Structure of the IELTS
The IELTS exam is available in two formats: Academic and General Training. The choice between the two depends on the purpose of the test taker (e.g., higher education or migration).
- Listening : This section lasts about 30 minutes and includes four recordings of native English speakers. Test takers answer a series of questions based on the recordings.
- Reading : The Reading section differs between the Academic and General Training versions of the exam. The Academic Reading test includes three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. The General Training version requires test takers to read extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks, and guidelines. This section lasts 60 minutes.
- Writing : The Writing section also varies between the Academic and General Training versions. In the Academic module, test takers are required to describe a chart, graph, or diagram, and then write an essay as a response to an argument or problem. For General Training, the first task involves writing a letter, and the second task is an essay. This section is 60 minutes long.
- Speaking : The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner. It is 11–14 minutes long and is divided into three parts: an introduction and interview, a long turn where the test taker speaks for one or two minutes on a particular topic, and a two-way discussion loosely related to the topic in the second part.
Scoring
IELTS results are reported on a band scale from 0 to 9, in half-band increments. Each of the four test components (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) receives a band score, and the average of these scores produces the overall band score.
Purpose and Usage
IELTS scores are used for admission to universities, immigration, and professional licensing. The Academic version is suitable for those applying for higher education or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
The General Training version is suitable for those migrating to Australia, Canada, or the UK, or applying for secondary education, training programs, and work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Preparation
Preparing for the IELTS involves understanding the test format, practicing each language skill, and taking practice tests. Many resources are available, including official practice materials and preparation courses offered by the British Council and other language education centers.
Test Availability
The IELTS is available at more than 1,200 locations worldwide, with tests up to four times a month. IELTS test centers provide the option for paper-based or computer-delivered tests, depending on the location.
Overall, IELTS is a highly respected test that accurately measures the language proficiency of candidates who need to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.
