IELTS preparation: everything about taking the test in Ukraine

When starting a new job, we usually present a certificate confirming our level of English proficiency. For working in an international company, studying abroad, and living in English-speaking countries, it's necessary to undergo specialized testing, the results of which are recognized worldwide. IELTS is one of such types of tests.

Contents

1. IELTS is the most popular English language test

2. IELTS: price, format and structure of the test

2.1. Characteristics of General Training

2.2. Peculiarities of the Academic test

2.3. Who needs to take the UKVI test?

3. How to prepare for IELTS online: nuances and requirements

4. IELTS preparation courses

IELTS is the most popular English language test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was developed in 1989 by the University of Cambridge, the British Council and the educational organization IDP Australia.

IELTS is the most well-known and widespread English language proficiency test and checks all language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking), which is recognized by public and private institutions and organizations in more than 140 countries.

There are two main types of IELTS test:

• General Training (for living and working in an English-speaking country);
• Academic (for entering a foreign university or postgraduate education in an English-speaking country).

Separately, the UKVI test is taken for studying, working or immigrating to Great Britain.

The IELTS certificate is an opportunity to study, work and live abroad
 

IELTS: price, format and structure of the test

Due to the Russian full-scale invasion, taking the IELTS test in person at testing centers in Ukraine is temporarily not possible. However, it is possible to register for and take the IELTS Academic test online.

Characteristics of General Training

• Who is this test suitable for?

This test is suitable for anyone planning to move to an English-speaking country, using a foreign language actively in everyday life, pursue higher education (without a doctoral degree), applying for a work abroad, or joining an international company in Ukraine.

• Test format

In Ukraine, the test it conducted neither online nor offline.

Abroad, you can take either a paper-based or a computer-based test at the nearest testing center. You can view the list of such centers, choose an available date, and register on the Take IELTS website (takeielts.britishcouncil.org).

Make sure to familiarize yourself with the exam eligibility and preparation for IELTS in your chosen country on the same website.

• The price of taking IELTS

The costs vary for each country and type of testing, and an up-to-date list of prices is available online. The cost includes preparation materials for IELTS and practice tests.

• Duration

The test duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes for the first three sections (30 minutes for listening and 10 minutes for answer recording, 60 minutes for reading, 60 minutes for writing), and up to 15 minutes for speaking. The speaking test can take place on the same day as the main test or within seven days before or after.

• The structure of the test

1. Listening – you will be given 4 audio recordings, after listening to which you have to complete different tasks. In the audio, speakers usually speak with different accents and pronunciation features. Each audio can only be listened to once. The topics of conversations and monologues are related to everyday life and learning.

2. Reading – you will have to read from 3 or 4 short texts on a general topic and complete a series of tasks for them. It can be choosing one or more correct answers, summarizing the text, filling in the gaps in the table.

3. Writing – the first task will require you to write a 150+ word letter in a specified format and style (personal, semi-formal or formal) and the second task will require you to write a 250+ word essay on a given topic.

4. Speaking – communication with the examiner will be divided into three parts. First, you will need to answer general questions about yourself, your family, work, hobbies. Next, you will choose a topic for your speech and, after preparation, you must present your short monologue. In the end, you'll engage in a dialogue with an examiner, who will continue the topic from your previous presentation.

When preparing for IELTS, carefully consider your purpose and decide on the test type that suits you best
 

Peculiarities of the Academic test

• Who is this test suitable for?

For those who want to obtain a bachelor's degree at a higher educational institution in an English-speaking country or receive postgraduate education abroad.

• Test format

In Ukraine, you can take the test remotely, after pre-registering on the official website of the British Council (britishcouncil.org.ua) or on the websites of partners (grade.ua and studenttravel.ua).

Before taking this exam, be sure to check whether your educational institution accepts the online test certificate.

Also, please note that Ukrainians staying abroad have the option to take the Academic IELTS test in person at testing centers in over a hundred countries worldwide. To choose a location, date, and register, visit the aforementioned Take IELTS website.

• The price of taking IELTS

The cost of the Academic IELTS online test in Ukraine is 4750 UAH. The price includes preparation materials for IELTS, such as instructional videos, practice tests, and applications for additional language practice.

• Duration

The same as when taking the general test – 2 hours 40 minutes for listening, reading and writing, as well as 10-14 minutes for speaking (a video call with the examiner).

• The structure of the test

Tasks do not differ structurally from General Training, but they are different in content. Let's take a look:

1. Listening – there are 4 audio recordings of native English speakers with conversations and monologues on everyday topics, as well as on the topic of education and professional training, followed by various tasks.

2. Reading – you will receive 3 large texts (from factual to analytical) intended for a general audience of non-specific periodicals, as well as 40 different tasks for them.

3. Writing – you will be asked to write a description, explanation or summary of data to be presented in a table, line graph, pie chart, etc. (150+ words) and write an essay (250+ words) on a specific topic. Both texts should be written in an official style.

4. Speaking – a conversation with the examiner, during which you will need to answer questions about yourself, give a monologue on the proposed topic (with the possibility of quick preparation) and support a dialogue on the same topic.

Who needs to take the UKVI test?

The IELTS UKVI (United Kingdom Visas and Immigration) test is a special English language proficiency test required by the UK Visa and Immigration Service for those planning to study or work in the United Kingdom. 

Structurally, it does not differ from Academic or General Training IELTS. Additionally, some British higher education institutions accept IELTS Academic scores – before taking a specific test, clarify all the details.

If the UKVI test is required, it can currently be taken outside of Ukraine at British Council-approved test centers, as recognized by the UK Home Office.

How to prepare for IELTS online: nuances and requirements

Let's go back to the Academic test, which can be taken online in Ukraine. This type of test is not suitable for immigration purposes, but it is recognized by educational institutions worldwide.

Since the testing is conducted remotely, your computer or laptop must meet specific technical requirements. In particular, you will need to install the Inspera Exam Portal software, which the testing is based on.

During the test, you will be monitored through a combination of remote observation by an examiner via webcam and the use of artificial intelligence. Your browser will be locked during the test, so you won't have access to any internet resources.

Furthermore, you must have an ID document with you. Before taking IELTS, prepare a tablet or smartphone that will be used during registration for room verification. The room where you will be working during the test must be well-lit, and no other people can be present.

Only individuals who are 18 years old or older are eligible to take the test.

All the details regarding taking and preparing for IELTS are outlined on the official British Council website
 

As for the assessment, answers in the "Listening" and "Reading" modules will be automatically checked, while the "Writing" and "Speaking" modules will be assessed by professional examiners.

The certificate with your test results will be valid for two years. Your score breakdown is as follows:

IELTS preparation courses

Practice tests are indeed a crucial element of IELTS preparation, as they not only assess your language knowledge but also train you to quickly navigate through various tasks.

Additionally, there are specialized apps that are beneficial to install a few months before the test: the IELTS Prep App (exercises for test preparation) and LearnEnglish Audio and Video (English podcasts and videos to enrich your vocabulary and enhance listening skills).

The best and most reliable way to prepare for IELTS is through a specialized course. Such a course will familiarize you with the test structure, various task types, and allow you to practice with real tests. You'll also learn about the test day regulations and receive detailed guidance on how to prepare for the exam.

IELTS preparation course is available in our online marketplace. It consists of four parts, as the structure of the actual test.

The primary focus of the course is on IELTS Academic, particularly:

• peculiarities of the test and its differences from General Training;
• requirements for each test section and examples of tasks;
• practicing all types of tasks (sample answers with brief analysis included for the "Writing" and "Speaking" sections: how many points such an answer can potentially score and why);
• tips that will help you prepare for the IELTS without breaking a sweat.

The cost of the booyya IELTS preparation course is 1,295 (UAN). By purchasing it, you will have permanent access to all materials in your personal account on the booyya platform. Therefore, at any time, you can watch educational videos, re-read all explanatory texts and remind yourself of the answers, or complete the suggested tasks and tests for consolidation from scratch.

Choose the option that suits you best and be sure to practice before taking the IELTS exam:

• Practice your listening skills in a foreign language, learn to catch the key words, as well as the overall context of what you hear.

• Try effective reading techniques, learn to distinguish main points from secondary ones in texts.

• Familiarize yourself with different writing styles, types of texts, their forms, and the standard grammatical and lexical structures associated with them.

• Speak as much as possible, practice monologues and dialogues on various topics.

• Develop the habit of finding parts of the answer and useful cues in the questions themselves.

• Work on your mistakes, identify and improve your weaknesses, and analyze your progress.

Good luck to you!