The exam is to check your skills in Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking. Each skill will be measured by a band score, which is then used to compute for the points at your FSW eligibility under the language skills factor.
There are two types of the exam, one is Academic and the other is the General Training. If we are taking the test as a proof of our language skills for the FSW in Canada, we only need to take the General Training test.
Where to Take the IELTS?
There are many test centers for IELTS that you can choose from. For me, I took it with the British Council examiner for the following reasons:
- The name itself, British Council, is legitimate enough to take the English Test.
- The website of the British Council is easy to navigate and I found no glitch when I tried it with my IELTS application.
- They will provide IELTS reviewers once the appointment fee is received.
- The test center, in Singapore, is organized, no hassles.
- The results delivered at my doorstep was on time as expected.
IELTS has more than 900 test centers and locations in more than 130 countries. I made a link for you, so you can select the IELTS test center and locations nearest you. It's up to you which center would you take your test with.
What to Expect During the IELTS Test?
There are four assessments for the IELTS exam. These are the reading, listening, writing and speaking. I'll give you an idea based on my experience taking it at the British Council in Singapore.
The test for reading, speaking and listening were done inside an air-conditioned room at the Civil Service College near the Buona Vista MRT Station.
There were 15-20 applicants inside the room seated in rows. It was a classroom setup with armchairs and a single space gap between applicants.
We were instructed not to take a toilet break or go out from the room during the testing period. So, for those who will take this test, do not drink a lot of water and never take a heavy breakfast.
There were two audio speakers, paper board and a projector in front that were used for displaying instructions. The speakers were used for the listening test.
Each test category was given a time limit and was strictly implemented.
Reading - We were given a booklet, inside were articles and short stories provided. There were three types of passages and need to respond to related questions in a given time limit.
Here are some examples of the test, take note that this is not the actual. This is only for your reference.
PRACTICE TEST (Reading)
- Blank answer sheet for Reading practice test
- Questions for Reading practice Test
- Answers for Reading practice Test
PRACTICE TEST (Listening)
- Blank answer sheet for Listening practice test
- Questions for Listening practice test
- Answers for Listening practice test
PRACTICE TEST (Writing)Speaking - This was taken at a different location, at Napier Road. At the moment I entered the room, the examiner asked me about my personal background. I never thought that it was part of the exam, so I just answered her questions normally.
The next question that she asked me, the actual test topic, was "Do you read newspapers? What do you think about the future of newspapers in this digital world?".
This time, I was quite nervous thinking that it's the actual test question. What I did was to say everything that I needed to say, the best that I can in an orderly manner.
PRACTICE TEST (Speaking) AUDIO
- Questions for Speaking practice test Part 1
- Questions for Speaking practice test Part 2
- Questions for Speaking practice test Part 3
Source of the sample tests and audio: http://www.takeielts.britishcouncil.org
Do You Think Your English is Good Enough for the IELTS?
If you're hesitant on your language skills, you need to study more on it. Below is one of the IELTS Reviewer that you can purchase at a reasonable price.
You can click below to redirect you to Amazon.com website.
What to expect from this book?
Barron's IELTS Superpack, 2nd Ed.
- Academics and professionals looking to validate their English language proficiency by taking the IELTS get the most comprehensive preparation available anywhere with Barron's IELTS Superpack.
- It consists of the new 3rd edition of the Barron's brand-new IELTS manual with 2 audio CDs,
- IELTS Practice Exams with 2 audio CDs, and
- Barron's Essential Words for the IELTS
Language Skills (CELPIP, IELTS and TEF) Reviewers
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Check on what are the documents you need to prepare and more info on RESOURCES.
