If you want to study in the United States, you will have to take the International English Language Test or a similar one. You must demonstrate that your English skills are strong enough to thrive in that educational setting. If your primary language of instruction is not English, then you’ll likely be required to take an English proficiency exam. However, some schools will waive the requirement if you can demonstrate your proficiency without an exam or by scoring high on the SATs (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Section), or ACT (English or Reading sections). But most schools will require the International English Language Test or TOEFL. Ff you don’t meet the criteria above or the university doesn’t waive the test, you’ll want to learn your testing options as not every English Language Test is accepted!
The chart below lists a few of the most popular American Universities (NYU, Columbia, USC, UC San Diego, Northeastern, and Arizona State) for international students. You can see from the chart below that the most commonly accepted English proficiency exams are TOEFL iBT and IELTS Academic and Duoling but with some stipulations. Again, this is just a short list to give you an idea of which tests are most common. You have to build your college list so you know which test will be accepted at the school where you will apply.
The TOEFL and IELTS have been the standard in English proficiency exams for many years. They are both trying to gauge your command of the English language but they are different. Let’s go over both to see which one is best for you!
The International English Language Test, IELTS
The basic purpose of IELTS is to assess your ability to read, write, listen, and speak in English. And you are graded on a scale of 1 to 9.
The Different Test Types Of IELTS
IELTS was introduced in 1989, and since then, it has become among the most trusted forms of English Language assessments. It’s now accepted by over 5000 universities worldwide. There are two types of tests that vary slightly. Keep in mind that once your test is graded, the score is valid for two years.
The two types of IELTS tests include
Academic IELTS
This one is meant for international students who want to study abroad or join an institute of higher education in any capacity.
General IELTS
This one is more about using English in a social setting and the workplace. This test is typically used when people plan to migrate to an English-speaking country, are not pursuing a degree in the US or need proof of language proficiency for a non-educational organization.
International English Language Test Sections
Naturally, if you want to ace this test, you need to learn more about its components. The syllabus of IELTS can be divided into four sections, namely listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Testing these four areas makes the IELTS a very comprehensive exam.
Of course, the test will be different every time, so we cannot tell you which topics will be on the test. But it’s usually, common topics like society, environment, family, education, work, food, and sports. And now, let’s find out what to expect from each section.
Listening
The purpose of this section is to test your ability to understand spoken English in different settings. The test will analyze if you are capable of following themes, ideas, and information in conversations. It includes a series of recordings of conversations with native English speakers. You have to listen to them and then answer accordingly..
Reading
For this section, you have to read a series of texts and then answer questions related to them. There’s a bit of difference in this section in the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
During this test, you will have to showcase your ability to pick out ideas from a text. You have to prove that you can pick up on details and also understand implied opinions and meaning.
Writing
During this section of the test, you will demonstrate your ability to translate your ideas into words. You will be asked to write appropriate responses and organize your ideas. And of course, grammar will also be evaluated.
Speaking
Lastly, your English-speaking abilities will be tested! Your ability to use appropriate grammar and language will be analyzed through a real-life conversation with a certified examiner. You will begin with an introduction of yourself and a little bit about your home life, family, etc.
You will then have a minute to prepare to speak about a specific topic. The topics are different at any time but may include discussing an influential teacher and their impact on your life.
Then you will have a two-way conversation, about the assigned topic, with questions that allow you to go deeper into the topic.
What You Should Know About The International English Language Test Score Scale
So how are you graded for the test, and what’s the scoring scale? Let’s find out!
9 Expert User
Those who score 9 on the test are expert users. This implies that you have complete operational command over the English Language. You can use it in an appropriate and fluent manner with complete understanding.
8 Very Good User
Test takers who score 8 too are considered to have operational command of the language but with a few unsystematic inaccuracies. They might have to encounter a few misunderstandings, but other than that, they are capable of handling complex argumentation pretty well.
7 Good User
People who score 7 have satisfactory operational command of the language but have occasional inaccuracies with inappropriate usage. They can handle complex language and should have no trouble understanding detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User
This implies that the test taker has inaccuracies and inappropriate usage but still has an effective command of the language. These people can understand fairly complex English and do well in familiar situations.
5 Modest User
This score indicates that the user is likely to make many mistakes in English and has partial command over the language. However, he can handle basic communication well.
4 Limited User
Test takers who get this score have basic competence in the language, which is limited to familiar situations. They are unable to use complex language and also have a problem understanding and expressing themselves in English. S
3 Extremely Limited User
This indicates that the test taker can only understand general meanings in English and that too in very familiar situations. One can expect frequent breakdowns in conversations with them.
2 Intermittent User
Those who get this score struggle to understand written and spoken English.
1 Non-User
As is obvious, those who get this score are unable to use the language, and their understanding of English is limited to a few isolated words.
0 Did Not Attempt The Test
This indicates that the test taker did not attempt the questions.
What International English Language Test Score Do I Need?
The chart below shows the most popular universities for international students (New York University, Columbia, USC, Northeastern, and Arizona State) and their required minimum scores. You can see from the chart that New York University does not have a minimum English language score. But to increase your chances of admission, you will have to score a minimum score of over 100 TOEFL or at least 7.5 on the IELTS. And at Arizona State University, minimum scores depend on your major of study.
You can see that every university will have different requirements for language tests.
Naturally, a high score on the IELTS indicates that you have a good understanding of English and can communicate in the language effectively.
Why Prepare For International English Language Test Score?
Keep in mind that there’s no pass-or-fail system in IELTS. You are ranked according to your score. And you need to achieve a certain score for it to be considered acceptable by the universities you are applying to.
Undoubtedly, quite a lot rides on your IELTS score. You cannot simply take the test without any preparation. You have to prepare for it appropriately.
Tip to increase your International English Language Test Score
- Start with your preparations as early as possible and be consistent. Don’t forget to monitor your progress closely.
- Try to master English grammar systematically.
- Practice the language at every available opportunity and in all four ways, including reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Communicate in English both in writing and orally as much as possible.
- Try to increase your English vocabulary by learning at least 10 new words every day. New words should come from different subject areas.
- Read long texts from different subject areas regularly.
- Watch news and documentaries in English.
- Practice your speaking skills with other English speakers, and talk about your hobbies, interests, dreams, and so on.
- If you aren’t sure about being ready for the test, you can also take a diagnostic test. A professional instructor will give you feedback that will help you to determine how to improve.
- As your test date draws near, practice full-length tests under realistic conditions. You should be doing this for several weeks before the test date.
Are There Any Alternatives To International English Language Test Score?
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE) are the most widely accepted by American universities. Some will also accept Duolingo English Test (DET) or others but you will need to see which exams are accepted where you want to apply.
Test Of English As A Foreign Language (TOEFL)
This one’s what most people opt for as an alternative to IELTS. TOEFL is accepted by many universities in different countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, Europe, and Australia. The test is also accepted for immigration in some countries. The test last less than two hours, and candidates can take it online or paper-based.
It’s scored on a point scale of 0-120 and contains the same four sections as IELTS.
Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE)
This test is mainly for advanced English speakers and has four sections, including listening, reading, writing and speaking. It has a pass and fail system, and to pass the test, you have to score 60% in the exam.
40% of the scoring comes from the reading section, while the other three constitute 20% each. The test lasts for four hours and can be taken online as well as on paper. It has to be booked three weeks in advance.
Duolingo English Test (DET)
A lot of people are attempting DET as an alternative to IELTS these days. The most significant benefit of this test is that candidates don’t have to book in advance for it. It’s available on-demand easily online. You can take it at home via a webcam or computer. The test duration is one hour and what’s more, you get your results within 48 hours. The score is valid for two years.
Pearson Test Of English (PTE) Academic
This is a computer-based test wherein the candidates’ English proficiency in real-life English is assessed. It comprises three sections, and the test is globally recognized.
Candidates have 3 hours to complete the test and have to schedule it 24 hours in advance. You will get your results within 48 hours.
Password English Language Test
This test is organized by The Center for Research in English Language Learning and Assessment and is recognized in many institutes and countries as an alternative to IELTS. Albeit, the test lasts for 3 hours.
This test is taken online and is only available for those students who have a conditional offer to study at the university. It’s graded on a point scale of 0 to 9, and the minimum requirement is 6 for undergraduates and 6.5 for Master’s Programs. The score is valid for two years.
Do I need to take the exam if my secondary instruction was primarily in English?
Some universities will waive the test if your secondary instruction has primarily been in English. But others will require it if you live in a country where English is not the primary language.
Prepare Well To Get A High Score On The International English Language Test
In conclusion, a low score on IELTS or a similar English proficiency test can hamper your chances of getting admission to an international university. Therefore, make sure that you give adequate time to prepare. This will not only help you in your application process but will also prepare you to use English in the best way possible once you start your academic life.
