IELTS exam along with the SOP, Your thoughts on the subject?

Question:
I have been looking up admission requirements for Masters programs in English Literature in the US. Apparently they require a minimum of 6.5 in the IELTS exam along with the SOP, References etc. Many Masters and Phd students are offered teaching assistantships in the US, where they are teaching American undergraduate majors. I am curious about your thoughts here. In the TEFL industry, I keep hearing about how non-natives should have more than 8.5 in IELTS and sometimes even a 9.0. However it appears that a 6.5 is enough to teach as a TA in the US. What are your thoughts.

Answer:
You would need a 6.5 for most places. You would want at least a 7. If you are going to lecture you would want an 8. No one gets a 9 unless they have lived in an English speaking country. Unless you go for the US system which is considered a soft touch. For example, the weakest students in the study abroad market in China head to the US - it is known to be easier to pass.