As far as I know, there are two widely known international tests of English language. They are Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Let's look at the second one with me. I would try to give some words on it and also give you some useful links to further that information.
Again IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It measures ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking – for people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication.
Since 1989, IELTS has been proven and trusted worldwide to provide a secure, global, authentic and customer-focused test which measures true to life ability to communicate in English. Close to 5,000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations around the world recognise IELTS scores as a trusted and valid indicator of ability to communicate in English.
More than 700,000 people a year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond. The test is taken every year across 120 countries, and is one of the fastest growing English language tests in the world, and sets the standard in integrity, research and innovation.
There are 9 bands score ranging from 0 - 9. The nine bands and their descriptive statements are as follows:
9 Expert User - Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.8 Very Good User - Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good User - Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent User - Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest User - Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
4 Limited User - Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely Limited User - Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermitten User - No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understand spoken and written English.
1 Non User - Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
WHAT IS THE TEST FORMAT?
IELTS consists of six modules. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules. There is a choice of Reading and Writing modules according to whether a candidate is taking the Academic or General Training version of the test.
| Academic For candidates taking the test for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate studies or for professional reasons. |
General Training For candidates taking the test for entry to vocational or training programmes not at degree level, for admission to secondary schools and for immigration purposes. |
The test modules are taken in the following order
| Listening
4 sections, 40 items
Approximately 30 minutes |
| Academic Reading
3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes | OR | General Training Reading
3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes |
| Academic Writing
2 tasks
60 minutes |
OR | General Training Writing
2 tasks
60 minutes |
| Speaking
11 to 14 minutes |
| Total Test Time
2 hours 44 minutes |
