Test Preparation
IELTS Overview
Full Form: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Year Started: 1980 AD
Score / Grade Range: 0 to 9 at increment of 0.5 band multiple.
Test Score/Grade Validity: 2 Years
Total Test Duration 2 hours 45 minutes.
Annual number of test takers: Over 3 million in 2017.
Test official authorities: British Council and IDP
Countries / Regions: More than 1,200 test centres in over 140 countries.
How many types of IELTS tests are there?
There are two types of IELTS Test namely:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training.
IELTS test is mainly of two types: Academic and General Training. The Test consists of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
In both tests Listening & speaking are same whereas there is a slight variation on Reading and Writing for Academic and General Training IELTS Test according to 2018 Exam pattern.
IELTS Preparation Classes available in Kathmandu
If you are planning to take IELTS Test then do Visit us we have a special offer for you.
The Next Education Consultancy Nepal
Dillibazar, Kathmandu
Introduction to IELTS
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. Initially started in the Year 1980 AD officially, there are more than 1,200 test centers in over 140 countries.
IELTS test scores are validated by thousands of Academic institutions (Universities & Colleges) and workplaces as an Expertise in English Proficiency.
The IELTS test is currently hosted by British Council and IDP in Nepal and around the globe.
The Test scores do not denote pass or fail straightly. Every institution and offices have different requirements for IELTS score. The test compares the ability of the English Language over 4 base areas: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each skill has their individual scores and a final overall score calculated between 0 to 9, with 0 being the lowest and 9 being the highest.
IELTS Score Scale
Band 9
Expert user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
Band 8
Very good user
The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
Band 7
Good user
The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
Band 6
Competent user
The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5
Modest user
The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
Band 4
Limited user
The test taker’s basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
Band 3
Extremely limited user
The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
Band 2
Intermittent user
The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1
Non-user
The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
Band 0
Did not attempt the test
The test taker did not answer the questions.
IELTS Syllabus
How can I prepare for the IELTS exam?
There are two ways to prepare for the IELTS Test:
- IELTS preparation Centre or
- Self Preparation.
IELTS Preparation Centre
You can prepare the for IELTS Test from IELTS Instructors from IELTS Preparation Centre.
The Next Education Consultancy is Pioneer center for IELTS preparation recommended by 100s of students.
Benefits of Preparing IELTS from IELTS preparation center.
Here are some benefits of preparing IELTS from IELTS preparation centers:
Availability of resources
An institution has a lot of resources with them that can help you to prepare better. Such resources can be guides, pdf, etc. They can help you prepare better and practice for the examination.
Experienced instructors
To be able to instruct students, one needs to obtain at least band 7 in their IELTS test. Learning from somebody who has himself/herself secured good marks can help you broaden your vision towards the test.
Frequent revisions, tests, and guidance
You cannot know if you are good at something unless you push yourself to the limit. To push yourself, you need to know where your starting point is. For this, you need to attain tests frequently and improve accordingly with guidance. Your IELTS instructor will guide you throughout and make sure that you attain better results.
Learning in a group
Learning with a group of people can teach you a lot of things about things that you did not know. Most of the IELTS classes will have people better than you or who are not as good as you are. You can learn from the people who are better than you and you can teach yourself to not make similar mistakes like the people who are not as good as you are, make.
You can either join an IELTS class or stay at home and prepare for the IELTS test using the internet as your main resource.
What is the duration of IELTS Test?
IELTS test lasts for 3 hours which includes listening, reading and writing. Speaking test is taken separately which may last for 10 minutes to half an hour depending on the test conductor.
Listening
In this test, you have to listen to a sample piece of text that is played to you and you have to attend 40 questions related to the text. You have 1 hour to complete the whole test.
Reading
This portion of the test requires you to read 3 pieces which are provided to you. Each piece is allowed 20 minutes each.
Writing
This portion of the test is divided into two parts each :
150 words
The short portion requires you to describe a diagram or a pie chart or any similar visual chart in about 150 words. The examiner sees how good you clearly can you explain the diagram.
200 words
For the long portion, you are provided a situation and you are required to give your opinion on the situation. The examiner sees how well you can use the English language to describe your views and opinions.
Speaking
Speaking test is taken separately which may last for 10 minutes to half an hour depending on the test conductor. The examiner sees how fluent your English is and if you can/cannot communicate in English with ease.
How many types of IELTS tests are there?
There are two types of IELTS Test namely:
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training.
IELTS test is mainly of two types: Academic and General Training. The Test consists of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.
In both tests Listening & speaking are same whereas there is a slight variation on Reading and Writing for Academic and General Training IELTS Test according to 2018 Exam pattern.
How long does it take to get the IELTS Test Scores?
The IELTS test score result is published online within 13 days and the hard copy is issued after 17 days from your LRW test.
How Much does it cost to book an IELTS test date?
It takes Rs. 21,500 to book an IELTS test date.
How do I book an IELTS Date in Nepal?
You can book your IELTS date from the consultancy you are trying to apply. If you don’t want to book your IELTS date from a consultancy, you can either book the test from IDP or British Council Nepal.
From the consultancy
It’s the easier option of the two options available. All you have to do is get the consultancy and request register the dates for your test. The rest is taken care by the consultancy itself.
From IDP or British Council
Follow the following steps to book your IELTS date from IDP or British Council :
- Go to either IDP or British council’s website and navigate to the IELTS form (Click here for IDP and here for British council)
- IDP ILTSand British Council
- Fill the form up
Pay the required amount Rs. 21,500 in the concerned bank and collect the slip(Standard Chartered Bank for British council)
Take the slip to IDP or British council with a photocopy of an identification card (Passport or Citizenship certificate)
Can I change my IELTS Date after I book the date?
Yes, you can change your IELTS date but you need to request for cancellation or postponement 5 weeks prior to the test.
For cancellation
To cancel the IELTS date, you need to fill the refund or date transfer form and send it to the institution from where you have applied for the IELTS date (IDP or British council) at the latest five weeks before the date of your written test.
For postponement
To postpone the IELTS date, you need to fill the refund or date transfer form and send it to the institution from where you have applied for the IELTS date (IDP or British council) at the latest five weeks before the date of your written test.
Download the form for IDP Nepal from here.
Download the form for British Council Nepal.
What are things allowed and not allowed during Test?
Calculator and stuff.
Literally, nothing is allowed during the test. Everything you need is provided by the test center itself. There is a thorough check done before you enter the examination hall. If you have anything with you such as wallet, bike keys, phone, etc, they will be kept in the examination center with a tag on them so you can pick them up once the examination is done.
How long is IELTS test Score Valid?
IELTS test score is valid for 2 years.
PTE Overview
Pearson Test Of English (Academic)
| PTE Format | Details |
| Exam Pattern | An English language exam that has been developed to test the Speaking & Writing Skills (54 – 67 minutes), Reading skills (29 – 30 minutes), and Listening skills (30 – 43 minutes) of candidates wanting to study abroad in an English-speaking country. |
| Duration | 2 hours and a Single test session |
| Medium | Computer-based with headset |
| Mode | Taken in a test center / Home Edition |
| Test Type | Assesses real-life English |
| Test Layout | 20 question types |
What is PTE?
PTE: Pearson Test of English (Academic) is an English language proficiency test that is designed to assess the competence or the language ability level of non-native English speakers. It assesses all skills of the English language: Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. PTE is one of the internationally recognized tests which is accepted by several universities, colleges, and academic institutions including government agencies. It is a computer-based test that is valid for 2 years.
Why PTE in the Next Education Consultancy?
The Next Education Consultancy feels honored to announce that it has been conducting PTE classes since its establishment. Our well-qualified and experienced Instructors regularly facilitate students who wish to prepare for the PTE exam pragmatically and methodologically. They not only make students well acquainted with the test format but also provide them with some valuable tips and strategies to master individual question types so that the desired score can be easily achieved.
PTE Test Format in Detail:
| Speaking and Writing(SW) | 54-67 minutes |
| Reading(R) | 29-30 minutes |
| Listening(L) | 30-34 minutes |
| Part | Item Types | Total no. of Questions |
| Part 1: Speaking | ||
| Personal Introduction (unscored) | 1 | |
| Read Aloud | 6-7 | |
| Repeat Sentence | 10-12 | |
| Describe Image | 3-4 | |
| Re-tell Lecture | 1-2 | |
| Answer Short Questions | 5-6 | |
| Part 1: Writing | ||
| Summarize Written Text | 1-2 | |
| Write Essay | 1-2 | |
| Part 2: Reading | ||
| Multiple-Choice: Single Option | 1-2 | |
| Multiple-Choice: Multiple Options | 1-2 | |
| Re-order Paragraphs | 2-3 | |
| Reading: Fill in the Blanks(drag and drop) | 4-5 | |
| Reading and Writing: Fill in the Blanks(drop-down list) | 5-6 | |
| Part 3: Listening | ||
| Summarize Spoken Test | 1-2 | |
| Multiple-Choice: Multiple Options | 1-2 | |
| Fill in the Blanks | 2-3 | |
| Highlight Correct Summary | 1-2 | |
| Multiple-choice: Single Option | 1-2 | |
| Select Missing Word | 1-2 | |
| Highlight Incorrect Words | 2-3 | |
| Write from Dictation | 3-4 |
NB: Most of the items are integrated. So, the scoring criteria differ from item to item and section to section.
What skills are tested in Speaking?
- Oral Fluency
- Pronunciation
- Content
What skills are tested in Writing?
- Content
- Form
- Development, Structure and Coherence
- Grammar
- General Linguistic Range
- Spelling
- Vocabulary
What skills are tested in Summarize Written Test?
- Content
- Form
- Grammar
- Vocabulary
- Spelling
How to register PTE?Candidates wanting to register for the PTE exam 2022 would be required to follow the steps mentioned below to successfully book their PTE exam slot. Candidates should note that for booking your PTE Academic online, you need a valid ID – a valid Nepali passport. Candidates will also be required to show their valid ID on the day of the exam or else they will not be allowed to enter the Test center.
PTE vs IELTS Equivalent:
| PTE | IELTS |
| 86 and above | 9 |
| 83-85 | 8.5 |
| 79-82 | 8 |
| 73-78 | 7.5 |
| 65-72 | 7 |
| 59-64 | 6.5 |
| 51-58 | 6 |
| 43-50 | 5.5 |
| 35-42 | 5 |
| 30-34 | 4.5 |
PTE in Brief
Speaking & Writing
54-67 minutes
- Personal Introduction
- Read aloud
- Repeat sentence
- Describe image
- Re-tell lecture
- Answer short question
- Summarize a written text
- Essay
Reading
29-30 minutes
- Multiple Fill in the Blanks
- Multiple choice questions
- Re-order paragraphs
- Fill in the blanks
- Multiple choice questions
Listening
30-43 minutes
- Summarize spoken text
- Multiple choice questions
- Fill the blanks
- Highlight the correct summary
- Multiple choice questions
- Select missing word
- Highlight incorrect words
- Write from dictation