The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language skill. IELTS English exam is at present acknowledged as proof of a potential candidate's rank in English, by a large number of universities in English speaking nations. IELTS has over 800 test centers and locations across 130 countries.
There are two kinds of IELTS exam, Academic and General, that are held almost all over the world and both require different skills. If you want to study abroad especially in an English speaking country, you will have to take the Academic version of IELTS. Your evaluation will be presented in accordance with a level of bands, with one being the lowest and nine being the highest. It would be wise to get information from whichever university you have applied to of the band requirement.
The test is divided in four sections, reading, and writing, listening and speaking. Reading judges the ability to read English texts. Writing judges if you are capable of writing well in English. Listening judges your ability to understand English and various accents. Speaking judges your proficiency to speak in the English language. You can go online and see the online IELTS exam papers.
IELTS Listening test lasts for about 30 minutes. It comprises of four sections that you will hear on a tape. Each section increases the difficulty of the test. It could be a dialogue or a monologue. Once played, the tape will not be repeated so you should be listening very carefully. Students are given a little time to write answers, so you must be answering while you are listening to the tape to avoid timing problems.
IELTS Reading test lasts for 60 minutes. The reading test comprises of three sections and like the Listening section, each section gets difficult. Candidates should be able to read well to avoid any delays.
IELTS Writing test also lasts for 60 minutes. The writing test contains two tasks which ask for different kinds of writing. There is no choice given.
IELTS Speaking test examines your ability to speak in English, and will be conducted as an interview by a professional IELTS examiner. After the short interview, the candidate will be asked to speak for one or two minutes on a particular topic. This test will last for just about 11-14 minutes.
To practice, IELTS sample exams are available in printed book form that include audio CDs for the listening section of the test. They are also available on the internet. Through the samples you can familiarize yourself with the format of IELTS examination
IELTS practice exams are also provided on the internet for you to practice. Do not limit your study to books. Go online and do IELTS sample tests several times so it makes it easier for you to take the examination, and builds your confidence to do well. They are especially designed for IELTS exam preparation.
If you want to know when and where the next IELTS examinations are being held, then you can go online to British Council websites which announces IELTS exam dates being conducted all around the year. IELTS exam tests are held at various locations for your convenience. You will also be provided an application form on the websites. IELTS even has its official website. All material and knowledge that you need for IELTS is available there. Your Test Report Form will be sent to you thirteen days after your test. If you are not happy with your results, don't worry as you can take it again in that very month if seats are available. Good luck!