IELTS scores are used for applying to universities that teach in English language, and over 10,000 institutions worldwide recognize and accept IELTS test results, especially in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. IELTS scores can be submitted for student visas and for relocation purposes.
Additionally, IELTS scores are accepted by more than 3,000 universities in the United States. They can also be used to apply through the TCAS system for the first round of admissions for various Thai language programs, as well as for graduate-level programs across both domestic and international universities.
The IELTS exam is scored on a scale of 1-9 to measure English language proficiency, ranging from a beginner (score around 1) to an expert user (score of 9). The exam covers skills in all areas, including Writing, Listening, Reading, and Speaking.
For students planning to study abroad, the IELTS General Training exam is typically taken. However, for those specifically aiming to study in the UK, we recommend taking the IELTS for UKVI exam.
This is because the scores can be directly used for applying to foundational courses in the UK. For students or individuals looking to work or study in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, IELTS scores are predominantly required for various processes. These countries often use IELTS results for expediting different procedures. Therefore, registering for the IELTS exam and obtaining scores from your home country, such as Thailand, is the quickest option, allowing you to submit the scores immediately.
The IELTS exam comes in two modules.
The first module is for study purposes abroad, where students need to register for the Academic Module. The other module is for training or working abroad, where candidates need to register for the General Training Module.
Both modules of the exam are similar by about 80%, differing primarily in the Reading section of the General module being somewhat easier than the Academic module. Additionally, in the Writing section of the General module, there is no requirement to describe the graphs or diagrams.
Due to the high demand for Thai students pursuing international education, the IELTS Academic Module is the most popular test in Thailand, accounting for over 50% of test-takers.
In this article, New Cambridge will delve deep into this type of IELTS exam, providing detailed insights and addressing all the questions that test-takers may have.
IELTS Regular (Paper-Based & Computer-Based) : 7,300 Baht
IELTS for UKVI (Paper-Based & Computer-Based) : 7,990 Baht
IELTS Life Skills : 6,300 Baht
Time for IELTS Listening Test: [30 minutes / 40 questions] with 4 sections in total.
The question format you will definitely encounter in this part is the multiple-choice format. Additionally, you may encounter various question formats such as matching, plan/map, diagram labelling, form completion, flow-chart completion, and short answer questions.
These question formats are mostly randomized, so test-takers should be prepared by practicing various question formats.
Test-takers listen to the instructions through headphones and the provided IELTS listening device. Then, there will be 10 minutes allocated for writing answers. Each part contains 10 questions, divided as follows:
Time for IELTS Reading Test: [60 minutes / 40 questions] with 3 passages in total. These passages may come from advertisements, flyers, book excerpts, or magazines, and each passage will focus on general topics.
There will be at least 1 passage that emphasizes logical argument in a multiple-choice format, which is typically the most challenging question type in this part.
Similar to the Listening part, the question format you will definitely encounter in the Reading part is multiple choice. Other question formats that you may encounter include (True/False/Not Given), matching, sentence completion, flow chart, diagram, and short answer.
Each passage in the IELTS Reading part will have 13-14 questions, and you should spend no more than 20 minutes per question. The difficulty level of each passage may vary.
Time for IELTS Writing Test: [60 minutes / 2 major tasks] with 2 tasks in total.
Each task in the Writing part will have different point values. Task 2 will carry more points compared to Task 1, with a score that may be twice as much.
In the IELTS Writing Task #1 exam, test-takers should spend no more than 20 minutes and allocate the remaining 40 minutes to complete IELTS Writing Task #2. These two tasks in this part are fundamentally different. This part of the exam consists of 2 main components.
Time for the IELTS Speaking Test: [11-14 minutes / 3 parts] with a total of 3 topics.
This part of the exam assesses how effectively test-takers can communicate. It considers fluency, grammar proficiency, accurate language use, and pronunciation.
The conversation topics in each part of the IELTS Speaking Test vary in difficulty and how to respond.
New Cambridge Institute has collaborated with IDP to establish an official IELTS Test Center, providing convenience for learners who wish to take the IELTS test at New Cambridge without having to travel to other test locations.
Students interested in taking the IELTS test can register at New Cambridge Institute
IELTS exam schedule at New Cambridge Institute
Recommendations for preparing for the IELTS exam after practicing and preparing well. Many people may be concerned about the upcoming exam. New Cambridge has some tips to help you prepare for the exam confidently, as follows:
- day before the exam, you should rest to reduce stress and avoid staying up late, preparing yourself for the exam.
- Prepare necessary items for the exam, including your identification card or passport.
- Check the exam venue and travel route, allowing extra time for travel.
- It is advisable to bring a sweater to the exam in case the exam room is cold, so it does not hinder the test.
Test results (TRF) will be announced 13 days after the IELTS test. Test-takers can receive the TRF on the 13th day after the test, starting at 1:00 PM at the IDP Office, CP Tower Silom, 4th floor.
For test-takers who come to collect their results in person, please bring your original identification card or passport. In the case of someone else collecting on your behalf, please provide a copy of your identification card or passport along with a signature and an authorization form.
For checking the exam results online, you can check them on the website https://results.ieltsessentials.com/. The results can be checked after 13 days from the test date, approximately between 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM and onwards.
For test-takers who choose to receive their results by mail within the country, you will receive your results within 5-7 days after the release of the exam results.
For those who wish to study abroad, you may wonder what IELTS score is needed to apply for university admission abroad. New Cambridge Institute has gathered popular IELTS score requirements for studying abroad as follows:
United Kingdom and United Kingdom Territories
For most universities, an IELTS score of 6.0 is generally sufficient for admission. However, universities ranked around the top 100-200 in the world may require an IELTS score of approximately 6.5. For highly prestigious universities like the University of Oxford or the University of Cambridge, a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 in all skills is recommended.
United States of America
Top 100-ranked universities globally may require an IELTS score of around 6.5. Top 50-ranked universities like Stanford University, Harvard University, or Princeton University typically expect an IELTS score of 7.0 in all skills.
Australia and New Zealand
For universities in these two countries, an IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5 is generally sufficient for admission to most universities.
In addition to achieving high IELTS scores, applicants should also strive for good grades, write a compelling personal statement, include relevant extracurricular activities, and showcase accomplishments in their chosen field of study to increase their chances of successful university admission.
Scoring a minimum of 7.5 in the IELTS Academic test for admission to highly-ranked universities is not a shortcut. Proper training and guidance from experienced and directly IELTS-experienced experts, with at least 10 years of expertise, are essential to ensure you don’t waste your time and money without gaining anything in return.
New Cambridge Institute in Thailand has compiled the following criteria for selecting an IELTS preparation institution, considering the quality attributes of such institutes:
- Institution’s Establishment: How long has the IELTS preparation institution been operating? Longer experience instills trust in the institution’s reputation and its ability to comprehend students’ challenges.
- Quality of Instructors: This is a prime consideration. If your English foundation is not solid, learning from a Thai instructor might be preferable. However, if you are confident in your English proficiency, foreign instructors, especially native speakers, should be your best choice. This allows you to practice Listening & Speaking skills directly with language experts.
- Course Content: For beginners with no prior IELTS experience, it’s advisable to select an institution with foundation or basic courses to familiarize yourself with the IELTS exam structure before tackling actual test questions. Some institutions offer extracurricular activities to enhance various skills.
- Course Fees: Course fees are usually similar among institutions, so focus on the learning outcomes. Both Thai and native speaker instructors may have comparable pricing. Prioritize institutions that offer tangible results.
- Direct Study Abroad Counseling Centers: Some IELTS preparation institutions have integrated study abroad counseling centers. After receiving your IELTS scores, you can immediately consult these centers for guidance. This can save you a significant amount of time and money.
