
ABOUT IELTS:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is designed to assess the language ability of those who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. It conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment. International Recognition IELTS is recognised for course admission by universities in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the USA, the UK and increasingly in Germany and wider Europe.In the USA the IELTS Test is now recognised by more than 1000 institutions and new ones are constantly added to the list, of which you will always find the latest version.IELTS is also required as proof of your language abilities for immigration to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
What does the test consist of:
The test is made up of four parts taken over the course of one day:
Listening: 40 minutes
Reading: 1 hour
Writing: 1 hour
Speaking: 15 minutes
Your language skills will be evaluated on a scale from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
Test ModulesYou can choose between the Academic and General Training Modules.
Choose the Academic Module if you want to go to university in an English speaking country or if you want to register with the General Medical Council or Dental Medical Council in the UK. If you wish to emigrate to Australia, New Zealand or Canada opt for the General Training Module. To make sure that you choose the module you need, please check with the institution you are doing the test for. It is your responsibility to choose the right Module.
The test is made up of four parts taken over the course of one day:
Listening: 40 minutes
Reading: 1 hour
Writing: 1 hour
Speaking: 15 minutes
Your language skills will be evaluated on a scale from 0 (non-user) to 9 (expert user).
Test ModulesYou can choose between the Academic and General Training Modules.
Choose the Academic Module if you want to go to university in an English speaking country or if you want to register with the General Medical Council or Dental Medical Council in the UK. If you wish to emigrate to Australia, New Zealand or Canada opt for the General Training Module. To make sure that you choose the module you need, please check with the institution you are doing the test for. It is your responsibility to choose the right Module.
Where can I take the test:
In Germany, you can take the test in the following cities: Berlin, Bremen, Cologne, Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Freiburg, Hamburg, Hanover, Leipzig, Mannheim, Munich, Radolfzell and Stuttgart.
IELTS - how to register:
To register for IELTS, simply follow these five steps:
1. Application Form
2. Cancellation and Refunds Policy
Please note that the speaking test sometimes takes place on the Friday before the test date. This aplies to the following cities: Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Freiburg, Cologne, Mannheim, Munich and Stuttgart. You will be sent an email stating your appointment.
IELTS - how to register:
To register for IELTS, simply follow these five steps:
1. Application Form
2. Cancellation and Refunds Policy
Please note that the speaking test sometimes takes place on the Friday before the test date. This aplies to the following cities: Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Freiburg, Cologne, Mannheim, Munich and Stuttgart. You will be sent an email stating your appointment.
Complete the application form and enclose the following:
Two passport size colour photos (not older than 6 months)
A signed copy of the Cancellation and Refunds policy
A clear photocopy of your valid Passport or local Identity Card (Candidates, who are not EU nationals have to provide a copy of their passport)
Proof of payment (bank transfer receipt / online banking transfer receipt / bank statement)
Please transfer the test fee of €170 to the following account:
British Council Deutsche Bank Berlin BLZ 100 700 00 Kto. 4334439
Two passport size colour photos (not older than 6 months)
A signed copy of the Cancellation and Refunds policy
A clear photocopy of your valid Passport or local Identity Card (Candidates, who are not EU nationals have to provide a copy of their passport)
Proof of payment (bank transfer receipt / online banking transfer receipt / bank statement)
Please transfer the test fee of €170 to the following account:
British Council Deutsche Bank Berlin BLZ 100 700 00 Kto. 4334439
IELTS Tips for Success:
How to improve your IELTS performance:
1. LISTENING
Read instructions carefully, don't just glance at them. They are not always the same as in practice or previous tests. Try and anticipate what the speaker will say. This requires concentration, easy in your own language, but more difficult in English. Remember if you want a high score you should aim to get all questions in parts one and two correct. Don't make any careless mistakes in the easier sections. Small errors can lead to low scores so be careful with your spelling at all times. Don't panic if you think the topic is too difficult or the speaker is too fast. Relax and tune in. Read, write and listen at the same time. Tricky, but practice well. Don't leave blanks.
2. READING
Leave a question if you can't answer. To spend a long time on one answer is disastrous. Go back later if you have time and guess if you have to. Don't panic if you don't know anything about the subject matter covered in the passage. All the answers are in the passage and you don't need any specialist knowledge. Remember you have no extra time to transfer your answers, many candidates think because they have extra time in listening they are able to do this in reading too. You can't. Before the exam, read as widely as possible (e.g. newspapers, magazines, journals). Don't limit yourself to one type of text and read articles with an academic style where possible. Look at the ways paragraphs are organised. Try and predict content of paragraphs from the opening sentence. Give every paragraph you read an imaginary heading. Don't concentrate on words you don't know. It wastes valuable time. Careless mistakes cost many marks. Copy the answer correctly if it is in the passage.
3. WRITING
Highlight/circle key words.
Clearly divide paragraphs.
Don't repeat ideas in a different way.
Stick to the topic.
Careful with timing - don't rush Task Two, it's longer and is worth more points.
Paragraph simply, with one idea in each paragraph.
Avoid informal language.
Learn to recognise how long 150 words looks in your handwriting. You don't really have time to count. Get used to always spending several minutes re-reading and correcting your essays. Don't memorise model answers, they won't fit the question and you will make more careless mistakes.
4. SPEAKING
It tests your ability to communicate effectively, not just your grammatical accuracy. Don't learn scripts of prepared answers. The examiner is trained to spot this and will change the question. Develop your answers as much as possible. Speak more than the examiner. Ask for clarification if necessary. Remember it is not a test of knowledge and there is no single answer, but ensure that you give your opinion. Don't worry if you feel it is not sophisticated enough. The areas covered are fairly predictable and not infinite so practise at home recording ideas onto a tape recorder.
How to improve your IELTS performance:
1. LISTENING
Read instructions carefully, don't just glance at them. They are not always the same as in practice or previous tests. Try and anticipate what the speaker will say. This requires concentration, easy in your own language, but more difficult in English. Remember if you want a high score you should aim to get all questions in parts one and two correct. Don't make any careless mistakes in the easier sections. Small errors can lead to low scores so be careful with your spelling at all times. Don't panic if you think the topic is too difficult or the speaker is too fast. Relax and tune in. Read, write and listen at the same time. Tricky, but practice well. Don't leave blanks.
2. READING
Leave a question if you can't answer. To spend a long time on one answer is disastrous. Go back later if you have time and guess if you have to. Don't panic if you don't know anything about the subject matter covered in the passage. All the answers are in the passage and you don't need any specialist knowledge. Remember you have no extra time to transfer your answers, many candidates think because they have extra time in listening they are able to do this in reading too. You can't. Before the exam, read as widely as possible (e.g. newspapers, magazines, journals). Don't limit yourself to one type of text and read articles with an academic style where possible. Look at the ways paragraphs are organised. Try and predict content of paragraphs from the opening sentence. Give every paragraph you read an imaginary heading. Don't concentrate on words you don't know. It wastes valuable time. Careless mistakes cost many marks. Copy the answer correctly if it is in the passage.
3. WRITING
Highlight/circle key words.
Clearly divide paragraphs.
Don't repeat ideas in a different way.
Stick to the topic.
Careful with timing - don't rush Task Two, it's longer and is worth more points.
Paragraph simply, with one idea in each paragraph.
Avoid informal language.
Learn to recognise how long 150 words looks in your handwriting. You don't really have time to count. Get used to always spending several minutes re-reading and correcting your essays. Don't memorise model answers, they won't fit the question and you will make more careless mistakes.
4. SPEAKING
It tests your ability to communicate effectively, not just your grammatical accuracy. Don't learn scripts of prepared answers. The examiner is trained to spot this and will change the question. Develop your answers as much as possible. Speak more than the examiner. Ask for clarification if necessary. Remember it is not a test of knowledge and there is no single answer, but ensure that you give your opinion. Don't worry if you feel it is not sophisticated enough. The areas covered are fairly predictable and not infinite so practise at home recording ideas onto a tape recorder.



