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Free IELTS Study on the Internet
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test provides an evaluation of English for those who wish to study or train in English. It is very similar to the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) required by North American universities and colleges. IELTS is a jointly managed test by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. The test is accepted by many professional organizations in Australia and New Zealand including: the New Zealand Immigration Service, the Australian Department of Immigration. If you are interested in studying and / or training in Australia or New Zealand, this is the test best adapted to your qualification needs.
Studying for the IELTS test usually involves a long course. The preparation time is similar to that of the TOEFL, FCE or CAE courses (approximately 100 hours).
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes and consists of the following:
- Academic Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
- Academic Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
- General Training Reading:
3 sections, 40 items, 60 minutes
- General training Writing:
2 tasks: 150 words and 250 words, 60 minutes
- Listening:
4 sections, 40 items, 30 minutes
- Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
Up until now, there have been few resources on the Internet for First Certificate preparation. Luckily, this is beginning to change. The purpose of this feature is to provide you with FREE study resources currently available on the Internet. You can use these materials to prepare for the exam or to check to see if your level of English is right for working towards this exam.
What is the IELTS?
Before beginning to study for the IELTS, it is a good idea to understand the philosophy and purpose behind this standardized test. To get up to speed on test taking, this guide to taking tests can help you understand general test taking preparation. The best way to understand the IELTS is to go straight to the source and visit the introduction to the exam at the IELTS information site. You can also FAQ section which gives detailed information about the test. You can also read the rules and regulations . IELTS-Test.com also has excellent introductions to each part of the exam.
Now that you know what you will be working towards, it's time to get down to work! The following links lead you to various free practice resources on the Internet. Preparing for the IELTS on the Internet
Pracitice
Academic and General Training Reading
- from the IELTS official site: academic reading practice
- from the IELTS offal site: general training reading practice
- IELTS Academic Reading Tips from Onestopenglish.com
- A FANTASTIC practice page with a variety of practice passages from EDICT.
Academic and General Training Writing
- from the IELTS offal site: academic writing practice
- from the IELTS offal site: general training reading practice
- IELTS - Writing Tips from Onestopenglish.com
Listening
- Listening Tips from Onestopenglish.com
- Sample test 1 and sample test 2 from EDICT
Speaking
- IELTS Tips from Onestopenglish.com - Speaking Test
- From IELTS.org advice on the speaking part of the exam
From: http://esl.about.com