IELTS the most popular English Exam worldwide

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. However, IELTS isn't as popular as say the Cambridge for example in Europe where there appears to be more Cambridge exam centres. Many students in Spain aren't aware of this exam and it's difficult to find courses in most cities.

Why is it so popular?

One of the reasons why IELTS is so popular is that it is widely accepted - by more than 11,000 organisations in over 140 countries, more than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency. The governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand accept IELTS results. The IELTS score you need depends on the requirements of your visa. In most cases you need to score more than a 6, anything less than a 6 isn't accepted, this is something you need to check beforehand.

What's the difference between the Cambridge and the IELTS?

They both cost roughly the same in price and both can be paper or computer based exams. Unlike the Cambridge Speaking where you have two examiners and two candidates taking the test, in the IELTS you only have 1-1. The listening extracts are played twice in the Cambridge making it easier, however, in the IELTS it is only played once. The writing and reading is very different, IELTS writing part 1 involves describing a graph, bar chart etc. The reading extracts in the IELTS are in my opinon more difficult as they are more technical and involve difficult vocabulary but on the other hand you avoid difficult grammar like they have in the Cambridge.

Help with the IELTS Speaking

The best advice I can give anyone who wants to know how to prepare for the speaking is to first of all watch as many Youtube videos of candidates taking their exam. Now, some of these videos aren't provided by the official IELTS board as some of them don't have accurate scores, but you will still get the gist of how it's done.
Secondly, don't take the exam when you know you still need to improve these most important areas: Grammar Are you using the right tense formations, verbs etc when speaking abut the present, past and furture?
Voice Is your voice clear enough to understand? Are you pronouncing the words correctly, connecting the sounds together?
Vocabulary and Adjectives Try not to keep repeating the same words, the examiner will ask you various questions to check that you know some vocabulary in those areas and that you describe these things well.
Confidence If you are a nervous person and not confident that you will achieve the desired score then wait until you are ready. A lot of candidates pause or hesitate due to nerves and it's difficult for the examiner to understand or follow. Do a few trial/mock classes beforehand to gain more confidence and get the best advice on how to improve.