IELTS Exam Details
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers for academic, professional, and immigration purposes. It is accepted by over 11,500 institutions in more than 140 countries.
Test Versions
- Academic: For those applying to higher education or professional registration.
- General Training: For migration, work experience, or training programs.
Test Structure
| Section |
Questions/Tasks |
Duration |
Description |
| Listening |
40 questions |
~30 minutes |
Four recordings (conversations & monologues); questions include multiple choice, matching, form completion, etc. |
| Reading |
40 questions |
60 minutes |
Three passages (Academic or General); question types include MCQs, matching, True/False/NG, etc. |
| Writing |
2 tasks |
60 minutes |
Academic: Task 1 (describe graph/chart/diagram), Task 2 (essay);
General: Task 1 (letter), Task 2 (essay)
|
| Speaking |
3 parts |
11–14 minutes |
Face-to-face interview: introduction, individual long turn (cue card), and discussion |
- Listening, Reading, and Writing are completed on the same day, consecutively and without breaks.
- Speaking may be taken on the same day or up to seven days before or after, depending on local arrangements.
Scoring
- Each section is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9, in half-band increments.
- The overall band score is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest half or whole band.
- For example, sectional scores of 6.5, 5.5, 6.0, and 6.5 result in an overall band score of 6.0.
- Scores are determined by the number of correct answers (e.g., in Listening, 30 correct answers typically correspond to Band 7).
Test Formats
- Paper-based: Answers are written by hand.
- Computer-based: Answers are typed; format and scoring remain the same.
Preparation Tips
- Establish a daily study routine and focus on all four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
- Identify and work on your weaknesses.
- Familiarize yourself with the test format and practice different question types.
Question Types
- Multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling
- Form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion
- Sentence completion, short-answer, and more (depending on the section)
