The popularity and wide acceptance of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam are apparent from the facts and figures alone – around 60,000 international students and professionals take it every week, and it is accepted by over 12,500 institutions and organizations worldwide. It is constantly updated according to the needs of the modern English-speaking landscape by the Cambridge University Press & Assessment. As such, it is no surprise that IELTS is among the most preferred English Language Proficiency Tests for international students applying for diverse programs and institutions worldwide. Not only does it thoroughly assess the student’s natural command of the English language, but it also gives educational institutions an unbiased benchmark for their requirements as per the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Many popular foreign study destinations require English language Proficiency Test scores as part of the admission process or as a requirement for the student visa, with IELTS being a commonly accepted test. Preparing for the IELTS exam is, therefore, a rite of passage for nearly every international student. This article will provide students with the right information and strategies for their next IELTS attempt, starting with a basic understanding of how the exam works.