# IELTS

International English Language Testing System, widely known as IELTS is an International standardized English test for non-native English speakers who wish to work or study in regions where English is the primary communicatory language. The test is held four times a month in more than 900 locations across the globe. IELTS basically tests all four language skills of a person which includes reading, writing, listening and speaking. Two versions of tests are available for the test takers – Academic or General Training, which they can choose depending on their purpose or visa requirements.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test administered to evaluate the English language skills of non-English speaking candidates who seek to pursue education programmes in, or immigrate to, English speaking countries. The test is designed to assess the candidate’s ability to understand spoken and written English in academic and social contexts and also to use the language to communicate in spoken and written forms.

IELTS is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the following bodies
British Council
idp IELTS Australia
University of Cambridge ESOL examinations

IELTS scores are accepted by educational institutes, professional bodies and government undertakings, as well as for immigration processing, in Australia, New Zealand, U.K., Canada and certain American universities (like Princeton and Duke), where the IELTS scores are accepted in lieu of TOEFL scores.

The objective of the test is to assess a candidate’s ability to understand and communicate in English in academic and social contexts. To make this assessment, the following skills are specifically tested.

- The ability to read and comprehend written, academic or training language.
- The ability to write assignments in a style that is appropriate for university study or within a training context.
- The ability to understand spoken language in lecture format as well as in formal and informal conversational styles.
- The ability to speak on general and given topics in formal and informal situations.