The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a set of tests administered to those who are planning to move to, work in, and/or study in an English-speaking country.
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IELTS Exam Outline
There are two main IELTS exams to choose from. If your goal is to study abroad in a country whose primary language is English, you should take the IELTS Academic exam. If you plan to migrate to an English-speaking country for work or to train or study at below-degree level, you should take the IELTS General Training exam.
Both versions of the exam are split into four tests: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking tests are exactly the same on each exam, while the Reading and Writing tests are a little different.
IELTS Listening
This test contains 40 questions, and you will be given a time limit of about 30 minutes. Several question types are used on this test, including multiple-choice, flow-chart completion, sentence completion, matching, diagram labelling, and more.
The Listening test is split into four sections. For each section, you will listen to a recording of one or more native English speakers and then answer 10 related questions. It is important to note that you will only get to hear each recording one time.
Section 1
These 10 questions pertain to a conversation between two people in a casual, everyday social setting.
Section 2
These 10 questions pertain to a monologue set in an everyday social context.
Section 3
These 10 questions pertain to a conversation between multiple people (up to four) in a training or educational setting.
Section 4
These 10 questions pertain to an academic monologue (lecture) about a specific subject.
This test is designed to assess your ability to understand main ideas, the purpose of a speaker, the opinions and attitudes of a speaker, and the development of ideas.
IELTS Reading
This test contains 40 questions, and you will be given a time limit of about 1 hour. Several question types are used on this test, including multiple-choice, identifying claims, sentence completion, matching information, diagram labelling, and more.
The Reading test is split into three sections.
For each section, you will read one long piece of text derived from authentic English books, newspapers, journals, and magazines. The texts are designed to be accessible to those without specialized knowledge, with any technical terms being defined in a provided glossary. The piece of text may contain diagrams or illustrations.
General Training
Each section of the Reading test is slightly different.
Section 1
You will read 2-3 short pieces of factual text. Each text relates to everyday life in an English-speaking country.
Section 2
You will read 2 short pieces of factual text. Each text relates to work-related issues.
Section 3
You will read a single piece of text that is longer and more complex. This text relates to topic of general interest.
This test is designed to assess your ability to read for main ideas and details, understand inferences and implications, recognize a writer’s opinions, and follow an argument’s development.
IELTS Writing
This test is split into two tasks, and you will be given a time limit of 1 hour.
Task 1
You will be asked to explain/summarize information provided in a graph, table, or diagram. Your response must be at least 150 words.
Task 2
You will be asked to respond to a given problem, argument, or point of view. Your response must be at least 250 words.
General Training
Task 1
You will be asked to write a letter either requesting information a given situation or explaining a given situation. Your response must be at least 150 words.
Task 2
You will be asked to respond to a given problem, argument, or point of view. Your response must be at least 250 words.
This test is designed to assess your ability to write appropriate content, properly organize your ideas, and accurately use English vocabulary and grammar.
Speaking
This test contains various speaking tasks, and you will be given a time limit of 11-14 minutes.
The Speaking test is split into three sections.
Section 1
The administrator will introduce themselves to you, and you must introduce yourself to them. You will then be asked questions about topics that are familiar to you.
Section 2
You will be asked to speak about a particular topic, and you will be given specific points to cover as you talk. You will have 1 minute to prepare with a pencil and paper, then you will have 1-2 minutes to speak.
Section 3
You will be asked questions that pertain to the topic you spoke about during section 2.
This test is designed to assess your ability to communicate opinions and experiences, speak at length while organizing ideas coherently, and discuss and speculate about issues.
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IELTS Exam Registration
To register for the IELTS exam, you must visit the IELTS website and choose which version of the test (Academic or General Training) you want to take. You can then choose whether to take the paper-and-pencil, computerized, or online version, as well as which testing location and date work best for you.
You will then need to submit an application and pay the testing fee. The testing fee will be different depending on where you take the exam.
How the IELTS Exam is Scored
The exam is scored using a band scoring system, which ranges from 0 to 9. Each test is scored individually using this system, and the mean of those scores is taken to calculate the overall band score.
Note that there is no “passing score” for the IELTS exam. Each educational institution or organization sets their own overall band score requirements.
How to Read your IELTS Score
Your band score denotes your English language skill level as follows:
| Band Score | Skill Level |
|---|---|
| Band 9 | Expert |
| Band 8 | Very good |
| Band 7 | Good |
| Band 6 | Competent |
| Band 5 | Modest |
| Band 4 | Limited |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited |
| Band 2 | Intermittent |
| Band 1 | Non-user |
| Band 0 | Did not attempt test |
Your final score results will be made available 13 days after testing.
Retaking the IELTS Exam
If you are not happy with your final score, you may retake the exam whenever you would like.
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FAQs
Q
What is IELTS?
A
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System.
Q
How is the IELTS exam scored?
A
The exam is scored using a band scoring method, which ranges from 0 to 9.
Q
What is a good IELTS score?
A
While there is no set passing score for this exam, a band score of 8 is considered to be a good score to try for.
Q
How long is the IELTS exam?
A
The total testing time for the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
