Prepárate para el Examen IELTS

What is the IELTS test and why is it important?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is crucial for those who wish to certify their level of English internationally. It is the key that opens doors in three fundamental areas: education, migration and employment. If your goal is to study abroad, IELTS is recognized by more than 11,000 educational institutions worldwide. Planning to emigrate? This exam is also valid in many English-speaking territories. And if you are looking for new job opportunities, many recruitment agencies consider it a determining factor in their selection process.

What are the types of IELTS test?

There are two versions of the IELTS test: the General Training Test and the Academic Test. Although the listening and speaking parts are identical in both, there are differences in the reading and writing sections:

• Reading: passages in the general training are shorter and deal with topics of general or work-related interest. In the academic exam, the texts are longer and use more specialized vocabulary.
• Writing: In the general version you are required to write a letter, while in the academic version you must describe graphs, diagrams, tables or maps.

How does the IELTS differ from the TOEFL test?

The IELTS and the TOEFL are two of the most recognized English tests worldwide, and although they share the same purpose, they have notable differences:

• Speaking part: in the IELTS, you interact directly with an examiner, which simulates a real conversation. In TOEFL, answers are recorded using a computer.
• Scoring system: IELTS uses a band ranging from 0 to 9, while TOEFL is scored from 0 to 120 points.
• Duration: IELTS lasts approximately two and a half hours, in contrast to TOEFL, which lasts more than three hours.

How to prepare effectively for the IELTS?

To approach the IELTS with confidence, it is essential to have a good understanding of its structure. The test assesses four skills: reading, listening, writing and speaking, spread over two sessions. You can improve your results by practicing with specific exercises and following practical tips. Here are some tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the test: Know the type of questions and structure for each skill.
• Practice regularly: Perform exercises similar to the exam format to gain fluency.
• Simulate real conditions: Perform mock exams in an environment that mimics test day conditions.
• Learn from experience: Study under the guidance of experts, such as René Lora, who has years of experience teaching English and as a certified examiner.

We invite you to share your reasons for taking the IELTS exam in the comments section and to actively participate in the preparation for your final project. Good luck and keep learning!