IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised test, created by the Cambridge University, aimed at estimating one’s understanding and mastery of the English language. IELTS tests all levels of English, and its results can be used if you intend to work or study abroad. Numerous universities, companies, immigration services and many professional associations require this test. Passing an IELTS test is mandatory for immigration into Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
There are two varieties of the IELTS test:
IELTS Academic – used by universities and professional organisations,
IELTS General – used in recruiting and immigration.
IELTS test structure
IELTS exams are paper based and consist of 4 modules, usually taken in this order:
The first three parts are taken sequentially, without a break. The oral part (Speaking) takes place a few days before or after the test. Listening and speaking parts are identical for IELTS Academic and General tests, but reading and writing parts are pretty different.
|Listening||30 minutes + 10 minutes to copy the answers onto the answer sheet||Listen to 4 conversations or lectures and answer questions.|
|Reading||60 minutes||Read 3 – 5 texts and answer questions.|
|Writing||60 minutes (20 + 40 minutes)||One essay is a response to a given subject (at least 150 words) and in the other you are required to express an opinion about another topic (at least 250 words).|
|Speaking||11 – 14 minutes||Three assignments: 1. introduction where you speak about yourself 2. you are given a topic and 1 minute to prepare after which you have to speak on the topic for 2 minutes and answer the examiner's questions 3. the last part are additional questions on the previous topic.|
IELTS is scored from 0 to 9, and research has shown that IELTS levels correspond to the Council of Europe’s table as follows:
|Council of Europe
Common European Framework
|C2 Good user||8.5+|
|C1 Competent User||7.0 – 8.0|
|B2 Independent User||5.5 – 6.5|
|B1 Threshold User||4.0 – 5.0|
|A2 Waystage User||1.0 – 3.5|
Applying for an IELTS test
Please familiarise yourself with IELTS test schedules and locations in time. You can find detailed information on that, as well as IELTS test examples on British Council’s official website.
IELTS test takers have the choice between taking IELTS on paper or on computer in Croatia. The test content, timing and structure is the same in both versions and, importantly, the Speaking test remains face-to-face with a trained IELTS Examiner. You can use range of practice materials to familiarise yourself further with the computer-delivered test.
Apply here for your IELTS test.
IELTS testing is organised exclusively by the British Council and you can take the test in their administrative centres in Zagreb and Split.
The test takes place usually once a month. Check the schedule here.
IELTS test pricelist
IELTS Academic test 1.696 kn
IELTS General test 1.696 kn
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) 1.708 kn
(Academic and General Training)
Paper-based test results are delivered within two weeks after taking the test.
Computer-delivered test results are delivered within 5-7 days from the exam date.
The results are valid for 2 years.
How to prep for IELTS?
We recommend taking a prep course early enough to gather experience and prepare well for the test day. In order to reach your desired score, you probably need to acquire certain test taking strategies and skills.
Arte et Marte’s prep courses provide a high quality and comprehensive preparation to help you take the IELTS test. They include free materials (books and multimedia) for all participants. The course will boost your language skills that will be put to the test at IELTS, but even more importantly, it will help you master the techniques and strategies required to take this test more smoothly. Some of them refer to specific listening and reading techniques or information spotting, while others include taking notes efficiently during the reading, speaking and writing sections.
We use well established principles and methods, devised and advanced through years of pedagogical and methodical work. We only work in small groups; we are flexible when scheduling time slots, and all our teachers use the same student-centered approach. Our task is to provide support in a comfortable and relaxed working environment.
A measurable progress is paramount, so we recommend taking entrance and final exams with your course (both are included in the course price). Group or individual prep course will consequently focus on honing the skill where you scored lower.
We use real and up to date materials, and all participants get their opportunity to acquaint themselves completely with all specifics of the test. If you can’t find what you’re looking for on our website and prices, please contact us and we will find a solution.
Depending on your needs, initial level and free time, we offer the following:
IELTS group prep courses
CRASH PREP COURSE 32 lessons
A crash course is recommended for students who can’t spend a lot of time over the week, or live outside of Zagreb. The course is short and intense, so it assumes you can also work intensely on your own.
REGULAR PREP COURSE 40 lessons
This course is for students who can work in a small group in a comparatively short time frame. This course takes an optimal pace and intensity in order to give all language skills and test questions enough attention. It is assumed that you will work on your own alongside this course.
INTENSIVE PREP COURSE 60 lessons
An intensive course is ideal for students who want prepare thoroughly, or can spend less time working on their own, or have scored low on the entrance exam but are aiming for a high score. The intensive course will give you enough time to revise grammar, boost all language skills and go through question types that will appear in the test.
IELTS individual prep courses
INDIVIDUAL PREP COURSE 34 lessons
This course is for those who prefer an individual approach, their teacher’s full attention and support, high quality materials and multimedia. Schedule, content and dynamics are tailored for the students and their aimed score.
INDIVIDUAL PREP MODULE 8 lessons
Prep module is for students who need to raise their score on only one or maximum two skills on the test. Lessons schedule, content and dynamics are tailored in line with student’s pace and aimed score.
Our groups have a maximum of 5 participants!
Course materials, entrance and final exams as well as IELTS test examples are FREE.
All IELTS courses are held in Zagreb, or over Skype.
Our individual and group course price list is here.
Please contact us for more information and signing up.
|GROUP PREP||INDIVIDUAL PREP|
|Crash course (32 lessons)||Regular course (40 lessons)||Intensive course (60 lessons)||Individual course (34 lessons)||Individual module (8 lessons)|