Do you know, there’s neither any apple nor pine in pineapple?

English is confusing, we all agree on this at some point in our lives. Several individuals complain that it’s hard to learn English. But how can you avoid it when it’s the mentioned requirement for higher studies, jobs, and immigration?

Further question is, why should you avoid it when it opens thousands of opportunities? 

What is IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. About 11,000 institutions including universities, colleges, corporations, etc. globally, accept the IELTS score as standard evidence of one’s English Language Proficiency.

Professionals from engineering, medical field, nursing, architecture, fine arts, etc. are bound to take this test to upgrade their skills in individual fields.

If you choose IELTS as the test you take to enter university, you will be familiar with the IELTS test format. Though in Bangladesh, most people take it for studying abroad, it is also utilized for migration purposes. The governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc. accept IELTS results. 

The IELTS score is determined from 1 to 10 based on one’s performance. The score need depends on the requirements of one’s visa or applied institutions.  

Types of IELTS

IELTS has different types based on the goal. There are 2 types of IELTS tests- Academic and General. People take Academic tests for higher studies, getting admission into foreign colleges or universities, and for some professional degrees. On the other hand, the general is for the people who are planning to migrate and take jobs abroad.

There are four parts to the IELTS test- Writing, Speaking, Reading, and Listening.Each of these parts has many different possible questions. Each of these requires specific skills which can be acquired by constant practice. 

Why do You need to take IELTS?

• Increase Employability Prospects

Communication is like another form of magic. Language proficiency is the key to career success. So when you apply for work in other countries like Canada, Australia, the UK, the USA, etc., you need to show proof of language proficiency. You have to remember that jobs require more efficiency than basic conversation. As IELTS is approved worldwide, it’s better to take the test in advance to broaden your career opportunity. You can learn in-depth about IELTS for immigration at this link: https://admissiontestportal.com/about-ielts/advantages-ielts.

• Get an Opportunity to Study Abroad

IELTS represents proof that you can complete the syllabus and tests taken in English. If you have a plan to study in countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia; you must take it and achieve the required score.

Also, Tier 4 student visa applicants can apply to universities in the UK with an IELTS result from any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations worldwide, unless the institution has additional requirements. 

In most countries, British Council ensures the IELTS examinations. Also some institutions, such as For an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program, you have to apply for the Academic IELTS test. 

The General Training IELTS test is sufficient for programs that do not award a degree. Find your chosen college or university and check the version of IELTS that is right for you.

• Learning an International Language

Apart from career prospects learning a second language increases your cognitive memory. It helps you to be better at problem-solving, critical thinking skills, and listening. It helps your brain to multitask as it becomes normal to switch between languages while learning a new one.

• Helps to Communicate Globally

It offers you to connect with others around the globe and deepen your knowledge about various cultures. According to the British council, by 2020 about 2 billion people will talk in this language. 

• An Investment for Future Prospects

Suppose, you got your dream job in the UK. But unfortunately, you were not excellent in English. So, the employer chooses the second-best candidates from the list.

You are getting this, right? You just missed the chance of your lifetime. Ask yourself, is there any other way to bag the opportunity? What if you had 8.5 scores in IELTS?

Forget the ‘What ifs…’, let it be for Marvel. Don’t skip any opportunity by avoiding the international language and take the test as soon as you can. 

How Can you Start Preparation?

Most English schools recommend at least 6 months to improve a student’s level of English by the equivalent of 0.5- 1 band score. Even professional and native English speakers also get scores like 7-8 here. 

• Decide which IELTS Test you need

First, set your purpose. If you are ready to pursue higher studies then simply go for the Academic test. On the other, if you search for a job abroad and plan to settle down there, you should apply and prepare for a General one. 

After taking the decision and analyzing other variables, you need to search thoroughly for your preferred institutions’ requirements. Remember, there are some differences in test format for Academic and General IELTS. So, decide precisely and take the next steps. 

• Understand The Format

As we discussed before, the IELTS test has 4 basic criteria to measure English knowledge. In listening you get 30 minutes to complete 40 questions of 4 sections. You have to listen carefully and write down the words or numerical information in that time. You won’t get additional time to re-listen. 

Let’s check out the score’s meaning. 

Band 8- in IELTS it is considered a ‘very good’ user of English. You may make a few mistakes when talking or writing about very unfamiliar situations, but overall, you have a very good grasp of the language. 

Band 7– This means you are a good user.’ Most people who get Band 7 can cope with complex situations in English. If you are a Band 7 student you will make occasional mistakes, but you will be able to perform most everyday tasks without too many problems.

Band 6– IELTS describes these students as ‘competent’. If you are Band 6 you can talk and write about familiar situations, such as your family or job, but you struggle to deal with more complex or unfamiliar topics.

Under band 6, it is considered a poor score. So, here we would like to avoid the discussion. Rather chose to re-appear for the exam. You may check this link to understand more precisely about the formation. https://www.ieltsadvantage.com/ielts-preparation/.

• Make Strategy according To your Skill Level

Assess your compatibility and plan according to your skill level. If you are good at writing then besides practice focus on the listening section also. Make an action plan with a clear and particular goal. Never make an unattainable goal that you can’t achieve. Unrealistic expectations may make you frustrated and discourage you. 

• Evolve with your Vocabulary

As English is a voluminous language, practice it daily. Make reading a habit and keep a journal. Try to learn at least 10-15 words per day, write them down and use them in daily conversation. Also, usage of flashcards, word games, mnemonics, etc. helps you in the long run.

• Practice Regular

Find a regular time to practice and revise the previous year’s questions. There are several technics involved in the IELTS exam, so not keeping in touch on regular basis may backfire. So, daily practice 4 sections one by one, every day. 

Fun fact: if you know effective English and earn a good score in IELTS then you hardly need to rely on translations and subtitles anymore to enjoy your favorite books, songs, films, and TV shows! By the way, watching English movies and television programs in the English language is also a suggested way to learn! So keep learning at home and take mock tests by yourself or in any center.