IELTS İNTRODUCTİON
IELTS consists of 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Listening, Reading and Writing sections are completed in 2.5 hours in one session.
Each section reveals your general level of English by giving different scores.
When you want to take the exam, you apply and pay a fee.
Exams are held in 12 branches of the British Council, which has English Centres in Turkey. You can find the exam dates and prices on the centers' websites.
The only documents you can use in the test are your identity documents such as pencil, eraser and passport.
One of the most important aspects of IELTS is that it is accepted by universities and employers all over the world. It is required as an application condition for education and job applications in many countries, especially in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA.
IELTS RECOMMENDATİONS
First of all, I recommend you start preparations a few months before the exam. Get quality IELTS textbooks and solve sample test questions. These will help you improve your skills. Also, do a lot of listening and speaking practice before the exam to gain experience. This will help you get used to the IELTS atmosphere and format.
Stay away from stressful and tiring work so that you can come rested and sleepy on the week leading up to the test day. Sleep 8 hours a day and eat right. Remember that you can show your best performance when you feel comfortable in the exam.
Take plenty of breaths and trust yourself before taking the exam. Carry water, fruit and a bag where you can throw your waste. You should enter the exam relaxed and fit. Take time to solve the questions comfortably. Do not panic at the last minute. Always remember that the next question is also possible.
IELTS LİSTENİNG PART
The IELTS Listening test is an assessment process designed to measure a wide range of listening skills. These skills include understanding the main idea and detailed information, understanding the speaker's views, attitude and purpose, and being able to follow the development of an argument.
The test contains four recordings of native speakers of English. The first recording is a dialogue between two people on everyday topics. The second recording consists of a monologue on everyday topics, for example, a conversation about local facilities. The third recording contains a conversation between up to four people in the context of education and training, e.g. a university lecturer and a student discussing an assignment. Finally, the fourth recording is a monologue on an academic topic, for example, a university-level lecture.
The IELTS Listening test lasts approximately 30 minutes in total, with an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from the question paper to the answer sheet. There are 40 questions in total and there is a wide variety of question types. You will face tasks such as answering multiple choice questions, marking a plan, map or diagram, filling in a form, completing a table or flowchart, giving short answers.
The grading system is quite simple. Each correct answer is worth one mark and the total score from the 40 questions is converted to the IELTS 9 band scale. Marks are given in full and half marks.
Recording 1: you will read a dialogue between two people on everyday topics or texts on social issues, including booking a hotel and listening to the news.
Recording 2: a monologue on everyday topics, e.g. a conversation about local facilities
Recording 3: a conversation between up to four people on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecturer and a student discussing an assignment or a university lecture
Recording 4: a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university-level lecture
so to summarise
Question types include finding the main idea, finding detailed information, matching and gap-filling, basic ideas and detailed factual information, opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of a statement, the ability to follow the development of ideas. Candidates can only listen to the parts once.
Firstly, let's look at the multiple choice questions. In this type of question you will be given a question and three possible answers. It is very important to read the question very carefully and check how many answers are required. In cases where you have to choose more than one correct answer, you will be given a longer list of answers and will be told that you have to choose more than one answer.
In matching questions, you will be asked to match the elements you heard in the listening recording with a series of choices on the question paper. This type of question usually tests your ability to understand details, to see relationships and to work with numbered lists in the listening text.
Plan, map, diagram labeling questions ask you to fill in the blanks on a plan, map or diagram. This tests your ability to match the information in the listening text with a visual representation.
Form, note, table, flowchart, summary completion questions require you to fill in the blanks on the outline of the listening text or part of it. This is used to test your ability to summarize and categorize information.
Sentence completion questions ask you to fill in the gaps in sentences using information from the listening text. This type of question usually assesses your ability to understand important information and recognise functional relationships.
Finally, in short answer questions you will be given a question and asked to write a short answer using information from the listening text. Paying attention to word limits, avoiding abbreviated words and following instructions are important for success in this type of question.
These different question types are designed to test a wide range of language and listening skills. By focusing on each question type, you can improve your test-taking strategies and achieve success.
IELTS SPEAKİNG PART
The test consists of three different parts.
The main purpose of the test is to assess your language skills, your ability to express your ideas and your ability to convey information on everyday topics. It involves a conversation, which you may encounter in real life. Also, remember that you may encounter different accents.
In the first part, the examiner will ask you to introduce yourself and verify your identity. The examiner will ask questions on general topics, which will help you to relax and speak naturally.
In the second part you will be given a task card asking you to speak on a specific topic. You will have one minute, which you can use to prepare your speech and take notes. The examiner will then give you the opportunity to speak on the topic for one or two minutes. It is important to keep talking during this time as you will not be interrupted. The examiner will then ask you one or two questions on the same topic.
In the third part you will be asked questions on the same topic and you will be expected to give argumentative answers. Explain your ideas and give detailed answers.
Above all, be relaxed. These questions are designed to give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract topics and ideas. If you make mistakes in the dialogue, you can go back and correct them. Maintain constant eye contact and speak energetically. Enjoy the exam as a communication experience.
Total time is 11-14 minutes. Your performance throughout the test will be assessed by IELTS experts. You will be assessed on four criteria, including fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation with accuracy. Marks will be given in whole and half marks.
IELTS WRITING PART
This test is designed to measure your writing skills and follows the same format for both IELTS Academic and General Training tests.
The main skills of the test can be analyzed as writing appropriate answers, organizing ideas, using rich vocabulary and correct grammar.
Academic Writing:
Part 1: You will be presented with a graph, table or diagram. You will be asked to describe, summarize and explain the information given in your own words. This could be explaining a process, describing the way something works or describing an object.
Part 2: You will be given the task of writing about a point of view, argument or problem. The topic will be interesting and comprehensible, asking you to develop and explain your ideas.
General Education Writing:
Part 1: You will be given a situation and asked to write a letter asking for information or explaining the situation. You can use a personal, semi-formal or formal style in the letter.
Part 2: You will be asked to write about a point of view, argument or problem. You may use a personal style in this part.
The exam lasts 60 minutes in total, you will have 20 minutes for Part 1 and 40 minutes for Part 2. You need to write at least 150 words (Part 1) and at least 250 words (Part 2).
The test is assessed by a certified IELTS professional. The score for Section 2 is double that of section 1. Therefore, it is important to do well in both sections.
Academic or General Training, there are some general tips you should pay attention to in both exams:
Read the question carefully and understand the task.
Organize your ideas logically and coherently.
Enrich your vocabulary and use grammar correctly.
Interpret the graph or diagram correctly, especially for part 1.
Manage your time well; allocate enough time for both parts.
IELTS READING SECTION
The IELTS Reading section has different content in the Academic and General Training tests. Today, we will have an overview of the Reading section of both tests.
In Academic Reading, there are three long texts. These texts are selected from non-specialised topics, usually taken from books, magazines and newspapers. However, these texts often focus on university-level courses or topics from a professional field. The duration of the test is 60 minutes, including the time to write the answers on the test paper, and there are 40 questions in total. Questions include fill-in-the-blank, matching headings according to a diagram or scheme, sentence completion and multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer is worth one mark and the score from the 40 questions is converted to the IELTS 9 band scale.
General Education Reading:
In the General Education Reading test, texts consist of extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, leaflets, advertisements, company handbooks and manuals that you may encounter in everyday life. The format and duration are the same as for the Academic Reading, but the content is more daily life orientated.
The question types are similar to Academic Reading; fill in the blanks, matching headings, sentence completion and multiple choice questions.
In conclusion, the IELTS Reading section measures candidates' ability to understand general topics, identify main ideas, find details, understand inferences and grasp the author's views. These skills are critical for successful test performance.
1. Headings Matching Questions:
Task: Select a heading to match a section or paragraph in the text.
Skills: Understand the purpose of a section, distinguish between main idea and supporting points, understand the purpose of paragraphs or sections, understand the overall content of paragraphs or sections.
Tips:
Read the headings before reading the text.
Often there may be more headings than you need.
Analyze the headings and then before trying to match them with the sections.
Answers often come with numbers (i, ii, iii, iv, etc.) - read the instructions carefully.
Answers do not come in order.
2. True False Unknown / Yes No Unknown Questions:
Task: Decide whether the information in the question statements or the author's opinion is found in the text.
Skills: Identifying specific information in the text, scanning and understanding information (True/False/Unknown questions), understanding the author's opinion (Yes/No/Unknown questions).
Tips:
Understand the meaning of each answer.
Yes/true = same information is found in the text.
No/wrong = the opposite information is found in the text.
Unknown = information is not found in the text.
Answers come in order.
3. Paragraph Information Matching Questions:
Task: Match the information in the question with one of the paragraphs in the text.
Skills: Identifying specific information, scanning information.
Hints:
Paraphrase the information in the question.
Find the information in the text.
Answers do not come in order.
The answer is usually a letter (A, D, C, D...) - read the instructions carefully.
Not all paragraphs may have been used.
4. Summary Completion Question:
Task: Complete a summary by filling in the blanks in the passage.
Skills: Scanning for specific information in the passage, understanding ideas and supporting points, choosing appropriate words.
Hints:
Determine the type of word needed for each blank (noun/verb/adjective etc.).
Find the information in the passage to choose the right word.
If you are choosing words from the passage, check how many words can be used for each answer.
Answers usually come in order.
The summary should be grammatically correct, which can help you choose the right word to fill in the blank.
5. Sentence Completion Questions:
Task: Complete the sentences by filling in the blank in the passage.
Skills: Scanning for specific information, choosing appropriate words, understanding the information in the passage.
Hints:
Determine the type of word needed for each blank (noun/verb/adjective etc.).
Find the information in the passage to choose the right word.
The sentences must be grammatically correct, which can help you choose the right word to fill the gap.
Answers usually come in order.
6. Multiple Choice Questions:
Task: Choose the correct answer to a question or the correct ending of a sentence, usually from 3 or 4 possible choices.
Skills: Scanning for specific information, understanding the information in the passage.
Hints:
Paraphrase the information and options in the question.
Find the exact information in the passage.
Answers come in order.
Answers are usually indicated by letters (A,B,C or D) - read the instructions carefully.
7. List Selection:
Task: Select the correct option from a list of words, information or names. This is similar to multiple choice questions in that the questions are usually taken from only one long list.
Skills: Scanning information, understanding the information in the passage, recognising ideas in relation to other information.
Tips:
Read the list carefully and prepare the paraphrases.
Read the questions carefully and identify key words.
Find the information in the passage.
Answers come in order.
Answers are usually indicated by letters (A-G) - read the instructions carefully.
8. Title Selection:
Task: Choose the most appropriate title from a given list.
Skills: Identify the purposes of a passage, distinguish between detail and main purposes.
Tips:
Pay attention to the differences between the possible titles.
Pay attention to the opening and closing paragraphs of the passage.
Do not spend too much time on this question - it is worth only one mark.
9. Classification Questions:
Task: Decide to which category the information belongs.
Skills: Finding information in the passage, categorizing information.
Hints:
Find the information in the passage.
Decide to which category the information belongs.
Pay attention to paraphrases.
10. Matching sentence endings:
Task: Matching sentences with the correct ending from the given list.
Skills: Finding information in the passage, understanding information.
Tips:
Read the sentences, then read the possible endings.
Pay attention to the paraphrases.
Find the information in the passage.
The completed sentence must be grammatically correct.
Answers are usually indicated by letters (A-G) - read the instructions carefully.
Usually more finishes are given than you need.
11. Table Completion:
Task: Complete the table by choosing the correct word from the passage.
Skills: Finding specific information in the passage, choosing appropriate words, understanding details.
Tips:
Read the column headings of the table.
Identify which type of word is needed for each section.
Find the information in the passage.
Answers are usually found in a specific section.
Check how many words can be used for each answer.
12. Flow Chart Completion Questions:
Task: Complete the flowchart by selecting the correct words from the passage.
Skills: Finding specific information in the passage, selecting appropriate words, understanding the order of information.
Hints:
Determine which type of word is needed for each passage.
Find the information in the passage.
Answers may not come in order.
Follow the information sequence of the diagram using the orientation of the arrows and boxes.
Check how many words can be used for each answer.
13. Diagram Completion Questions:
Task: Complete a diagram by adding labels.
Skills: Finding specific information in the passage, linking information to the diagram, choosing appropriate words.
Hints:
Determine what type of word is needed.
Find the information in the passage.
Answers may not come in order.
Check how many words can be used for each answer.
14. Short Answer Questions:
Task: Answer questions about details in the passage.
Skills: Finding specific information in the passage, understanding details.
Hints:
Determine what kind of vocabulary is needed.
Make sure that the questions change the vocabulary.
Find the information in the passage.
Answers come in order
IELTS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
You can take the test at any time
IELTS via computer is easier and more comfortable, you can take the academic or general exam and the answers can be given by typing on the keyboard and the computer-based exam is held in Ankara, İstanbul, İzmir....
When we look at the advantages of the computer-based exam, there are more exam date options, more flexible exam location options, and the results are announced within three to five days. content question type, scoring, speaking, the way the exam is presented, including the way the exam is presented, the exam result document and result verification, and all other features of the computer-based exam are the same.
Currently, when we look at the exam fees, a fee of 4500 TL is revealed.
The exam held over the internet, that is, the remote home exam, is different from other exams. A platform called Inspera exam is carried out together with a portal software, this exam is carried out by contacting the examiner via video conferencing, both artificial intelligence and supervisors follow you with a camera, in order to take this exam, you must be over the age of 18 and you must have a necessary ID with you in a well-lit room in a room of your own. to be in an environment with uninterrupted internet and electricity for at least 2 hours or even at least two or at least 3 hours to have a good internet connection to have a desktop or laptop computer to have a tablet and mobile phone that will be used to scan the room during the control and to have downloaded the portal application before the exam day
There are also some security measures when conducting the exam, such as multiple identity check, secure online environment, plagiarism check and humanity and artificial intelligence exam proctoring are among these security grounds. The biggest disadvantage of this exam is that it is not accepted by the immigration authorities, which will be used to scan the room during the check. In order to take this exam, you must be over 18 years of age, you must have a necessary ID with you, and you must have a good ID in a room of your own.
You need to be in an illuminated environment with uninterrupted internet and electricity for at least 2 hours, or even at least two or at least 3 hours, and this exam is carried out with a portal software, you communicate with the examiner via video conferencing, and both artificial intelligence and supervisors follow you with a camera in order to take this exam.
If you are over the age of 18, you must have a necessary ID with you, you must be in a room of your own in a well-lit environment for at least 2 hours, this exam is carried out together with a portal software, you communicate with the examiner via video conferencing, both artificial intelligence and supervisors follow you with a camera. In order to be able to enter, you must be over the age of 18 and have a necessary ID with you, a platform called a platform with a portal software, this exam is carried out together with the examiner via video conferencing, both artificial intelligence and supervisors follow you with a camera, in order to take this exam, you must be over the age of 18.
IELTS MİSTAKES
The first is not managing time well and starting serious study close to the test date. The ideal study plan for IELTS includes a long period of time such as 3-6 months. Thus, you can allocate time equally to all sections.
The second is to study only by solving tests. It is not enough to solve IELTS style questions by heart. At the same time, emphasize your grammar, vocabulary and speaking skills.
The third mistake is to lose your motivation. Since IELTS is a difficult test, you may sometimes feel demoralized. But do not give up, you will improve as you work continuously.
Finally, it is very important not to panic on the test day. Learn to cope with stress and be confident in yourself.
Remember, with the right planning and constant effort, it is possible to achieve success in the IELTS test. If you work on yourself by following these tips, success will surely come. If you have any questions, you can write in the comments section. Good luck!
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