IELTS Facts, Tips and Websites

Prepared by Dr. Muhammad Khalil Moussa

-I- Background:

The international English language testing system (IELTS) is the world's most popular
English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
There are two IELTS modules: Academic and General. Academic IELTS is mainly for
university admission and General IELTS is mainly for migration.
IELTS overall score is 9.
IELTS covers all 4 skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Both IELTS General and Academic share the same speaking and listening sections.
-II- Exam Structure:

Listening 4 sections = 40 questions 40 minutes: 30 minutes and 10

minutes to transfer answers to
the answer sheet.

Reading 3 passages= 40 questions 1 hour (no extra transfer time)

Writing 2 sections: (Task 1: 150 words/ Task 2: 250 1 hour (no extra time given)
words)
- description and argumentative essays
(Academic)
- letter writing and argumentative essays
(General)
Speaking 3 parts: - 15 minutes.
Part I: introduction - Take your ID.
Part II: A topic you prepare in one minute and - Recorded
then give a talk in 2 minutes.
Part III: Discussion questions

-III- Important Tips:

In the listening section, read the questions before you listen, underline important key
words and then write your answers on the question sheet. Transfer the answers during
the last 10 minutes when the listening section is over. Pay attention to the word limit.
Pay attention to the grammar and spelling in your listening answers. Listening questions
include form completion, map filling, matching and MCQs.
In the reading section, you have to get more practice on skimming and scanning. Transfer
your answers directly to the answer sheet. Time management is very important. You
have 14 different question types in reading.

IELTS Orientation with Dr. Muhammad Khalil Moussa (Mob# 01000190890)

 In the writing section, pay attention to the number of words required for each task. You
will lose marks if you do not write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for
Task 2. You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40
minutes on Task 2. You must write your answers in full; answers written in note form or
in bullet points will lose marks. Pay attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation; you
will lose marks for mistakes.
In the speaking exam, there are 3 parts.
Part 1 Introduction and interview (4-5 minutes): The examiner introduces him/herself
and asks you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. The examiner asks you
general questions on familiar topics, e.g. home, family, work, studies and interests.
Dont give short answers. Expand your talk.
Part 2 Individual long turn (3-4 minutes): The examiner gives you a task card which
asks you to talk about a particular topic and which includes points you can cover in
your talk. You are given 1 minute to prepare your talk, and are given a pencil and
paper to make notes. You talk for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The examiner may then
ask you one or two questions on the same topic.
Part 3 Two-way discussion (4-5 minutes): The examiner asks further questions which
are connected to the topic of Part 2. These questions give you an opportunity to
discuss more abstract issues and ideas.

How to prepare yourself for IELTS:

Become familiar with the test format
Experience tasks similar to exam tasks
Get yourself and get used to timed test conditions
Review your answers with an IELTS Expert.
Important websites for IELTS practice:

- Watch videos of the speaking exam on www.youtube.com

- Do practice exams on www.ieltsbuddy.com
- Exams on www.ieltsliz.com
- http://www.ielts-simon.com/
- www.ielts.org
- http://www.goodluckielts.com/

IELTS Orientation with Dr. Muhammad Khalil Moussa (Mob# 01000190890)