The IELTS test is a prerequisite to immigrating abroad for work or study in English-speaking countries. But, you also enjoy other benefits of IELTS, like more employment opportunities.
IELTS is an abbreviation for International English Language Testing System. This test is recognized globally and is used to prove one’s proficiency in the English language.
If you are looking to work, study abroad or immigrate to countries where English is a first or second language, you must pass this test. These tests are accepted by universities worldwide, government, and professional bodies. Therefore, passing the IELTS test is one step to fulfilling your work or study abroad goals.
This article explains why people should take the IELTS test and its benefits. But, you must first understand what the IELTS test is.
What is IELTS?
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a globally recognized test used to determine a person’s proficiency in the English language.
IELTS is owned and managed by the three bodies: The British Council, Cambridge English Language Assessment, and IDP Education of Australia. This test assesses English proficiency in four areas, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Reading: The content for the academic and general IELTS tests are different, but the number of questions is similar, 40 questions, which you are supposed to finish within 60 minutes.
Listening: The listening section has four parts with 40 questions for a 30 minutes timeline
Writing: The general and academic content varies, but the number of questions is 40, with a 60 minutes timeline.
Speaking: It’s an interview session that takes 15 minutes.
If it’s your first time and you don’t know where to start, there are many IELTS tests online you can take to practice. The types of IELTS tests administered depend on your reason, and it doesn’t matter whether you are looking for book writing help or a job; IELTS tests bring you closer to your goals. For a study visa, you will take academic IELTS and general training IELTS for a work or immigration visa.
Why Do People Take IELTS Tests?
There are three reasons people choose to take the IELTS test. Such reasons are:
- Study
The academic IELTS test is the best for people who want to take an undergraduate or postgraduate degree program abroad. Suppose you want to study overseas, especially in English-speaking countries, then you must take the IELTS test. Some universities conduct the tests on behalf of the IELTS body.
If you fail the first attempt, don’t worry, as you can retake the test as many times as you want, the only downside is that you’ll have to pay each time. It’s not cheap; therefore, you’d better prepare well to ensure you pass on your first try.
- Work
If you are looking to work abroad, the IELTS test is part and parcel of obtaining a work visa. Your ability to speak, listen, read and write in English is a start to paving your way to a successful career. Therefore, ensure that you are well prepared for the test, as basic English won’t cut it.
The acceptable pass score for each country is different. For instance, in the UK, you must get at least 6.5, 6 in Australia, and 4 or higher in New Zealand and must demonstrate further knowledge of their English abilities, such as their country of origin or family English proficiency.
- Immigration
If you want to move abroad, the country’s governmental agency you are moving to includes the IELTS exam as part of the application process to obtain citizenship. The better your scores, the better your chances of integrating into the community and workplace.
They have introduced a new test called Secure English Language Tests (SELT) in the UK as part of their visa application process. The test is believed to assess a person’s life skills.
For instance, to immigrate to New Zealand, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 and above.
Before taking the IELTS test, educate yourself about the specific language requirements and IELTS pass score of the country you are moving to.
5 Benefits of IELTS
Here are a few benefits of taking the IELTS test.
- It is globally recognized.
IELTS tests are globally recognized and are accepted by more than 11,000 organizations worldwide, including universities, companies, and government agencies. The immigration authorities also trust these tests in different countries, including New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.
- Enhances your English skills
The IELTS test has four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. And as you prepare to take the test, you improve your English skills by reviewing online IELTS tests.
- Improves your employment prospects
There are about 55 countries whose first language is English, and if your IELTS test results are above the required score, you open yourself up to many employment opportunities. This is a testament that you have a good command of the English language.
Countries like New Zealand and Canada do not accept basic conversational English. If you want to gain employment in these countries, you must demonstrate competent use of English by getting a high score. Therefore, thoroughly practicing in all four areas before taking the test guarantees success.
- Improves your communication skills
As you take the speaking test section of the IELTS, you must converse with the examiner. This is a real example of how you will converse with your neighbor and colleagues once you move to your target country. Make a habit of speaking in English to improve your English speaking skills. You can find someone to help you practice past interview questions in preparation.
- It helps fulfill your future goals.
If you’ve set goals for yourself, you must strive hard to achieve them. Therefore, passing your IELTS tests is one way of helping to achieve those goals as you are on a journey to getting better education and even better jobs. So let the IELTS exam be a source of motivation.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of the IELTS test are plenty. Moving abroad is a great way to open one’s mind to new opportunities. You can start work or study, and you must take the IELTS for your application to be approved. Prepare well by reviewing past test questions, watching videos, and practicing speaking to guarantee a high IELTS score.
