International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ) is a test of English language proficiency. It is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia.
IELTS is accepted by most Australian, British, Canadian, Irish, New Zealand and South African academic institutions, by many academic institutions in the United States, and also by various professional organisations.
The IELTS incorporates the following features:
- A variety of accents and writing styles are presented in text materials in order to minimise linguistic bias. The test focuses on “International English”, which includes British English, American English and other varieties.
- IELTS tests the ability to speak, read, listen and write in English.
- Two test formats can be chosen from – Academic and General Training.
- Band scores are used for each language sub-skill (Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing). The Band Scale ranges from 1 (“Non User”) to 9 (“Expert User”).
