Gateways ESL Virtual School

What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP:IELTS Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. It covers the four language skills - Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.  All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. If you are planning to undertake academic study, it is recommended that you sit for the Academic Reading and Writing Modules. If you are planning to undertake non-academic training or apply for immigration into Canada or some other countries, it is recommended that you sit for the General Training Reading and Writing Modules. It is the responsibility of the candidate to determine which version, Academic or General Training, must be taken.

Who should take IELTS?

• Many English language learners need IELTS in order to pursue academic or non-academic training.  IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.  
• EVERYONE, including native English speakers, may be required to prove an official IELTS score in order to seek immigration to some countries. Citizenship and Immigration Canada requires an official IELTS score. (Other countries include, for example, Australia and New Zealand.)

How are candidates assessed?

Results are returned to the candidates two weeks after the test date in the form of a Test Report Form.  Candidates will receive scores on a band scale from 1 to 9 in the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking modules. The individual scores are then averaged and rounded to produce an overall band score. Overall Band Scores and Listening and Reading Band Scores are reported in half bands; Writing and Speaking Band Scores are reported in whole bands.  There is no pass or fail mark. Results are valid for two years. 

Test Report Forms should be sent directly from the testing centre to the receiving organizations.  The candidate will receive only one test report form but additional copies can be sent direct to receiving organizations.

How are the results of IELTS examinations interpreted?

The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:

9  EXPERT USER
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8  VERY GOOD USER
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies.   Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7   GOOD USER 
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6  COMPETENT USER
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5   MODEST USER
 Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4   LIMITED USER
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3   EXTREMELY LIMITED USER
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2   INTERMITTENT USER
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.

1  NON USER
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

0  DID NOT ATTEMPT THE TEST
No assessable information provided.