The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognized standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Established in 1989, IELTS is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English, and has become one of the most prominent English language tests globally. The test offers two modules: Academic and General Training. The Academic version is tailored for individuals seeking to study at tertiary institutions in English-speaking countries or pursue professional registration, while the General Training version is geared towards those planning to work, train, study at a secondary school, or migrate to an English-speaking country. IELTS evaluates four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The speaking component, conducted as a one-to-one interview with an examiner, is a crucial part of the assessment and can be done face-to-face or via video conference. Test takers receive scores ranging from Band 1 (“non-user”) to Band 9 (“expert user”), with Band 0 assigned to those who did not attempt the test. There is no pass or fail threshold; instead, each institution or organization sets its own required score.
IELTS Bands
Band 1 (Non-User): You have no ability to use the language except for a few isolated words.
Band 2 (Intermittent User): You can only communicate basic information using single words or short phrases in very familiar situations.
Band 3 (Extremely Limited User): You can convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations, but communication often breaks down.
Band 4 (Limited User): You can handle basic communication in familiar situations but struggle with understanding and expression, especially with complex language.
Band 5 (Modest User): You have partial command of the language and can manage overall meaning in most situations, though you make frequent mistakes.
Band 6 (Competent User):You have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings, and you can use it well in familiar contexts.
Band 7 (Good User): You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations. You generally handle complex language well.
Band 8 (Very Good User): You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. You can handle complex detailed argumentation well.
Band 9 (Expert User): You have a full operational command of the language, using it appropriately, accurately, and fluently with complete understanding.
International Qualifications Framework Levels – comparative to IELTS bands
IQF Levels
Level 1 = IELTS 3.5
Level 2 = IELTS 4.0
Level 3 = IELTS 4.5
Level 4 = IELTS 5.0
Level 5 = IELTS 5.5
Level 6 = IELTS 6.0
Level 7 = IELTS 6.5
Level 8-10 = IELTS >6.5
Examples of Bands
Here are example paragraphs for different IELTS English levels, all conveying the same core message about the importance of exercise:
Band 1:
Exercise good. Body strong. Feel good. Do exercise.
Band 2:
Exercise is good. It make body strong. People feel good when exercise. Do exercise every day. It help health.
Band 3:
Exercise is good for health. It makes the body strong. People who exercise feel better. They have more energy. Exercise can help with weight. It is good to exercise often.
Band 4:
Exercise is important for health. It makes the body stronger and helps people feel better. Those who exercise regularly have more energy. Exercise can also help with weight control. It is recommended to do some exercise every day. Even a little exercise is good for health.
Band 5:
Exercise is good for health. It makes the body strong. People who exercise feel better. They have more energy. Exercise can help with weight. It is important to exercise often. Even a little exercise is better than none.
Band 6:
Regular exercise has many benefits for our health and wellbeing. It helps to strengthen our bodies and improve our fitness levels. People who exercise regularly often report feeling more energetic and positive. Additionally, exercise can assist with weight management. It is recommended to incorporate some form of physical activity into our daily routines, as even moderate amounts of exercise are beneficial.
Band 7:
Engaging in regular physical activity offers numerous advantages for both our physical and mental health. Exercise not only strengthens our muscles and cardiovascular system but also enhances our overall fitness and stamina. Furthermore, individuals who maintain a consistent exercise routine frequently experience increased energy levels and a more positive outlook on life. Another significant benefit is the role exercise plays in weight management and maintaining a healthy body composition. Health experts advocate for incorporating regular physical activity into our daily lives, emphasizing that even moderate amounts of exercise can yield substantial health benefits.
Band 8:
Regular physical exercise is widely recognized as a cornerstone of good health and wellbeing, offering a myriad of benefits that extend far beyond mere physical fitness. Engaging in consistent exercise routines not only strengthens our musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems but also significantly enhances our overall stamina and resilience. Moreover, individuals who adhere to regular exercise regimens often report experiencing elevated energy levels, improved mood, and a more positive outlook on life. The role of exercise in weight management and maintaining optimal body composition cannot be overstated, as it helps regulate metabolism and burn excess calories. Health professionals unanimously advocate for the integration of regular physical activity into our daily lives, emphasizing that even moderate amounts of exercise, when performed consistently, can yield substantial and long-lasting health benefits across various aspects of our physical and mental wellbeing.
Band 9:
The profound impact of regular physical exercise on human health and wellbeing cannot be overstated, as it offers a comprehensive array of benefits that permeate every aspect of our physical and mental functioning. Engaging in consistent exercise routines not only fortifies our musculoskeletal structure and enhances cardiovascular efficiency but also dramatically improves our overall stamina, flexibility, and physiological resilience. Furthermore, individuals who maintain regular exercise habits frequently report experiencing a significant boost in energy levels, enhanced cognitive function, and a markedly more positive psychological outlook. The pivotal role of exercise in weight management and body composition optimization is well-documented, as it effectively regulates metabolic processes and facilitates the efficient burning of excess calories. Health experts and researchers unanimously advocate for the seamless integration of regular physical activity into our daily routines, emphasizing that even moderate amounts of exercise, when performed consistently, can yield profound and far-reaching health benefits. These benefits extend to improved immune function, better sleep quality, reduced risk of chronic diseases, and enhanced overall quality of life, underscoring the critical importance of making exercise a non-negotiable component of our lifestyle choices.
How does IELTS affect IPSQA assessment?
Unless specified in the standard, candidates can be assessed in their native language. For those that are assessed in English, the level of complexity in answering questions can be benchmarked against the IELTS bands. For example, those being assessed for the IPSQA Graduate Certificate in Public Safety (Level 7) would be expected their written work to be at least IELTS band 6.0 or higher. For those being assessed in their native language, it should be of equivalent complexity and command of vocabulary. This also applies to assessment design, such as examination questions where the questions should be at the appropriate level of complexity also.