Introduction

Over 3 million people take IELTS each year. There are more than 1,000 test centers that
administer IELTS in over 140 countries around the world. Today it is one of the most

accepted international exams for acade_mic qualification, professional licensing, and immigration.

Purpose

IELTS is available for people who need to demonstrate their English language proficiency for
specific purposes. There are two formats of IELTS to choose from depending on your needs.

You should take the Academic Training modules if you are planning to apply to an interμa-tional university where English is the spoken language. The Academic Training modules are also used as a measure of professional language proficiency for educators, nurses, veterinarians, and other professionals. The.General Training modules are more suitable if you want to work, live, or study at a secondary institution in  English-speaking country.

There is a new test called IELTS Life Skills for those applying for a U.K. visa. This test measures a test taker’s speaking and listening skills. More information on this immigration-specific test can be found at www.ielts.org.

Test Takers International students represent the highest percentage of candidates who take IELTS.

Government departments and businesses around the globe also require an IELTS or equivalent score for employment or immigration. Medical professionals who want to work overseas iri the U .K. may take the IELTS test. An IELTS score is a recognized measurement of English proficiency at ovei; 10,000 institutions around the world.

Skills Tested IELTS consists of four sections that test the full rapge of.English language skills-Reading,
Writing, Listening, and Spealqng. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same for both the Academic and General Training modules. The Reading and Writing sections are different in the Academic ·and General Training modules. These four modules are examined in detail in this book. Language Tested IELTS is an international test. The English used in the test and heard on the audio can be British, American, Australian, or New Zealand English. The language tested will be compre-

hensible to any learner of English.

In this book, we point out the common differences between American English and the

English used in other parts of the world. Footnotes are provided to show differences in spelling and usage. Whatever spelling you use when writing your test answers, the examiners will accept, as long as you are consistent throughout.

Inteniational use.rs of English are aware of differences in usage and spelling. Most inter-
national users understand that colour is written color in American English and that organize is written organise in British English. Because of films, international magazines, travel, and the Internet, we know that apartment and flat and gas and petrol, downtown and city centre are synonyms. We know that an American form is filled out and in Britain it is filled in. In
Britain, a family could take a holiday at the sea. In America, vacationers go to the beach for a vacation; in New Jersey, they go to the shore. We may use one synonym, but we understand the other without problem.
We know that the cultural institutions of English-speaking countries are organized
(organised) differently. American and Australian students study for a semester or a term; British students study for a term. In Canada and Britain, students get marks, in America,they get grades. A British public school is a private school in America. In America, a building begins on the first floor. In Britain, one· stats at the ground floor. In America, a friend is a pal or a buddy. In Australia, people call each other mate in conversation, whether they are friends or not. We can understand these differences from the context. Their meanings will not be misunderstood.