So, you've decided to sit the IELTS exam because you want to apply to enrol in an Australian university, perhaps one in Adelaide?
Good on you.
When English is not your first language, studying at a tertiary level in English is a huge challenge. The exam is all about proving you have the English language skills in all four areas — speaking, listening, reading and writing — to be successful.
It's a massive step, but you'll find plenty of support — from practice materials available through the official website to institutions offering an IELTS course and one-on-one lessons with an IELTS tutor.
This article is designed to give you a little background information about the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and how students, particularly those in and around Adelaide, can access the help they need to pass the test the first time and achieve the results to fulfil their study dreams.
What Does the International English Language Testing System Test?
In Australia, you can choose between IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. They each serve a different purpose so it's important you make sure you study for and sit the correct one.
IELTS Academic is for non-native speakers of English who want to either study in Australia at university or TAFE, or who need to have their international qualifications recognised so they can work in Australia in a professional field such as medicine, law or teaching.
IELTS General Training is for candidates who wish to obtain a (non-professional) working visa, migrate to Australia, or live here as a permanent resident.
Both tests include a range of questions covering speaking, listening, reading and writing. The speaking and listening tests are the same for Academic and General Training, however, the reading and writing tests are not the same. Academic candidates are required to show their English language proficiency with more comprehensive academic texts, while General Training candidates only need to show proficiency for general, day-to-day purposes or lower-level work scenarios.
Essentially, your results show potential employers or tertiary admissions staff whether or not you will be able to function and communicate effectively in the school or workplace. Candidates are ranked on a 10-point scale, starting at zero (no English) up to Band 9 (expert English).
A university student who is a non-native speaker of English needs to achieve a score of at least 6 and often higher (up to Band 7 or 8) depending on the degree they want to apply for.
International residents who wish to migrate to Australia must achieve a minimum of IELTS Band 6.
Need help preparing for your exam? Find the perfect IELTS tutor on Superprof!
What is the Process for the IELTS Exam?
When you feel you are ready to do your assessment, you must first check the IELTS website and book in on a day that suits you. Testing takes place on a regular basis and you'll find a testing centre in over 50 locations throughout the country, including two testing centres in Adelaide.
If you happen to be living elsewhere in Australia, such as Canberra, Brisbane or even Perth, you will easily find a testing location near you. If not, you have the option to book an online test. In fact, everyone has two choices — a paper-based test (completed in person at the testing centre) or a computer-delivered test (completed online).
The assessment is delivered in four sections, one for each of the skills.
You can sit the speaking test up to a week before or after the other tests. The speaking component comprises an in-person interview and takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The other three tests consist of a range of questions, including multiple-choice, and long and short answers.
Listening, reading and writing tests must be taken in one sitting with no breaks. The listening component takes 30 minutes, and reading and writing take 60 minutes each. Applicants are advised to arrive approximately an hour ahead of the scheduled start to complete the registration process. It is strongly advised, however, that you check with your testing centre when you book regarding individual requirements.
After you've completed the test, you need to wait a short time for your results. Computer-delivered test results are generally processed within 3 to 5 days. Paper-based test results take longer — up to 13 days. Results are delivered to candidates and are also available online for up to a month after posting.
What Preparation is Needed?
The amount of time you need to spend on preparation will depend on your proficiency level when you start, the score you need to achieve and whether you enrol in an intensive IELTS course, work with an IELTS tutor or prepare independently.
How you prepare is up to you as all students have different learning styles, however, it is important that you undertake preparation for all the components as most universities not only stipulate a minimum overall score but also require a minimum band score for each individual test.
Depending on your learning style, your preparation may involve memorising vocabulary, question and answer quizzing with a partner, or completing mock assessments. In fact, we highly recommend the latter. Practice tests will not only help you become accustomed to the style of questions but also help you work on your time management during the testing process.
Students can access some preparation materials for free on the IELTS website. Full practice tests must be purchased.
Where can I take an IELTS course?
Taking an IELTS course is probably the most effective way of preparing for most people. The courses are structured to cover all aspects of the assessment and designed to deliver specialised content that students need for the exam, without specifically teaching it. Enrolling in an IELTS course will also give students access to the practice tests, and the courses usually incorporate regular mock testing and teacher feedback.
IELTS courses run for anywhere from one week to several months. Make sure you look around before choosing a class so you know it will meet your specific needs.
South Australian College of English (SACE)
The college runs evening classes for IELTS preparation. The course is 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday evenings from 5 pm to 9:15 pm. It covers all components as well as specific exam techniques and regular trial tests.
Australian Prestige Education Group
With a centre in Adelaide and another in Hobart, Prestige Education offers both in-person and online IELTS courses. The teachers have extensive teaching experience and qualifications, and many have direct experience with the IELTS test, with scores of Band 7 or 8 at least.
Kaplan International
A global organisation, Kaplan is recommended by the University of Adelaide and has colleges in Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane, as well as Adelaide.
Should I Engage an IELTS Tutor?
For some students, enrolling in an IELTS course may be enough. However, group classes aren't always optimal if you are struggling with concepts others aren't or if your learning style is one that needs more one-on-one interaction.
In cases like this, a private teacher is probably going to be what you need. Even if you're progressing in small group classes, you may wish to engage a private tutor for a few lessons, especially if there are specific areas you need more help with.
When you're looking for private tuition, make sure you specify that tutors need to have experience with IELTS. Your tutor should be able to talk you through the exam requirements and should also have access to the official materials.
To find teachers with this experience and knowledge, you could ask other students in your course, or people you know who have sat the test previously. Checking online, on tutoring platforms, is also a good idea as long as the tutors have listed IELTS in their profiles.
On the Superprof platform, there are 22 tutors in Adelaide who offer IELTS tuition. If you can't find someone who fits your needs in Adelaide, keep looking because, throughout Australia, there are over 9,000 Superprof tutors specialising in IELTS tutoring classes. Read through the profiles for tutors who fit your needs and your budget until you find a few you'd like to contact ... and remember, most Superprof tutors offer the first lesson for free as a trial.
Whether you prepare for your IELTS test independently, with a tutor or in a class, we wish you the best of luck.
Prepare for your exam with the help of a professional tutor in an IELTS course Brisbane on Superprof.
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