The IELTS test is probably one of the most popular English proficiency exams out there, together with the TOEFL. IELTS can be taken online as well. However, what happens if you get disconnected during the IELTS test?
If you are disconnected during a test, you can simply rejoin and continue where you left off. Your progress is stored by the system, which means you do not need to start from scratch. When in doubt, always request assistance from the person in charge.
In this article, let us discuss what happens if you get disconnected during an IELTS test and some other common questions you might have about the IELTS test itself.
What Is the IELTS Test?
The IELTS test refers to the International English Language Testing System. It is a worldwide recognized test to measure a person’s English proficiency. The test is organized and managed by the British Council. It is broken down into four parts – speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
The IELTS test is taken worldwide and is often used by universities or organizations to determine a candidate’s English proficiency. As a result, many people take the test to prepare for their tertiary studies or future employment.
Aside from IELTS, another popular English language proficiency test is the TOEFL – Test of English Language As A Foreign Language. TOEFL is administered by the ITS, an American organization, and hence uses American English.
There are also other English Language Assessments, such as the Cambridge Assessment English and Trinity College London Exams. These tests are, however, not as popular as IELTS.
Can You Take the IELTS Test Online?
You can take the IELTS online starting in 2022. IELTS developed and introduced online tests, perhaps due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Candidates can now take the reading, writing, and listening test online. However, speaking is still conducted face to face with an assessor.
The IELTS has been strictly a pen and paper test since its inception in 1980. However, the rise of the Covid-19 pandemic forced the British Council to rethink its approach toward IELTS. In early 2022, they rolled out the online test.
One of the best reasons you should consider an online test is its quickness. The standard pen and paper test may take up to 13-15 days to get your results. With the online test, you can get your results back in as early as 3-5 days.
Online tests are also less taken by many others, which means your test, is much quieter, and the administration of the test takes less time.
Candidates start by confirming their personal details on the screen before starting the tests. Once you start, the test clock starts counting down. The writing and reading test takes 60 minutes, while the listening test takes 30 minutes. Only the writing, reading, and listening parts can be taken online, with the speaking test remaining face-to-face.
The reason is that the British Council still feels that the assessors can do a better job if they talk to the candidates face to face. The speaking test may or may not be taken on the same day, depending on your arrangements with your person-in-charge. The speaking test takes 11-14 minutes.
Can You Fail the IELTS Test?
Technically speaking, the concept of failing the IELTS test does not exist. You get assigned a band, meaning you are between an expert user (9) or a non-user of English (1). You only get band 0 if you did not attempt the test.
IELTS scores are given out based on a nine-point scale, each band representing a different level of English proficiency than the one before it. For reporting purposes, the overall band scores are rounded to the nearest half band.
If the average score across all four skills ends at .25, the value is rounded to the next half band. If the average score across all four skills ends at .75, the value is rounded to the next whole band. This is the rounding convention that applies.
The highest band of 9 signifies you are an expert user, demonstrating appropriateness, accuracy, fluency, and comprehensive comprehension of the English language. You also possess a full operational command of the language.
The lowest band possible is 1, which is specified as ‘non-user.’ You only get band 1 if you have virtually no capacity to communicate in the language, with the possible exception of a few words here and there. Band 0 is only assigned to you if you did not take the test.
Take note that there are no such things as pass or fail in IELTS’s band scale, which means you technically cannot fail IELTS. It’s just that lower bands may hamper your opportunity to qualify for some university, immigration, or employment opportunities.
Can You Pause During The Online Test?
You cannot pause during the online test. The test clock starts when you confirm your details and may not be paused. You also cannot pause the audio clips during your listening test. Therefore it is essential to practice multitasking to prepare for the test.
One of the biggest misconceptions many candidates have about IELTS is that you can pause the test when you are taking it. The logic is that candidates should be able to pause the test clock for washroom breaks or to focus on answering exam questions without being distracted by the audio clips.
However, this is far from actuality and is incorrect. You cannot pause any of the tests. The test clock starts ticking the moment you confirm your details. You have 60 minutes for writing and reading and 30 minutes for listening. Since you cannot pause the test, you should focus on completing the tasks by that time.
There is also a common misconception that you can pause the audio clips during the listening test. You cannot do that. You will need to complete the listening tasks while having the audio clips playing in your ear. Therefore, you must practice multitasking to help your ability to listen along while completing the tasks.
