Introduction
International English Language Testing System is currently known as IELTS, is Conducted by British Council and IDP Education Ltd. IELTS is designed to test the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. Over 3 million tests are taken each year. The IELTS test assesses your abilities in listening, reading, writing and speaking – in less than three hours.
There are two types of IELTS: Academic and General Training.
Listening and Speaking are the same for both tests, but the subject matter of the Reading and Writing sections differs depending on which test you take.
The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of all IELTS tests are completed on the same day, with no breaks in between them.
The Speaking section, however, can be completed up to a week before or after the other tests. Your test centre will advise.
The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.
| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 40 | Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time). | Each question is worth 1 mark. |
|
Did You Know?
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.
Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
Recording 2 - a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
Recording 4 - a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.
| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Reading | 40 | 60 minutes | Each question is worth 1 mark. |
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| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Reading | 40 | 60 minutes | Each question is worth 1 mark. |
|
| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Writing | 2 | 60 minutes | - | Task 1 a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event. Task 2 - you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style. |
| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Training Writing | 2 | 60 minutes | - | In Task 1, test takers are asked to respond to a situation, for example, by writing a letter requesting information or explaining a situation. In Task 2, test takers write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. |
| Section Name | Number of questions | Time Duration | Marks | Task types |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | - | 11–14 minutes | - | There are three parts to the test and each part fulfils a specific function in terms of interaction pattern, task input and test takers output. |
Did You Know?
Part 1 - the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
Part 2 - you will be given a card that asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
Part 3 - you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.
ILETS - Related Information
IELTS Test Eligibility
IELTS Test Registration
IELTS Introduction
IELTS Test Pattern
IELTS Test FAQ
