The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration, with over 3.5 million tests taken in the past year.
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The IELTS test is trusted by over 10,000 organisations, including universities, professional bodies, employers and migration authorities.
Types of IELTS
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test that measures the language proficiency of those who want to study or work in environments where English is used as a language of communication.
There are two modules to choose from: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
| IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
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Each organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases, both the Academic and General Training module may be accepted. If you are in doubt as to which module to take, you should contact the organisation to which you are applying to confirm their requirements.
IELTS for UKVI
IELTS for UKVI is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This means that IELTS can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of a UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application.
To find out whether you need to take an approved SELT test, what level you need to achieve and which test you can use, please click here.
Test format
The actual test taken is the same for both IELTS and IELTS for UKVI, with the same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on. The only difference between the two is that IELTS for UKVI is administered in a test venue with video recording and CCTV facilities.
The Listening, Reading and Writing components of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day. The order in which these tests are taken may vary. There are no breaks between these three tests. The Speaking component, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests.
Listening (Time: 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes extra to transfer your answer to the answer sheet)
There are four sections, which include both monologues and conversations. A variety of voices and accents are used and each section is played only once.
Reading (Time: 60 minutes)
| Academic | General Training |
| There are three long reading passages with tasks. Texts range from descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical and may include non-verbal material such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. Texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, newspapers, magazines and other sources. | There are three reading passages with tasks. Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts. Section 2 contains two short, work-related, factual texts. Section 3 contains one longer text on a topic of general interest. Texts are authentic and are taken from company handbooks, official documents, books, newspapers and other sources. |
Writing (Time: 60 minutes)
| Academic | General Training |
| There are two tasks in total. In Task 1, you are presented with a table, graph, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in no less than 150 words. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay of no less than 250 words in response to a point of view, argument or problem. | There are two tasks. In Task 1, you are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter of at least 150 words to request information or explain the situation. In Task 2, you are asked to write an essay of no less than 250 words in response to a point of view, argument or problem. |
Speaking (Time: 11-14 minutes)
A face-to-face interview comprised of three sections: short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic and a structured discussion.
IELTS Life Skills
IELTS Life Skills is for people bound for the UK who need to show that they have speaking and listening skills at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework (CEFR) of Reference for Languages.
| A1 | A2 | B1 |
| This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for the ‘family of a settled person’ visa. | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for an extension to a Family, Spouse or Partner visa. | This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. |
The IELTS Life Skills test format
IELTS Life Skills is a speaking and listening test. You will take the test face-to-face with an examiner, along with one other candidate. You will participate in a structured conversation listening and responding to a selection of tasks.
The tasks in IELTS Life Skills are designed to reflect the everyday experience of communicating in an English-speaking country. You will be expected to take part in short discussions on everyday subjects.
What is your destination?
I want to go to
- Australia for study / work / migration
- Canada for study / work / migration
- New Zealand for work / migration
- Philippines for study / work
- the United Kingdom for study / work / migration
- the United States for study
IELTS is short forInternational English Language Testing System. It is one of the most widely known and used English language exams in the world. There are about 1000 IELTS test centres in almost all the countries of the world.
Many people take the IELTS test to provide proof of their English skills either for immigration or academic purposes. A huge number of post-secondary institutions, governmental bodies and private corporations recognize IELTS results as confirmation of English proficiency level for countries like New Zealand, USA, Canada and Australia. It is the only English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration for applications outside and inside of the UK.
It is very important for you as a test taker to study in depth in order to excel at this exam.
You should do practice tests or take private lessons because the IELTS testing process is quite challenging and the results decide a lot in the test candidate’s life.
Most importantly, you can prepare for all the parts and types of the IELTS test using the lessons, blog posts and tutorials on our website and the courses we offer.
*Recent updates about the IELTS exam
As a result of the ongoing pandemic worldwide, IELTS organisations have launched the IELTS Indicator exam to help students who are unable to take the IELTS test at an exam centre. The IELTS indicator has a similar format to the usual test and will asses a students skills in Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking. Please check with the institution that you are applying to whether they accept the IELTS Indicator results. Find out more about the IELTS Indicator here.
Types of IELTS
How many types of IELTS tests are there? Which one should I take?
There are two types of IELTS exams:
- General Training IELTS - needed to confirm language proficiency to an employer, or for immigration purposes, or to obtain citizenship.
- Academic IELTS - needed for admission to colleges or universities.
- IELTS Life Skills - needed for people who are applying for UK citizenship.
How many parts does the IELTS test have?
Both IELTS General Training and Academic have 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
All exam sections are always taken in the same location, which is the same testing centre.
Do the parts take place in a certain order?
Yes, always in this order: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
You will always do the Listening, Reading, and Writing section on the same day, without any breaks between them.
The IELTS Speaking exam may be scheduled either on the same day, after the rest of the parts, or even before or after the other test segments (up to 7 days).
Your test centre will let you know about the exact dates.
How long does IELTS test take?
2 hours 45 minutes.
The time is split as follows:
- Listening: 30 minutes
- Reading: 1 hour
- Writing: 1 hour
- Speaking: 11-15 minutes
How is IELTS exam test taken?
IELTS can be taken in two formats:
- Paper-based IELTS test: you read test materials off a paper exam booklet and write on paper using pen or pencil
- Computer-delivered IELTS: all test materials are read off a computer screen and the writing part is typed.
However, IELTS Speaking is always taken with a real person, no matter which format you choose to take.
Make sure that you study for the IELTS Exam and practice doing sample tests using official IELTS practice materials, which you can find and purchase either online (for example from official IELTS websites) (https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/prepare-for-your-ielts-test) or from your test centre.
Such preparation books are published by either Cambridge University Press, British Council or IDP.
It is important to make using official IELTS materials a priority because they are the closest version of what the real IELTS test format look and feel like because they are carefully designed by actual IELTS test creators.
Our website has a lot of free IELTS preparation materials to help you start your preparation:
IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training?
What is IELTS Academic for?
If you want to be admitted to higher education in an English-speaking country or to many other colleges or universities around the world, you will have to sit for the Academic IELTS exam.
Who accepts IELTS Academic results?
More than 10,000 public and private higher education institutions, including all the top universities, all over the world accept IELTS Academic scores as confirmation of your language command for study.
Remember, IELTS Academic is not only required in countries which have English as the official language. For example, if you apply for a program taught in English in Switzerland, you may have to submit an IELTS certificate. This test will be taken by applicants who want to apply for higher education or professional registration abroad.
Make sure that you always check on your post-secondary institution’s (college or university) website whether they can accept an IELTS Academic certificate before you book your exam or sign up for prep classes.
What is IELTS General Training for?
If you want to work or to emigrate to an English-speaking country such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland, USA you will need to take General Training IELTS exam.
GT IELTS is also one of the exams accepted as proof of language proficiency for the citizenship exam in certain countries, such as Canada.
Who accepts IELTS General Training results?
A huge number of private corporations, from the smallest to the largest, and certainly all medical institutions accept GT IELTS certificates.
They require a GT IELTS band score because it serves as a trustworthy, internationally recognized proof for professionals from abroad of appropriate language skills proficiency for employment.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) accepts GT IELTS as proof of language proficiency with applications for work visas, when registering for a certain profession, to obtain permanent residence, or to finalize a citizenship application.
Similarly, the Australian Citizenship and Immigration requires GT IELTS for the same purposes as Canada.
If you intend to apply for UK citizenship, the IELTS Life Skills exam is one of the tests that is accepted.
However, band score requirements are different for various countries and purposes.
Which exam is more difficult: General IELTS or Academic IELTS?
There is no difference at all between General Training and Academic IELTS in the Speaking and Listening sections.
The only difference between GT and Academic IELTS is in the Reading and Writing parts.
IELTS Academic is thought to be somewhat more challenging, especially Writing. But in Reading you will need fewer correct answers to get a higher band score. For example: 32 marks = Band 7.0.
On the other hand, IELTS general is believed to be a bit easier, but in certain sections will need more marks to achieve a better result. For example: 32 marks = Band 6.5.
How to book your IELTS Exam
- You should find a test centre near you. You can use the centre locator webpage on the official IELTS.org website here. (https://www.ielts.org/book-a-test/find-a-test-location)
- Consult the exam schedule calendar of your centre and choose one day from the dates available. Remember, you can sign up for only one exam at a time.
- Then you can register online or go to your test centre in person to submit an application. You can find more information about exam fees from the testing centre from your area.
- Copies of valid identity documents (for example, passport, national ID card, driving license, etc., but depends on the country) will be required from you at registration. The same ID will need to be presented on test day.
- When your registration request is processed, you will receive an email with information about your upcoming IELTS exam: dates, time and location of each exam section.
- Read the emails you receive from your test centre very carefully: they also list important rules of the IELTS testing procedure.
- Don’t forget that the Speaking section of the exam may be scheduled on a different day from the rest of the parts (Listening, Reading, Writing) - up to 7 days before or after them.
- There is no difference between IELTS GT and Academic in terms of applying,
- To find out more information you can consult the Official IELTS Information for Candidates booklet. (https://www.ielts.org/-/media/publications/information-for-candidates/ielts-information-for-candidates-english-uk.ashx?la=en)
What should I study for the IELTS exam?
Which is the best way to prepare for the IELTS exam?
There is no perfect answer to this. Some students choose to use books and do tests on paper on their own, others pay for one-on-one classes with an instructor, and finally some others enroll in online courses, with lectures, extensive speaking and writing practice and essay feedback from exam experts.
All of these approaches are effective only if you are focused on your goal and ready to work hard. No doubt, it is slightly easier to work when there is structure, direction and constructive feedback. And It is more challenging to motivate yourself when you are completely on your own, without any help from outside or anyone to ask a question.
Yet, if you sign up for a well-structured course, with an experienced teacher as a guide, you may be ready for the IELTS exam in as short as one or two weeks.
It is completely your choice which path to choose, as long as you realize the importance of the goal in front of you: your IELTS score may play a decisive role in your education, work and immigration plans.
Which is the secret to get the desired band score?
- Make the best of the time you have left until test day: plan your IELTS preparation.
- Learn specific exam strategies.
- Learn something new every day.
- Build your English language vocabulary.
- Practice how to write and say things in other words.
- Do timed mock tests.
- Train your attention skills.
- Practice all test parts: listening, reading, writing, speaking.
Common FAQs about the IELTS exam
Can your IELTS test be postponed or cancelled?
- Yes. This has to be done by the candidate in person or via e-mail, not via telephone. If you cancel more than 5 weeks before your exam, a 24% administrative fee will be kept. If you cancel less than 5 weeks before the exam or if you do not show up for the exam, you will not receive a refund.
What if I miss the IELTS exam because I am sick?
- If you miss the exam because you are genuinely ill, you have to submit a medical certificate within 5 days of your scheduled IELTS exam, if not, you won't be able to postpone or receive a refund.
Ielts Speaking Part 2 Pdf
How many test dates are there for the IELTS exam?
- Generally the IELTS exam is available to be taken at least 4 times a month. IELTS candidiates can choose any of the 48 dates for the exam to take their test. There is no limit to the amount of times a test can be taken.
How much does the IELTS exam cost?
- The cost of the IELTS exam varies depend on the location where you are taking the exam
- The IELTS test ranges from $140 to $310. It is always important to verify the cost of the exam before you register
Who administers the IELTS exam?
IELTS test is jointly owned by:
- British Council
- Cambridge ESOL
- IDP IELTS Australia (International Development Program)
Many students wonder who is best for taking their IELTS exam and where they should take the test. There is no different between IDP and British council, read more here : https://www.ieltspodcast.com/ielts-preparation/idp-vs-british-council-ielts/
How soon can I retake the IELTS exam?
Ielts Speaking Samples Pdf
- There is no limitation on how many times you can sit the IELTS as long as your test centre can provide enough exam dates.
Should I retake the IELTS exam?
- If your last IELTS certificate is more than 2 years old, and you need to submit a score to be admitted to college, to apply for work or migration, then YES, you need to resit the IELTS exam.
What if I don’t like my IELTS results, can they be changed?
- Yes, you can apply for a re-evaluation within six weeks from your test date. You will have to pay a fee, which will be refunded only if your results are changed.
- It may take from 2 to 21 days, depending how many test segments you have requested to be reassessed. After this reassessment, you will not be able to request another re-mark.
- You can find out more about appealing the results of your exam results here, on the official IDP IELTS website. (https://www.idpielts.me/results/request-a-re-mark/)
Ielts Speaking Topics Pdf
The IELTS Podcast team wish you all the best of luck in your International English Language Testing Exam and hope our materials, advice and tips will help you achieve your desired band scores that will get you one step closer to your dream.