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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted English proficiency test that is trusted by governments, businesses, and academic institutions around the world. IELTS can be taken at a time and place that works for you, regardless of whether you choose IELTS Academic or General Training.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is designed for those moving to a country where English is the dominant language in order to study, work, or migrate. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA. It is a secure English language test that is recognised by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide, including government and professional bodies, educational institutions, and workplaces.
IELTS is scored on a scale of 1-9. During the test, your proficiency in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking English is evaluated.
You can take different types of the IELTS test, such as the IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, IELTS for UKVI, and IELTS for UKVI Life Skills (A1 or B1) test. Your goals will determine the kind of test you need to take.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English.
Why take the IELTS test?
You must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency if you want to work, live, or migrate to an English-speaking country, or study at an institution where English is the primary medium of instruction. With a number of 379 million speakers worldwide, English is the third most spoken language in the world. There are several advantages to being able to speak in the native tongue of the country you want to work, study, or migrate to. Additionally, it is necessary for community integration and job opportunities.
Types of IELTS tests
There are different types of IELTS tests designed to suit your goals.
IELTS Academic: IELTS Academic evaluates your English proficiency in an academic environment. It is ideal for individuals aiming to pursue university-level education, higher education, or professional registration.
IELTS General Training: If you wish to pursue migration or employment in an English-speaking environment, taking IELTS General Training might be a requirement during your migration or job application. The test includes language that is used in everyday scenarios as well as in professional situations.
IELTS for UKVI Academic: This test is designed to meet the specifications set by the UK government. It is suitable for those pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration in the UK.
IELTS for UKVI General Training: This test is designed to meet the specifications set by the UK government. It is suitable for those planning to move to the UK for living or working purposes.
IELTS test format
The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will always take the Listening, Reading, and Writing parts all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks between them. Your Speaking test is usually scheduled on the afternoon of the test day; however, it can be scheduled within seven days before or after that. You will be contacted by your local IELTS test centre to inform you of the date and location of your Speaking test.
IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening test will take about 30 minutes, and you will have an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet. It is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
You will listen to four recorded texts, monologues, and conversations by a range of native speakers, and write their answers to a series of questions. These include questions which test the ability to understand main ideas and detailed factual information, ability to understand the opinions and attitudes of speakers, ability to understand the purpose of what is said and ability to follow the development of ideas. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents are used, and you will hear each section only once.
IELTS Reading
The IELTS Reading test will take about 60 minutes. It consists of 40 questions. A variety of question types are used in order to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument, recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and purpose.
IELTS Writing
The IELTS Writing test will take 60 minutes.
The IELTS Academic Writing Test includes two tasks. Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for anyone entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration.
The IELTS General Training Writing test includes two tasks, which are based on topics of general interest.
IELTS Speaking
The Speaking test will take 11 to 14 minutes (the Speaking test is the same for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training).
The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview, that is designed to assess your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.
IELTS scoring system
IELTS is scored on a scale from 1 to 9, with each band representing a specific level of English language ability. You will receive individual band scores for each of the four components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. These component scores are then averaged to give you an overall band score. The overall band score is the average of the four section band scores rounded to the nearest half band.
Band Score | Proficiency Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
Band 9 | Expert user | The test taker is proficient in the language in all operational senses. Their usage of the English language is proper, correct, and fluent, demonstrating full comprehension. |
Band 8 | Very good user | The test-taker has complete command of the language, except for a few occasional unsystematic errors and incorrect usage. In unfamiliar circumstances, they could misinterpret some information. They are capable of handling complex and detailed argumentation. |
Band 7 | Good user | Although there are occasional errors, incorrect usage, and misinterpretations in specific contexts, the test-taker has a solid grasp of the language. They typically recognise complex thinking and can manage sophisticated language well. |
Band 6 | Competent user | Despite mistakes, misuse, and misunderstandings, the test-taker has a strong understanding of the language. In familiar settings, they can use and comprehend reasonably complex language. |
Band 5 | Modest user | Despite having a limited understanding of the language, the test taker usually understands the overall meaning in most circumstances. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field or industry. |
Band 4 | Limited user | Basic competency is restricted to situations that the test-taker is familiar with. They generally show understanding and communication issues. They are unable to speak in complex sentences. |
Band 3 | Extremely limited user | In extremely familiar situations, the test taker can only express and comprehend the generic meaning. Communication breakdowns happen frequently. |
Band 2 | Intermittent user | The test taker faces great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English. |
Band 1 | Non-user | The test taker doesn’t have the ability to use the language except for a few isolated words. |
Band 0 | Did not attempt the test | The test taker did not answer the questions. |
Who accepts IELTS?
IELTS is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide. Check this link to learn more about IELTS recognising organisations.
Get ready for your IELTS test with the help of our exclusive preparation materials.