The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English test required by academic institutes and employers as a general measure of language proficiency.
A test result is often necessary when applying for a work or student visa.
IELTS is owned and run by the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.
What is IELTS?
Academic IELTS
A test designed to determine your proficiency of English within an academic environment.
There Are Two Types of IELTS Test
General Training IELTS
A test designed to determine your proficiency within a practical, everyday context.
The test you take will depend on the context in which you be using English. For example, universities will always ask for a score from the Academic test.
Speaking
An interview with an examiner lasting approximately 11-14 minutes, this section comprises of three parts.
The Four Parts of the Test
Writing
A 60-minute study comprising of two tasks.
The theme for Task 1 (20 minutes) varies between the Academic and General Training tests.
In the General Training test, you will write a letter.
In the Academic test, you will analyse a graph, chart, table or map.
For Task 2 (40 minutes), you will write an essay to make an argument.
Listening
Four separate audio recordings totalling 30 minutes, with the requirement for you to to answer 40 questions in total.
Reading
A 60-minute study of three different texts,
wherein 40 questions are to be answered.
The examinee is awarded a score out of 9 for each of the four sections, in increments of 0.5.
You are also awarded an overall score, which is taken as an average of the separate sections.
A score of 9 constitutes an “expert user”.
Typically, teaching institutions and workplaces ask for at least a 6.5 (a “competent user”). The required score of your potential institution or workplace should always be determined before sitting the test.
This is a more extensive overview of each band score:
The Band Scores
While most tests are taken in person, it perfectly possible to take a computer version of the test. This allows for the convenience of sitting the test at home.
The test format remains the same for both tests, with one minor difference within the Listening test: in the paper test, you are allowed 10 minutes to transfer your answers onto the answer sheet; in the computer test, you are just entitled to 2 minutes for checking your answers.
Please note, some institutions may not accept a score from a computer-based test. It is strongly advised that you check with the requirements of your potential institution or employer before deciding to take a computer-based test.
The Computer Test
The Writing, Listening and Reading tests are taken in one sitting, amounting to approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes in length.
The Speaking test is taken in a separate sitting, but is often on the same day.
The Test Timetable
How Long is My Test Score Valid for?
The score is valid for two years.
The general guidance suggests that 200 hours of study be spent by any student aiming to increase their band score by 1 point.
This of course depends on the abilities of the individual student, but this is a useful approximation to work off.
It is recommended that you book your IELTS test as far in advance as possible, to allow for adequate preparation.
How Long Should I Take to Prepare for the Test?
You can find information about how to sit a test in your country by using these search links.
The British Council website:
https://www.britishcouncil.org/exam
The official IELTS website:
Test Locations in Your Country