The Latest Changes to the IELTS Exam Format and How They Affect You

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has been a popular choice for those looking to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. Over the years, the IELTS exam has undergone several changes, with the most recent update in September 2020. So, let’s discuss the latest changes to the IELTS exam format, how they affect you and how you can prepare for it.

A Brief Overview of the IELTS Exam Format

Before diving into the recent changes, let's first review the general format of the IELTS exam. Students need to attempt the four tests while attempting the IELTS test. To get through the test well, one must follow appropriate steps. There are around 140 IELTS accepted countries where students can continue their studies and work by qualifying for the exam.

The listening section

consists of four recordings, each approximately four minutes long, with ten questions per recording. The recordings cover a variety of topics and are played only once.

The reading section

This section consists of three passages with 13-14 questions per passage. The passages are typically taken from academic or general interest sources and vary in length and difficulty.

The writing section

There are two tasks in this section. Task 1 asks you to describe, summarise, or comprehend data in a graph, chart, or diagram. Task 2 tells you to write an essay on a general topic within a limited time frame.

The speaking section

You can see three parts in this section of the IELTS exam. In the first part, the candidate answers general questions about themselves and their life. In the next section, they get a topic with one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The last section involves the examinee and the examiner engaging in a more in-depth discussion on the topic from the second section. Since we have reviewed the IELTS exam's general format, let's discuss the latest changes. This will give you the best benefits of IELTS preparation.

What are the Latest Changes in the IELTS Exam Format?

Changes to the Speaking Section

In the speaking section, the main change is introducing a new format for Part 2. Earlier, the examinees were given a cue card with a topic and had one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. Under the new format, they are given a task card with a prompt and bullet points to guide their responses. Follow for more details that will aid you with IELTS Preparation. Those who just address some of the bullet points will be penalised. Are you planning to appear in IELTS for the USA? The experts of Eduversal Global can help.

Changes to the Writing Section

In the writing section, the main change is introducing a new type of Task 1. Previously, Task 1 required test takers to describe, summarise, or explain data presented in a graph, chart, or diagram. Under the new format, Task 1 can also be a letter-writing task.

The new writing task requires examinees to write a letter responding to a given situation, using the appropriate tone and register. They have to write in a style appropriate for the given situation and address all the points provided in the prompt.

Previously in the IELTS Exam, students had to write at least 250 words for Task 2, and those who wrote fewer than 250 words were penalised. Under the new format, there is no longer a minimum word count requirement, but test takers are still expected to write a coherent and well-developed essay. Have you recently gone through the new IELTS Format? If you haven’t, Eduversal Global can help you.

How Do the Changes Affect You?

If you plan to take the IELTS exam, knowing the latest changes and how they might affect your preparation and performance is essential.

The Speaking section

For this section, the new format for Part 2 means that you must be able to organise your thoughts and address all the bullet points provided within the allotted time. Practice speaking on various topics and get comfortable with the new format using task cards that provide bullet points. Paying attention to your pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary is essential, as these are all critical factors contributing to your speaking score. You can also practise by going through the IELTS Pattern online.

The writing section

In this section, the new letter-writing task requires your ability to write effectively in various contexts and styles. You should practise writing letters on a variety of topics and get hold of the appropriate tone and register for different situations. You should also pay attention to your grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, as these are all critical factors contributing to your writing score.

Finally, it is essential to be aware of the changes to the word count requirement for Task 2. While there is no longer a minimum word count requirement, you should still aim to write a well-developed essay that addresses the prompt and provides supporting evidence and examples. This will help you get along well with the IELTS exam for Canada.

Conclusion

The changes in the IELTS exam pattern are significant. These changes are designed to better assess a test taker's ability to communicate effectively in various contexts and styles. As a test taker, it is essential to be aware of these changes and to prepare accordingly by practising speaking and writing on various topics and styles.

However, with the right approach and preparation tips, one can crack this test and get into their dream university or college. Eduversal Global IELTS Coaching in Delhi NCR stands out as the best platform to aid students in fulfilling their dreams of moving abroad for their job or education.

They have a professional who has minute details related to IELTS. From getting an idea of how to crack the exam to getting help with visa and post-selection procedures, Eduvaesal Global is one of the best platforms that help students fulfil their goals. Need help? Get in touch with us now!