whatever you like.

Need to use good vocabulary and make better understanding of the situation so as to explain it in a clear and effective way.


Task Two
  • In this task you have to write an essay of at least 250 words.
  • You will be given a statement containing a point of view, argument or problem of which you have to respond by writing the form of an essay.
  • You can write in a personal style instead of writing in a formal style.

Remember Task Two is worth twice as much as Task One in the IELTS Writing test.


this Advice
  • Follow the instructions told at the test centre before the test. Also read carefully the instructions given on test paper.
  • Manage your time. Give 20 minutes to task one and 4o minutes to task two.
  • You have the choice to write your answers with a pen or a pencil.
  • You can write in capital letters if you like.
  • You can make rough notes on the question paper.
  • Only that answer will be considered for marking which is written on the answer sheet and nothing written on the question paper will be marked.

to Get Maximum Band Score in the Writing Test
  • Read the statement given in each task carefully and plan your answer thoughtfully
  • You can highlight or underline key words in the tasks to ensure that you focus on what you have to write on.
  • Make better understanding of graphs, tables, diagrams or charts given in Task 1.
  • Be clear about what the examiner demands you to write in.
  • You must analyse each task properly and spend some time making rough notes
  • Write clearly, in an organized manner to elaborate your ideas.
  • Use a wide range of vocabulary and good phrases make your writing content rich.
  • Plan your text in mind and write the main points/ideas on question paper as a rough work to follow later during writing on answer sheet.
  • Paragraphing must be sequential and clear. Coherence and cohesion in ideas and proper elaboration of views/ideas is vital for an effective and impressive essay.

To improve your writing skills join HUMAYOUNIELTSACADEMY.

We know how to enhance your lexical resources and phrasal usage

  • One idea should be expressed in one paragraph.
  • Repetition of ideas phrases and opinions causes irritation for a reader so avoid doing such mistake.
  • You can use words or a part of the question statement to start the answer but do not copy whole statement from the question.
  • Avoid irrelevant details or subject and unnecessary explanations. Just keep yourself to the topic.
  • Length of written text must be according to the number of words required for each task. You may exceed the number but a shorter answer will cost you losing the marks.

Remember you have to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2

This can be done by practicing and recognising how long 150 and 250 words’ texts look in your own handwriting.

  • Don’t use point form of writing. You must write your answers in paragraphs.
  • Grammer, spellings and punctuation are important. Any mistakes will cost you marks.
  • Non standard, colloquial and informal language is not to be used. For example write child and not kid or throw and not chuck.
  • For those who are practicing from net or from different IELTS training institutes it is advisable not to cram and memorise model answers. Examiners are well trained to identify.
  • After finishing the task you need to recheck your answer and correct it where required. Therefore time management is important.
  • Make sure your writing isn’t messy and difficult to read.
  • Your answer must contain reasons and use examples and statistica figures to support your answer.
IELTS SPEAKING
  • In speaking test you are assessed by a certified examiner who determines and appraises your speaking skill.
  • It is a face-to-face conversation with a certified examiner
  • This test is interactive and close to a real-life situation.
  • You are assessed by different ways presenting situations or asking questions.
  • A variety of accents may be used to test you.
  • Test is recorded.
  • The IELTS Speaking test is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests.
IELTS Speaking Test Purpose and Format
  • This test is aimed at assessing your speaking skills in a wider spectrum
  • You will be assessed:
  • How well you can communicate in an everyday life situation
  • How skilled you are to express your opinions, ideas, point of views and information in English while being in an English speaking country
  • How good is your speaking power on different topics and common experiences
  • So remember that in Speaking Test you will have to answer the questions of various types exposing you to a wide range of speaking situations.
Format of the test

The IELTS Speaking test normally takes 12 to 15 minutes.

It has three parts or sections


Part One
  • It takes approximately 5 minutes. It has introduction and interview of the candidate.
  • After his/her own introduction the examiner asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity.
  • After getting acquainted the examiner will pose you questions on familiar topics, e.g. family background, family business, study , home, work, your interests, likes and dislikes, ambitions, friends, country and your residential locality etc.
  • There is a wide range of topics and the examiner may choose anything to ask you.
  • Be relaxed, talk calmly without getting nervous and express yourself in a natural way.

Part Two
  • This part comprises of 3-4 minutes.
  • You will be given a task card on which a topic is written for you to speak on that particular topic.
  • The topic may include describing an historical place you ever visited, a great entertainer, your childhood friend, who you like most in your family, your favourite toy, a restaurant where you enjoy eating, a film you like most or the country you love to visit etc.
  • You will be given one minute time to think and note on the card the main points on the subject which you have to explain.
  • Then you will be asked to talk for one to two minutes on the topic.
  • Use your notes to talk fluently and confidently.
  • The examiner won’t interrupt you during the talk, so you have to speak continuously.
  • Then you will be asked two or three questions by the examiner on the same topic.

Part Three
  • This part may as well long for 4-5 minutes.
  • You will be asked some more questions related to the topic given on the card.
  • Here the examiner assesses how better and fluent you are in expressing and discussing more abstract issues and ideas

Follow this Advice

You will be assessed on your performance throughout the test which includes:

  • Fluency and coherence in your speech.
  • Range of vocabulary and other lexical resources you have used
  • Grammatical range and accuracy in speech
  • Pronunciation

Therefore follow our advice.

  • Don’t give brief and short answer like “Yes, I do. No, I don’t, I have etc.”
  • You must speak in detail on a given topic as your speaking skills are being assessed and you have to express your thoughts and ideas in a clear and appropriate manner.
  • Coherence and organization must be reflected while expressing your ideas.
  • Elaborate and justify your opinions and arguments.
  • While discussing a topic properly analyse, discuss and speculate about the issues.
  • Be relaxed and talk fluently and naturally.
  • Develop your answers
  • Speak more than the examiner
  • Ask for clarification where necessary

How to Get Maximum Band Score in the Speaking Test
  • To develop your speaking skill practice speaking more and more with your friends, partners and teachers.
  • Enhance your lexical resources and use of good phrasal expression. We can help you in this regard, so contact us.
  • Start talking from now on as much as you can to make yourself fluent.
  • Develop fluency in your speech.
  • Confidently use your English in everyday life situations to make yourself spontaneous.
  • Do not cram and memorize prepared answers.
  • Develop the ability to express your opinions and ides in English.
  • Indulge yourself in discussions with friends and other people in English
  • Since you will be assessed on your ability to communicate so, improve your communication.
  • Watch and listen to the English programmes, movies, talks, discussions and news etc. This will not only improve your speaking skill but will enhance your listening skill as well.
  • examiner’s questions tend to be fairly predictable; practice at home and record yourself

Booking for IELTS Test

It’s not easy to book for your IELTS test. But we make it easier for you.

Our competent and well trained staff at Hamayoun IELTS Academy are knowledgeable and friendly. They are there to help you. Just ask us and we will do it for you.

We will view your IELTS test dates and book the test as deem suitable for you.