What is IELTS exactly, and how do you prepare for it?

雅思是什么，你要怎么准备呢？

Let's find out.

让我们一探究竟。

Now, if you are new to IELTS, you may have a lot of questions about it.

如果你是雅思的新手，你可能会有很多问题。

Who's it for?

什么人要考雅思？

What does it look like exactly?

它到底是什么样的？

How do I pass?

如何才能考过？

How do I prepare for IELTS?

我如何准备雅思考试？

How do I even book the test?

我怎么报考？

These are all great questions.

这些都是很好的问题。

I'm going to try and answer all of these questions and more in this short video so that you know whether IELTS is for you, and if it is, how to prepare the correct way.

我会在这个短视频中回答所有这些问题，这样你们就能知道雅思是否适合自己，如果适合，又该如何正确准备。

Right, let's start at the beginning.

好，让我们从头开始。

So IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System, and it's a test of English proficiency for people whose mother tongue is not English.

雅思是国际英语语言测试系统的缩写，它是一项针对母语不是英语的人的英语水平测试。

If you're watching this video, that's probably you, right?

如果你正在看这个视频，那个人可能是你，对吧？

Who is IELTS for?

什么人要考雅思？

Well, if you want to study or work in an English-speaking country, you'll probably need to show the university, college, or workplace that you have a good control of both spoken and written English, right?

那些想在英语国家学习或工作的人，可能需要向大学、学院或工作单位证明他们有良好的英语口语和写作能力。

IELTS can do that for you.

考个雅思可以证明你的水平。

It can show your control of English.

它可以显示你的英语能力如何。

It is accepted by, I think, over 11,000 education training providers around the world, including more than 3,000 from the United States.

全世界有超过 11,000 家教育培训机承认雅思成绩，其中包括来自美国的三千多家。

Likewise, if you want to migrate to a country where English is the native language, such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States; IELTS is one of the tests you can take to show that your English is good enough.

同样，如果你想移民到以英语为母语的国家，如加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰、英国和美国；雅思考试是一种可以证明你的英语水平足够好的考试。

Keith, do I need British English for IELTS?

基斯，考雅思需要用英式英语吗？

This is such a common question.

这是一个很常见的问题。

Simple answer is no, right?

简单的回答是，不。

IELTS is owned by three partner organizations, Cambridge English, who write the test, and IDP and the British Council, who deliver the test.

雅思考试由三个合作组织所有，剑桥大学考试委员会负责编写考试，IDP 和英国文化教育协会负责提供考试。

Cambridge English and the British Council are British.

剑桥大学考试委员会和英国文化教育协会都是英国的。

IDP is an Australian organization that provides international education services.

IDP 是一个提供国际教育服务的澳大利亚组织。

Interestingly, many people wrongly think that IELTS is a test of British English.

有趣的是，许多人错误地认为雅思考的是英式英语。

It's not, right?

不是的。

The clue is in the name, IELTS, International English Language Testing System, right?

线索就在名字里，IELTS，国际英语语言测试系统。

It's international, and that means, therefore, that when you're writing, you can use American spelling or British spelling.

它是国际化的，因此，这意味着，当你写作时，你可以使用美式拼写或英式拼写。

Make sure you choose one.

你要选定一种。

Don't mix them.

不要把它们混在一起。

Choose one and stick with it.

选定一种，然后一直用这种拼写。

In the speaking test, you can speak with an American accent, a British accent, a local accent.

在口语测试中，你可以用美式口音、英式口音、地方口音作答。

It doesn't matter.

这不重要。

In fact, accent is not evaluated in IELTS speaking.

事实上，雅思口语中并没有对口音进行打分。

Pronunciation yes, accent, no.

发音会有评分，但口音没有。

If you wanna find out more about the evaluation of IELTS speaking, check out this video up here.

如果你想了解更多关于雅思口语的评分制度，请查看这里的视频。

And also the listening test, well, you'll be tested on your ability to understand speakers of many countries, like South Africa or Australia, Ireland, the United States, and so on.

还有听力测试，考的是考生听懂不同国家的人说话的能力，比如南非、澳大利亚、爱尔兰、美国等等。

So it's very much an international test.

所以这在很大程度上是一个国际性测试。

If like me, now and again, you're on Facebook or Instagram, you may see this question.

我在脸书或 Instagram 上时不时会看到这个问题。

Everybody, which is easier, IDP or the British Council?

各位，IDP 和英国文化教育协会的雅思考试哪个更容易？

Now, both organizations deliver the test.

这两个组织都提供了测试。

But here's the thing, Cambridge English write the test, so it's the same test.

但问题是，出题者是剑桥大学考试委员会，所以这两个组织提供的考试是一样的。

Whether you go with IDP or British Council, it doesn't matter.

不管你报名哪个组织的考生，都没关系。

It's the same test.

这是一样的测试。

Your result will be the same.

你的成绩将是一样的。

So neither are easier, right?

没有哪个更难的说法。

It's not really even a question.

这甚至不是一个问题。

So what does the IELTS test look like?

那么雅思考试是什么样的呢？

Well, in fact, the test has two modules, right?

事实上，这个测试有两个模块。

You can choose either the Academic IELTS or the General IELTS.

你可以选择学术类雅思或移民类雅思。

Which one is right for you?

哪一个适合你？

Well, it depends.

呃，那要看是什么类型的。

The academic module is the suitable one if you're going to study abroad or in an English-speaking environment at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

如果你打算在国外学习或在一个英语环境下读本科或研究生，适合考学术类。

It's also favored by many organizations for professional registration purposes.

学术类也受到许多组织的青睐，用于专业注册目的。

So for example, in the fields of medicine, nursing, accountancy, if you're going to work as a professional in those fields, you may need the IELTS Academic.

例如，在医学、护理、会计领域，如果你想成为这些领域的专业人士，你可能需要雅思学术考试。

The General module will be needed for those going to an English-speaking country to study below degree level, so for example, in secondary education.

对于那些前往英语国家攻读学位以下学位的学生，例如中学教育，将需要考移民类。

For those who are going for work experience and also who need IELTS as part of a visa requirement for migration to an English-speaking country; so if you're going to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the UK, then you'll probably need the IELTS General module.

那些需要去国外工作，以及需要雅思作为移民到英语国家的签证要求的人；所以如果你打算移民到加拿大、澳大利亚、新西兰或英国，那么你可能需要考雅思移民类考。

The important thing is, right, you must always, always check with the university or the organization you are applying to, which module you should take, right?

重要的是，必须跟你申请的大学或组织核实，你应该考哪类。

These are guidelines, but please always double-check.

这些是只是指导方针，一定要核实清楚。

Now, the test, right, needs to show that you can function well in English in a variety of academic, work, or life settings.

雅思考试需要证明你在各种学术、工作或生活环境中都能很好地使用英语。

So each module, both the General and the Academic, test four skills.

所以每种类型，包括移民类和学术类，都测试四种技能。

They test your reading, your listening, your writing, and your speaking skills.

两者都测试阅读、听力、写作和口语技能。

The Academic module has a special different test for the reading and the writing because that's where the academic skills are shown more.

学术类的阅读和写作部分有一个特别的不同试题，因为学术类要考学术技巧嘛。

However, the listening and the speaking is the same test for Academic and General IELTS.

不过，两种测试的听力和口语部分都是一样的。

For the speaking test, you will have an interview.

口语测试的形式的面试。

It's face-to-face interview with an examiner, a real person.

与真人考官进行面试。

It may be sometimes by video conference, but normally by in a face-to-face interview, and it lasts about 11 to 14 minutes.

有时可能是通过视频面试，但通常是通过面对面的面试，持续大约 11 到 14 分钟。

There are three different parts.

口语考试分为三部分。

If you want to find out more about the speaking test in IELTS, go and check out this video up here.

如果你想了解更多关于雅思口语考试的信息，去看看这个视频。

If you want to know more about the details of the test format for the four different skills, go and check out the link in the description below to find out more.

想了解更多关于四种不同技能的测试格式的细节，请点击下方描述中的链接了解更多。

Now, where can you take the IELTS test?

那么，雅思考试在哪里考呢？

Well, you can take IELTS with either IDP or the British Council in one of their test centers.

你可以在 IDP 或英国文化协会的考试中心参加雅思考试。

There are centers in over 120 countries around the world.

在全球超过 120 个国家设有考试中心。

Again, you can find out where the nearest test center to you is by clicking on the link.

同样，大家可以通过点击链接找到离你最近的考试中心在哪里。

Find the Test Center down in the description below or visit the www.ielts.org website.

在下面的描述中找到考试中心或访问 www.ielts.org 网站。

You can take the test either on a computer or a paper-based test, right?

你可以用电脑考试或者纸质考试。

For both modules, the reading, listening, and writing are done at a test center or a test venue, taking a total of two and a half hours.

两个类型的考试包括阅读、听力和写作，都是在考试中心或考场完成的，总共需要两个半小时。

So your reading is one hour, listening 30 minutes, writing one hour, and then the speaking test is done separately in the face-to-face interview, normally taking 11 to 14 minutes as mentioned earlier.

阅读是 1 个小时，听力 30 分钟，写作 1 小时，然后口语测试是单独考的，采用面试形式，通常需要 11 到 14 分钟，前面也提到。

Sometimes, the speaking test can also be a video conference.

有时，口语测试也可以是视频面试。

For the paper-based test, you'll get your score after 13 days.

如果参加纸质考试，你将在 13 天后拿到分数。

Normally, for the computer-based test, it's quicker, right, three to five days.

一般来说，电脑考试要快一些，大概需要三到五天的时间。

Which is better, paper-based or computer-based?

纸质考试和电脑考试哪个好？

It depends. Again, it's the same test.

这要看情况。考试内容是一样的。

The reason you have two options is to make it fairer for you to choose the way of doing the test most suitable.

提供两种选择的原因是为了让考生更公平地选择最合适的考试方式。

So if you prefer to write with a pen or a pencil, do the paper-based test.

喜欢用钢笔或铅笔考试的同学，可以参加纸质考试。

If you're really comfortable typing and you prefer to type and work with a computer, do the computer-based test.

很喜欢打字的同学，更喜欢打字和用电脑工作，可以参加在线考试。

At the end of the day, it's the same test.

归根结底，考试内容都是一样的。

Now, in some countries now you can also take the IELTS Academic test online in the comfort of your home.

现在，在一些国家，考生现在还可以在家中舒适地在线参加雅思学术考试。

The world is changing, right?

世界在变化，对吧？

This is only the Academic test and only in certain countries.

仅限于学术类，仅在某些国家/地区。

Again, there's a link below.

同样，下面有一个链接。

You can find out more about it.

你可以找到更多关于它的信息。

And the online test is the same test, same format, so it's the same preparation.

在线测试是相同的测试，相同的格式，备考也是一样的策略。

You just do it in the comfort of your home, which can be much more practical and convenient.

只是考生能在家里舒舒服服地进行考试，这会更加实用和方便。

Just to let you know, the Keith Speaking Academy, that's me, right, is now an official IDP IELTS online affiliate.

通知一下大家，Keith Speaking Academy，也就是我，现在是 IDP 雅思官方会员。

So that means you can take the test by clicking on the link below, the IELTS online.

所以这意味着你们可以通过点击下面的链接参加考试，雅思在线考试。

This means that if you book via my link, then IDP gives me a small commission, but at the same cost to you, right, you don't pay any more.

这意味着如果大家通过我的链接报考，那么 IDP 会给我一小笔佣金，但对你们来说费用是一样的，不用额外多付钱。

So just to let you know if you want to do that, it helps me and it's a way for you to book the test.

只是想让大家知道，如果你们在这里报名，这对我很有帮助，也是你们报考的一种方式。

Check out the link below.

查看下面的链接。

This is another common question by students.

这是学生的另一个常见问题。

You know, what score do I need to pass IELTS?

要通过雅思考试，我需要考多少分？

First of all, in IELTS, there is no pass, okay?

首先，在雅思考试中，没有及格可言。

It's a proficiency test.

这是一个能力测试。

So basically, you get a score from zero, the lowest level, up to band nine, the top level.

所以基本上，你得到的分数从零分，最低水平，到九分，最高水平。

If you're familiar with the Cambridge levels of A1, A2, B1, B2, Cambridge have done a chart over here that compares them both.

如果你熟悉剑桥通用英语等级的 A1， A2，B1，B2 级别，这里有张图表来对比两者。

The tests are different, so it's difficult, but more or less, you can see here, for example, a B1 would be around four to five in IELTS, and an IELTS seven would be around a C1, IELTS eight, C2.

两种考试是不同的，所以很难准确对比，只是大概，你可以在这里看到，例如，剑桥 B1 大约是雅思 4 到 5 分，雅思 7 分大约是剑桥 C1，雅思 8 分，剑桥 C2。

That's an approximation.

大约哈。

Good, so you may think, well okay, what score do I need to study abroad in the UK, for example?

好，所以你可能会想，好吧，那么，我需要多少分才能在英国留学？

Well, I'm afraid it depends because IELTS doesn't decide.

嗯，恐怕这要看情况，因为这个不是雅思决定的。

Each individual organization chooses the score that they will accept.

每个组织会有它们自己的分数要求。

So, a university in one city may say they require a seven for a subject, but a university in a different city in the same country may say, "We will accept 6.5." Each university decides.

例如，一个城市的大学可能会说他们的某一科要求雅思 7 分，但是同一个国家不同城市的大学可能会说，“我们接受 6.5 分。”取决于每所大学。

Generally speaking, an IELTS score between six and seven is accepted by most UK universities.

一般来说，大多数英国大学接受雅思成绩在 6 到 7 分之间。

But it's really important that you contact the university or organization where you're going to study and check with them what their requirement is for you.

但是联系你要学习的大学或组织，并向他们询问他们的分数要求是非常重要的。

Good, let's move on.

好，我们继续。

Right, let's talk about preparing for IELTS.

好，我们来谈谈备考雅思。

So this is really, really important, and I'm gonna say this at the beginning to be really clear.

这是非常非常重要的，我要在一开始就讲清楚。

Your main goal should be to improve your overall level of English.

你的主要目标应该是提高你的整体英语水平。

Once you feel you're at the right level of English, then and only then, focus on exam technique and preparing for the test.

一旦你觉得自己的英语水平达到了合适的水平，那么，只有在那个时候，你才能专注于考试技巧和准备考试。

You can check your level of English by working with an IELTS tutor.

你可以通过雅思辅导老师来检查你的英语水平。

You can go to a platform like Cambly or italki and ask them to give you a mock test.

你可以去 Camly 或 italki 这样的平台，让他们给你一个模拟测试。

The big mistake that many students make is to take the test too early with too little preparation.

许多学生犯的大错误是考试太早，准备太少。

Don't make that mistake.

不要犯那个错误。

For example, a student may be at a level of English of a band five in IELTS and think "Well, within a month, I can get to band seven if I prepare well." Now, in a month, yes, you can improve your exam technique, but you cannot improve your overall level of English, not very much in a month, unless you're studying maybe five hours a day.

例如，一个学生的英语水平可能在雅思考试中达到 5 分，他想“好吧，一个月内，如果我准备好了，我可以考 7 分。”在一个月内，是的，你可以提高你的考试技巧，但是你不能在一个月内提高你的整体英语水平，除非你每天学习五个小时。

Cambridge English, who create the IELTS test, experts in language learning, they recommend about 200 hours of guided study to improve your English level by one level on the CEFR, for example, to go from A2 to B1.

创建雅思考试的剑桥英语，语言学习专家，他们推荐大约 200 小时的指导学习，以将你的英语水平在 CEFR 上提高一个水平，例如，从 A2 到 B1。

One level on the CAFR, as we noticed earlier, is more or less one band in IELTS, more or less, to give you an idea, right?

正如我们之前说到，CAFR 的一个等级，在雅思考试中差不多是某个分数，大约吧，让你们有个概念。

So my suggestion is you take a general English course first to get up to the level you need, and then focus on exam technique.

所以我的建议是你先上一门普通英语课程，以达到你需要的水平，然后专注于考试技巧。

Number two, practice lots and lots.

第二，大量地练习。

And here, if we're looking at exam technique, especially for reading, writing, listening, and speaking, to understand the questions, understand the types of questions, and do lots of practice of past papers.

如果我们要看考试技巧，特别是阅读、写作、听力和口语，要理解题目，理解题目的类型，并大量地刷真题。

There are lots of good past papers on the IELTS website.

雅思网站上有很多好的真题。

Cambridge English has some.

剑桥英语有一些。

British Council has some on their Take IELTS website.

英国文化协会在他们的雅思考试网站上也有一些真题。

All the links are down below.

所有的链接都在下面。

Go and do the past papers and practice lots with those.

刷真题，用真题进行大量的练习。

You can also buy the Cambridge books, number one to 14.

你也可以买剑桥的书，从第 1 册到第 14 册。

That's really, really useful.

这真的非常非常有用。

Number three, do a speaking mock test.

第三，做一个口语模拟测试。

So the practice papers are good, but do a speaking mock test with an IELTS tutor.

练习试卷很好，但是要找个雅思辅导老师做口语模拟测试。

You can go to many platforms such as italki, Cambly, Preply.

你可以去很多平台，比如 italki、Camly、Preply。

Look for an IELTS tutor and ask them to give you a speaking mock test with feedback so you know where you are.

找一个雅思辅导老师，让他们给你做一个口语模拟测试，并给出反馈，这样你就知道自己的水平了。

Number four, when it comes to getting information about the test, trust the official sources.

第四，说到获取关于测试的信息，要相信官方消息来源。

Go to the IELTS website.

去雅思网站。

Ignore the social media, the Facebook, the Instagram, and all the YouTube posts.

不要看社交媒体、脸书、Instagram 和所有 YouTube 视频。

You don't know what's true or false out there.

你不知道那些信息是真是假。

Go to the official sites.

去官方网站。

And I do understand the irony of me here on YouTube telling you to do that.

我知道我在 YouTube 上告诉你们这么做有多讽刺。

But seriously, go and do that.

但说真的，去看官网。

You can study on your own, but I do think it's always a good idea to study with other people, to share ideas, share motivation and work with others.

你可以自学，但我认为与其他人一起学习，分享想法，分享动力，与他人合作总是一个好主意。

Number six, again, you can study by yourself on your own, or you can follow a course.

第六，还是那句，你可以自学，或者你可以跟随课程学习。

You can take, if you're interested, one of my flagship courses for IELTS speaking, IELTS Speaking Success, Get a Band 7+Gold.

如果你感兴趣，你可以参加我的雅思口语旗舰课程之一，IELTS Speaking Success, Get a Band 7+Gold。

Within that, you get all the language, the strategies that you need.

在其中，你可以获得所需的所有用语和考试策略。

You join a community of like-minded people going towards their IELTS goals together.

你加入了一个志同道合的群体，一起朝着雅思目标前进。

Also on the Keith Speaking Academy there, we have courses for IELTS Academic reading and IELTS writing from fellow IELTS tutors, Eli and Fiona.

同样，在 Keith Speaking Academy，我们有雅思学术阅读和雅思写作课程，上课老师是伊莱和菲奥娜。

You can go and check them out, guess where, in the links down below.

可以去看看，就在下面的链接里。

So, you've done your preparation.

你已经做好了准备。

How do you register?

如何报考呢？

So, when you are ready, you've got the right level of English, you've been preparing technique, then you can register to take the exam.

当你准备好了，你的英语达到了需要的水平，你已经准备好了考试技巧，然后你就可以报名参加考试了。

You can register any time, but I suggest you get ready first.

你可以随时报名，但我建议你先做好准备。

There are over 16,000 test locations in over 140 countries around the world.

在全球 140 多个国家有超过 16,000 个测试点。

You're looking for centers run by the IDP or the British Council.

寻找由 IDP 或英国文化协会运营的考试中心。

You can find the nearest test center to you on the IELTS website.

你可以在雅思网站上找到离你最近的考试中心。

Then register and book your test.

注册报考。

Again, the links are down below.

同样，链接在下面。

By the way, if you have any special requirements such as learning difficulties or visual difficulties, or medical conditions, you must tell the test center at least six weeks in advance, okay?

对了，如果你有任何特殊的要求，如学习困难或视力困难，或身体状况，你必须至少提前六周告诉考试中心。

Don't turn up on the day and tell people 'cause they won't have time to get ready for you.

不要在考试当天才告诉人家，因为他们没时间准备。

Some students do ask me, you know, "I've got a stutter.

有些学生问我，嗯，“我口吃。

Can I tell my speaking examiner on the day?" No, you have to tell the test center in advance so they can evaluate your case and see if they can make special arrangements for you.

我能在当天告诉口语考官吗？”不行，你得提前告诉考点，让他们评估你的情况，看能不能对你做出特殊安排。

Now, on test day, the big day, the day you've been waiting for, well, what do you do?

在考试那天，重要的日子，你期待已久的日子，你会怎么做？

First of all, the day before, rest well.

首先，前一天，好好休息。

The IELTS test is a marathon, right?

雅思考试是一场马拉松。

The reading, the writing, and the listening is two and a half hours all in one go.

阅读、写作和听力是两个半小时一次完成的。

And then you've got the speaking, maybe on the same date, maybe a different date, but it's a really long test and you need to be fresh and focused so you can do the best that you can.

然后是口语，也许在同一天，也许在不同的日期，但这是一个非常长的测试，你需要保持清醒和专注，这样你才能尽你所能。

Arrive early to the test center so you're not giving yourself extra stress.

早点到达考点，这样你就不会给自己额外的压力。

If you can, immerse yourself in some English or listen to some English or read some English half an hour before the test, just to get you in the mood, in the zone, in your English frame of mind, right?

如果可以的话，在考试前半小时沉浸在英语中，听一下英语，或者看一下英语，让你进入状态，进入英语思维框架。

Do a bit of work on your mindset about being positive, doing the best that you can.

努力调整心态，让自己变得积极，尽你所能做到最好。

My tips, especially for people who are nervous about the speaking test, is to think, "I'm going to enjoy this test." Strange but true, just say to yourself, "I'm going to enjoy this test, whatever happens." And then go and do your best.

我的建议，尤其是对那些对口语考试感到紧张的人来说，就是，“我会享受这个考试的。”这很奇怪，但真是这样，只要对自己说，“无论发生什么，我都会享受这个考试。”然后尽你所能。

Smile and enjoy it.

微笑着享受考试。

It'll make a big, big difference.

这会有很大很大的不同。

Most of all, believe in yourself.

最重要的是，相信自己。

Believe you've taken time, you've done your preparation, you're ready to go, you're gonna try your best and there's nothing more you can do.

相信你已经花了时间，你已经做好了准备，你准备好了，你会尽你所能，除此之外没有办法。

Do the test and then after, stop thinking, relax and wait for the results.

做测试，然后，停止思考，放松，等待结果。

And that's it.

就这样。

So listen, if you are preparing for IELTS, do go and check out the official websites for IELTS, ielts.org, IDP, and the British Council.

听着，如果你正在准备雅思考试，一定要去雅思官方网站 ielts.org、IDP 和英国文化教育协会查询。

And just to be clear, I have no official connection with IELTS, the British Council, or Cambridge English.

需要明确的是，我与雅思、英国文化协会或剑桥英语没有官方联系。

I am an official affiliate for the IDP IELTS online, but that's it.

我是 IDP 雅思在线考试的官方会员，但仅此而已。

This video is not endorsed by IELTS.

此视频未经雅思认可。

If you are looking, especially for help with your IELTS speaking, go and check out my website, www.keithspeakingacademy.com.

如果你正在寻找雅思口语方面的帮助，请查看我的网站 www.keithspeakingacademy.com。

Lots of free resources, PDFs, videos, live lessons, and online courses that will help you on your journey.

大量免费资源、PDF、视频、直播课程和在线课程将帮助你踏上旅程。

If you're taking the test very soon, well listen, I wish you lots of luck.

如果你马上就要考试了，那么，我祝你好运。

You've got this.

你是可以的。

I'm sure you're gonna do a great job.

我相信你会做得很好。

Best of luck.

祝你好运。

Thank you so much for watching.

非常感谢您的收看。

Take care. Bye-bye.