During pandemics, it appears that we are being forced to put our goals and plans on hold. English exams, like so many other activities, have been impacted, and the health risks of having large groups of people gathered in an enclosed environment will be present for the foreseeable future.
But what if we told you that, despite this, you can still take the IELTS exam? What if we told you that you could take this test without endangering yourself or anyone else? The good news is that it is all possible because of the IELTS Indicator test. Keep reading to know more.
- What is IELTS Indicator Test?
- What Is the Difference Between IELTS and IELTS Indicator Test?
- What IELTS Indicator Test Does?
- Who Should Take This Examination?
- What are the Benefits of Taking the Test?
- Who Will Accepts this Test?
- How to Prepare for this IELTS Indicator Test?
- What You’ll Need to Take This Test
- When will You Receive Your Results?
- Is this as Valuable as IELTS?
- How Much Does it Cost to Take the Test?
What is IELTS Indicator Test?
It is a new test introduced by the British Council to assist students who are unable to take their actual IELTS test due to Covid 19. You will receive an indicative score for each section as well as an overall indicative score if you take the indicator test. Indicative scores will show you how well you did and where you need to improve.
The main difference between the IELTS Indicator test and the standard IELTS exams is that students can take it from home instead of going to an assessment center. The security is set up using Inspera’s remote exam solution, which is essentially a repackaged open-source application called Safe Exam Browser. This application can help students avoid opening another application window on their computers. However, it does not completely replace the recognition of the in-person IELTS test, so students should check with their university to see if they accept the IELTS Indicator result and certificate as well.
What Is the Difference Between IELTS and IELTS Indicator Test?
These two exams have far more similarities than differences. The IELTS Indicator test follows the same format as the IELTS test, including the same content, structure, and timings. There are separate sections for listening, reading, writing, and speaking, just like the original IELTS test.
The IELTS Indicator test, on the other hand, is specifically designed to be taken at home. This means you’ll be able to finish the exam on your home computer. The IELTS Indicator test’s speaking section differs from the IELTS in that it involves a video call between the candidate and the examiner.
This will take place via the online video conferencing platform. Another distinction is that the IELTS Indicator test is currently only available as an Academic test, with no option for General Training. It provides you with a preliminary score. Within seven days, you will receive your results, which will include an indicative score for each section as well as an overall band score.
What IELTS Indicator Test Does?
- 30 minutes of listening – 40 questions
- 60 minutes of reading – 40 questions
- 60 minutes of writing – 2 tasks
- 11 to 14 minutes for speaking
- three tasks via video call
The listening, reading, and writing: The test covers all four skills the same as the regular exam, it asks the same type of questions as IELTS (we have no suggestion that the level is any easier, which is important to note), and it is marked by genuine IELTS examiners, so the test’s validity in terms of authenticity is excellent. It is critical to emphasize that the test quality is identical to that of a test center!
The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections of the tests are all completed in one sitting, so make sure you have enough breakfast and plenty of water on hand – just because you’re doing it at home doesn’t mean you can pause the test and make a coffee in the middle. Again, the test will simulate exam conditions, which is beneficial because, with a little adrenaline on your side, you will be able to perform extremely well.
Speaking: The speaking test will be conducted with a real IELTS examiner via Zoom (so make sure you have this downloaded) and will take place either a few days before or after the main part of the test. You will need your passport/identity document that you used to book your IELTS indicator test, as well as paper and a pen, for your speaking test. You must first install the Zoom video call application on your laptop or computer, and you must have a web camera.
Keep in mind that both IELTS and IELTS indicators include a one-on-one speaking test with an IELTS examiner. The IELTS indicator speaking test is delivered via video call. Using our trained examiner, the IELTS indicator test focuses on real-life conversational English ability. Clearly understandable accents are not penalized.
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Who Should Take This Examination?
It is essential for any test taker who wishes to study abroad and must continue their application process with their prospective University or educational institution while IELTS testing centers are closed. This is extremely timely, as many applications to universities are approaching their final deadlines, and you not only need to know where you stand but admission decisions must be made soon.
Important Note: The IELTS Indicator test is only an academic test and was not designed for immigration purposes. It is currently only intended for university applications, and no general test indicator is available.
What are the Benefits of Taking the Test?
For Exam Takers
- The IELTS Indicator test will allow you to assess your ability in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- While IELTS testing has been suspended in some areas, the IELTS Indicator can be completed at home or online.
- For application purposes, many universities and educational institutions use the IELTS Indicator.
- IELTS Indicator is a reliable official IELTS product.
Universities and Educational Institutions
- It is an excellent way to assess your prospective students’ English Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking abilities.
- The IELTS Indicator test uses official IELTS test questions and is graded by qualified IELTS examiners using IELTS test criteria.
- It is only available for a limited time in areas where IELTS testing is currently halted due to Covid-19.
Who Will Accepts this Test?
When you are unable to take the in-person or computer IELTS, universities and other educational institutions can use the IELTS Indicator to assess your English language abilities. The exam is officially recognized in 12 countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada, and Ireland.
Many further education institutions in those countries, including universities such as University College London and St Mary’s University, accept it as an official certification of English level. Because the test provides an indicative score, if you are unsure whether the institution you are applying to accepts the test, you should contact that institution directly for clarification. We will provide more information about this ever-changing situation.
How to Prepare for this IELTS Indicator Test?
Doing online IELTS exercises under the supervision of a qualified IELTS teacher is the most effective way to prepare for the test. We provide these exercises in the form of listening, reading, writing, and speaking tests at our English grammar notes, after which you will receive feedback on your performance and suggestions for improvement.
This is beneficial because it will prepare you for the online format of the IELTS Indicator test and, as a result, will help you develop your skills, awareness, and confidence by the time you are ready to take the test.
What You’ll Need to Take This Test
- You will need a quiet and comfortable environment to take your test.
- A desktop or laptop computer (IELTS Indicator can only be used on a Mac or PC; it cannot be used on a mobile device.)
- A computer that meets the system’s minimum and recommended requirements
- A stable internet connection
- The ability to download and install wired or wireless Inspera Exam Portal (IEP) headphones (for good sound quality during your Listening test)
- A functional web camera
- Zoom has been downloaded to your laptop.
When will You Receive Your Results?
The good news is that the results are immediate. After completing all sections of the test, you will receive your results online within seven days. Retakes? You can also retake the test if necessary. Normal testing is suspended while tests are conducted once a week.
You will be given an indicative score for each section of the test as well as an overall indicative score. This is fantastic because it will give you the best opportunity to figure out what your strengths are and what you may need to work on. For example, if you need to focus on writing, you can start right away.
Is this as Valuable as IELTS?
Yes, this is a genuine IELTS product that will be recognized by universities. The IELTS indicator test is intended to assist organizations during a pandemic situation. It employs official IELTS test questions, and the performance of test takers is evaluated by qualified IELTS examiners.
As a result, the IELTS indicator test is a valid assessment of English language proficiency in terms of test construction and assessment.
How Much Does it Cost to Take the Test?
Now for some more good news. Depending on where you live, the cost of this IELTS indicator test is less than that of the actual IELTS. Clearly, a lower cost, not having to travel, receiving results in a week, and taking the exam at home must all be beneficial.
Conclusion
We hope we have given you all the information regarding the IELTS indicator test. Before you book for the test, make sure you have followed all the rules and regulations. If you have any doubts regarding the preparation feel free to contact us. Bookmark our site for more updates on IELTS Band Scores and a lot more.