Understanding IELTS: A Friendly Conversation

 

Preparing for a global future often begins with mastering one test: IELTS. Whether you want to study abroad, migrate, or boost your career, IELTS opens countless doors. It’s not just about reading or writing—it’s about proving your overall English skills, from speaking fluently to securing a good listening band score. To explain this better, let’s step into a café conversation between two friends in Delhi.

Kunal: “Hey Arun, everyone keeps telling me about IELTS. What exactly is it? Some exam to go abroad?”

Arun: “Exactly! IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s one of the world’s most popular English proficiency tests. Every year, more than 3.5 million people across 140+ countries take it. Universities, employers, and even immigration authorities use it to check if your English is strong enough for academic or professional life in an English-speaking country.”

Kunal: “So it’s like a passport to opportunities?”

Arun: “Yes, you can say that! IELTS is recognized by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, including top universities in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and even the USA. Without it, most applications just don’t move forward.”

Why People Give the IELTS Test

Kunal: “But why do people take this test? Can’t they just apply with their school marks?”

Arun: “See, universities or countries want proof that you can understand lectures, write research papers, or communicate at work. School marks don’t always show language skills. IELTS proves that you can handle English in real life — reading newspapers, writing essays, listening to lectures, or speaking in interviews.”

Kunal: “Makes sense. So, benefits?”

Arun: *“Plenty! With a good IELTS score, you can:

1. Study Abroad – Apply to universities in Canada, UK, Australia, etc.
   
   

2. Migrate – Countries like Canada and Australia give PR (Permanent Residency) points for good IELTS scores.
   
   

3. Work Opportunities – Employers abroad use it to check communication skills.
   
   

4. Career Boost – Even in India, having IELTS on your CV makes you stand out.”*
   
   

Which Stream to Choose?

Kunal: “Alright, but I heard something about streams — Academic and General. What’s that about?”

Arun: *“Good question! There are two types:

• IELTS Academic – For students who want to study abroad in universities or professional courses.
  
  

• IELTS General Training – For people migrating or applying for work.
  
  

So, if you’re planning a Master’s in Canada, you’ll take Academic. But if someone is applying for PR in Australia, they’ll go for General.”*

How to Give IELTS: Formats & Ways

Kunal: “And how do we take the exam? Is it online?”

Arun: *“You have two choices:

1. Paper-based IELTS – You write answers on paper.
   
   

2. Computer-delivered IELTS – Same test, but on a computer at the exam center.
   
   

The test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Speaking part is always face-to-face with an examiner — that’s what makes IELTS different from other tests like TOEFL.”*

What Kind of Study is Needed?

Kunal: “Sounds tough. How should I prepare?”

Arun: *“It’s not tough if you practice smartly. IELTS doesn’t test your knowledge of English literature; it tests your use of English. Here’s how to study:

• Listening: Practice with podcasts, TED Talks, or British Council sample audios. Improving your skills here can directly boost your IELTS listening band score, which is crucial since listening contributes equally to your overall band.

• Reading: Read newspapers like The Guardian or The Hindu. Focus on skimming and scanning.
  
  

• Writing: Learn essay structures (introduction, body, conclusion) and practice reports.
  
  

• Speaking: Talk in English daily. Record yourself. Join mock speaking sessions.
  
  

Also, know the band system: IELTS is scored from 0 to 9 bands. Universities often require a 6.5 or 7 band overall.”*

Stats: How Popular is IELTS?

Kunal: “So, is IELTS really that common? I mean, how many people actually give it?”

Arun: “Oh yes! According to the British Council, over 3.5 million candidates appear for IELTS every year. The number is growing because Canada and Australia are top choices for students and migrants. For example, in India alone, more than 1.2 million students registered in 2023, making India one of the largest IELTS markets in the world.”

Common Questions People Ask About IELTS

Kunal: “I’m sure people ask silly questions too?”

Arun (laughs): “Not silly — just common! Let me answer some FAQs for you.”

1. Q: What if I fail IELTS?
   There’s no pass or fail. You just get a band score. If you score low, you can retake after some preparation.
   
   

2. Q: How many times can I give IELTS?
   As many times as you want. No restrictions.
   
   

3. Q: Is IELTS harder than TOEFL?
   Not harder, just different. IELTS speaking is face-to-face, while TOEFL speaking is recorded.
   
   

4. Q: How long is the result valid?
   Two years.
   
   

5. Q: How much does it cost?
   Around ₹16,000–₹17,000 in India (as of 2025).
   
   

Final Tips

Arun’s Advice:

• Don’t just memorize — practice real-life English.
  
  

• Take mock tests under timed conditions.
  
  

• Aim higher than the minimum requirement. If a university needs 6.5, target 7 or 7.5.
  
  

• Manage stress — especially for the speaking test. Treat it like a friendly chat.
  
  

Kunal: “Thanks, Arun! You just saved me hours of Googling. I now know IELTS is not just an exam, but an entry ticket to a global career.”

Arun: “Exactly. Think of IELTS as your stepping stone. With the right preparation, it can open doors to a future you’ve been dreaming of.”