The A to Z about the IELTS Academic Test

What is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS Test is an international English language testing system. The British Council offers the test. 
This test evaluates the test takers' English language skills in a general environment. People who wish to work or study in the United Kingdom need an IELTS General or IELTS Academic test.
There are paper-based and computer-based tests. 
It contains four sections. They are the Reading test, Writing test, Speaking test and the Listening test.

What does the IELTS Reading Test consist of?

The IELTS Academic Reading Test consists of three long texts that test takers may find in undergraduate or postgraduate texts. The test is for sixty minutes. Test Takers then have to answer 40 questions. It uncovers the ability to skim and read for relevant details, understand logical arguments and recognise the purpose and the opinions shared through it.
Test takers can prepare for the IELTS reading test by skimming the text. Using magazines and textbooks helps in doing so. Online tutorials also help in understanding questions and how to answer them.
What does the IELTS Writing Test consist of?

In the IELTS Writing Test, test takers should describe and explain data from a graph, table, chart or diagram given in Task 1. It tests the ability to represent a diagram. Task 2 will ask the candidate to write an essay in response to an argument or problem.
Using practice tests can help test takes to prepare. Searching for answer sheets on the internet is also helpful. Knowing how to answer the questions asked is vital.

What does the IELTS Speaking Test contain?

The IELTS Speaking Test aims to test the candidates speaking skills through a real-life conversation. It consists of three parts.
Part 1 consists of general questions like studies and interests. Part 2 will require candidates to talk for 1-2 minutes on a given subject which requires a minute to prepare. Part 3 three will contain questions from the examiner about what the candidates spoke.
Practising English speaking helps in preparing for the test. It also helps in improving your English generally. Listening to English movies are one way of doing so.

What does the IELTS Listening Test contain?

In the IELTS Listening Test, candidates will listen to four recordings and answer a series of questions relating to the recordings. Recording 1 will be a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. Recording 2 will be a monologue set in a social context Recording 3 will be a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context. Recording 4 will be a monologue on an academic subject.
Learning to pick information from audio helps in preparing for the test. Data comes at test-takers quickly. So, learning to listen well is vital. Listening to the radio or music helps in doing so.

The IELTS Academic Test measures the test taker's English language proficiency in a professional setting. To earn a good grade, understanding the test format is vital. Preparing for the exam is just as important. So, test-takers should take their time in understanding the test as a whole.
There is no need to worry, however. Keeping calm is just as crucial. Once the test comes, there is no pressure on test-takers. All that matters is focus and concentration.