IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System
This is one of the most popular English language assessment tests globally. This test measures the language competence of students or candidates who want to pursue education, work, or migrate to countries where English is the primary language of communication.
What is the purpose of IELTS?
IELTS evaluates the four essential skills a candidate must possess to communicate effectively in English. The skills assessed are Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The test provides a comprehensive assessment of candidates’ abilities to comprehend, communicate, and interact effectively in English across different situations and contexts.
Types of IELTS Test
There are different tests provided by IELTS, and students have the flexibility to choose the right test for their needs. The two test types are IELTS Academic and IELTS General. Both tests evaluate the four basic skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing), and while the speaking and listening sections are the same, the reading and writing sections differ. These sections are designed to test the language ability of candidates relevant to their specific sector.
Apart from the above test types, Life Skills is a test approved by the UK government as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). This test assesses only the speaking and listening skills of the candidates.
IELTS Academic
If you are planning to study in a country where English is the primary medium of communication, then IELTS Academic is the right test for you. This test assesses whether you are ready to begin your studies in English and are familiar with academic vocabulary. It may also be a requirement for candidates seeking registration with professional bodies.
IELTS General
If you are planning to migrate to countries where English is spoken, or if you wish to pursue training or study a course below the degree level, then IELTS General is the right test for you. This test assesses the English language skills required for social situations and workplace environments.
IELTS Life Skills
If you are applying for a family visa, an extension to a family, spouse, or partner visa, or indefinite leave to remain, or seeking to obtain citizenship, then the IELTS Life Skills (SELT) test would be appropriate for you. Candidates are required to demonstrate their English-speaking skills as part of the UK Visa and Immigration application (UKVI).
IELTS Test format
| Module | Sections | Questions/Section | Duration | Scenario/Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 | 10 | 30 mins +10 mins (transfer responses) | Part 1 & 2: Daily life situations Part 3 & 4: Educational and training situations |
| Speaking | 3 | NA | 11-14 mins | Part 1: Personal conversation Part 2: Specific topic Part 3: General discussion |
| Reading | 3 | Approx. 13 | 60 mins | Narrative, descriptive, argumentative text with diagrams, graphs or illusions |
| Writing | 2 | 1 | Task 1 – 20 mins Task 2 – 40 mins |
Task 1: Describe visual information (150 words) Task 2: Discuss a point of view, argument or problem (250 words) |
| Module | Sections | Questions/Section | Duration | Scenario/Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 | 10 | 30 mins +10 mins (transfer responses) | Part 1 & 2: Daily life situations Part 3 & 4: Educational and training situations |
| Speaking | 3 | NA | 11-14 mins | Part 1: Personal conversation Part 2: Specific topic Part 3: General discussion |
| Reading | 3 | Approx. 13 | 60 mins | Sec 1: Notices, ads and timetables Sec 2: Work topics Sec 3: General topics |
| Writing | 2 | 1 | Task 1 – 20 mins Task 2 – 40 mins |
Task 1: Letter writing (150 words) Task 2: Discuss a point of view, argument or problem (250 words) |
This test is conducted with an examiner and another test taker. The candidate is expected to engage in discussions covering various everyday topics and subjects, such as personal experiences, leisure activities, housing, weather, health, education, and training.
| Category | Level | Tasks |
|---|---|---|
| Family of a settled person | Life skills A1 | Describe, give opinions, state preferences, comment, ask for information etc |
| Extension to a family, spouse or partner | Life skills A2 | Includes tasks under A1 and compare, prioritize, plan and persuade |
| Citizenship or indefinite leave to remain | Life skills B1 | Includes tasks under A1 & A2 and narrate, showing contrast, cause, reason or purpose, ask about past or future events, express future certainty or possibility |
IELTS Scoring Pattern
The overall band score received on the IELTS is the average of the four sectional band scores, rounded to the nearest half band. The band score ranges from 0 to 9, where 0 indicates that the candidate did not attempt the test, and 9 indicates an expert level.
Section band scores
| Module | Marks/Criteria | Questions right/weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Listening |
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| Speaking |
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Equal weightage is given to each criterion |
| Reading – Academic |
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| Reading – General |
|
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| Writing |
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Assessment of task 2 carries more weightage in marking that task 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
The IELTS test consists of four sections which are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. All of these sections are completed on the same day, while the Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to a week before or after the other sections.
The IELTS test results are valid for two years from the test date. After two years, the scores expire, and candidates may need to retake the test if required for their purposes.
Yes, IELTS offers an online version of the test called IELTS Indicator, which assesses Listening, Reading, and Writing skills. However, for the Speaking test, candidates must still schedule an in-person interview with an examiner.
There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS test. However, candidates should check the specific requirements of the institutions or organisations they are applying to, as some may have restrictions or preferences regarding test retakes.