The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is aimed at people who are planning to work or study in an English speaking environment. The exam is recognized around the world, being one of the pioneer exams to evaluate the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. The exam applies to everyone who for any reason needs to prove proficiency in English.
The exam is available in two formats – General and Academic Training – which have to be chosen by the candidate when the application is submitted. The choice will depend on the reason why the individual is taking the test.
EC Malta offers IELTS Exam Preparation Course completely in line with the IELTS test requirements. The course includes daily practice and exam simulations in class.
General IELTS Exam
This module is directed to people who are intending to live in an English-speaking country – for instance England, Australia or Canada. Moreover, for those who are planning to study at a level below degree.
Academic IELTS Exam
The Academic module is more specific for students who intend to apply for post-graduate courses as well as for those who are seeking professional registration.
Differences between both
Both formats involve four skills, however, the difference between the Academic exam and General are found in the writing and reading paper. For those people taking Academic, writing and reading will be more scientific with more complex vocabulary, whereas the General exam will include more general vocabulary. (See below for more details)
The Exam
Speaking – This skill is held in a different day from the others, around two weeks before or after exam date. The administration of the exam informs candidates days before the test. The speaking part takes around 15 minutes in total.
Listening – It is the first paper on exam day. For this part, candidates have to answer 40 questions while listening to recorded extracts, since it is played only once. After this part, the applicant has 10 minutes to transfer their answers to the answer sheet. The listening test takes about 40 minutes in total.
Reading – There are three articles in the reading paper and the candidate should answer 40 questions related to them in a period of one hour. The student has to transfer their answer within the time given.
Note: The paper for those taking the Academic Format has scientific articles with more complex vocabulary, whereas the General English has more basic articles with a general vocabulary.
Writing – This is the last skill during the test. In the writing paper the candidate has 2 tasks. The first should be at a minimum of 150 words while the second at 250 words. Both tasks have to be written in a period of one hour – It is advised to spend 20 minutes in the first question and 40 minutes in the second.
Note: For those candidates taking Academic Format, the writing requested in ‘Part 1’ is in the form of a report of a line graphic, bar charts or process, while, in ‘Part 2’ the applicant must write an essay about a specific topic. On the other hand, those taking the General Format have to write a letter in ‘Part 1’ and an essay in ‘Part 2’.
Location: The IELTS exam in Malta is held only at the Exchange Buildings, in Valleta.
The Malta Chamber of Commerce,
Enterprise and Industry
Republic Street – Valletta
Price and Payment: The fee of IELTS exam per applicant is €177. The amount can be paid by credit card, cash, bank transfer or cheques.
Results: The result is available after 13 days from the exam date, being possible to check over the internet.
Check about the test dates and the closing dates for applications below:
Test Dates Closing Date for Applications
10th May 2014 25th April 2014
7th June 2014 23rd May 2014
21st June 2014 6th June 2014
10th July 2014 25th June 2014
2nd August 2014 18th July 2014
21st August 2014 6th August 2014
6th September 2014 22nd August 2014
27th September 2014 12th September 2014
2nd October 2014 17th September 2014
1st November 2014 17th October 2014
6th December 2014 21st November 2014
Study English in Malta with EC English Language Centres!