Ten Facts About The IELTS Test | IELTS Myths

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) examination is primarily designed to assess the readiness of candidates to study or train in further or higher education courses held in English at college or university. Read more on International English Language Testing System.

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Preparing For IELTS Writing Sub Test
Preparing For IELTS Reading Sub Test
Preparing For IELTS Listening Sub Test
Overview Of IELTS | International English Language Testing System 

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1. The IELTS test is more difficult than other English tests.

Well, no. The IELTS test is not necessarily any more difficult than other tests, but not all tests assess the same skills. The IELTS test will certainly challenge you because the training course you are considering will be tough, too.

2. Can one choose any module of the IELTS test he wish to take.

Not quite. If you want to do a degree course, you MUST take the Academic Module. The General Training Module is for diploma level courses and immigration purposes. But it is true that the IELTS test module you take is determined by the choices you make about your future.

3. The IELTS tests are different in various parts of the world.

No. There are many versions of test, and at any given examination there may be a different version being given at a centre. However, IELTS is a standardised, global test.

4. One can get a better score at some IELTS testing centres than at others.

Absolutely not. IELTS officials use many means to ensure standardisation of Band Scores throughout the world. Of course, it could be true that taking IELTS in an Englishspeaking country is beneficial, but only because you are being exposed to English every day.

5. One can only take the IELTS test a total of 3 times.

Not true. You can take the IELTS test as many times as you wish, but you must wait three months before you take the test again. This is the minimum time considered necessary to improve upon your Overall Band Score.

6. One can successfully study for the test by themself.

We do not think so. The authors realise that every student has his or her own particular study method, but to prepare effectively for the IELTS test you should get professional advice from a tutor, either in a class or privately. You should also realise that General English Course practice is useful in addition to a specialized IELTS Course.

7. To get a good result in the IELTS test one should do as many practice tests as possible.

Really? Achieving a satisfactory Overall Band Score is the result of a number of strategies, not on one just taking practice tests. And, definitely, if you do a practice test, you must work out why you made each and every mistake; otherwise you are missing out on valuable 'learning' time.

8. The Listening Test is the most difficult of the IELTS Subtests.

Many students believe that one particular Sub-test is more difficult than all the others. Of course, all they are realty saying is that they need extra practice in that skill area. Sorry, it is a myth.

9. If one think that his score is not accurate, there is nothing one can do about it.

If you have received a Band Score that is clearly an error, you have the right to have your test papers and speaking assessment re-evaluated. But remember that this process costs extra, and the second set of Band Scores is official, even if one or more of these scores is lower than before.

10. If one get a good score, he can use it as proof of my ability at any time in the future.

Not at any time in the future. There is a time limit on the usefulness of the Test Report Form which you receive after having taken the IELTS test. This period is about two years, provided you can prove that you have maintained your English.