IELTS Tests

20 tests |
280 questions

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) assesses English language proficiency. It evaluates listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. It’s widely accepted for education, employment, and immigration purposes.

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is used to assess the fluency of non-native English language speakers. It provides an international standard and was established in 1989. It is one of the most renowned English-language tests in the world, alongside TOEFL, TOEIC, OTE:A and OPI/OPIc.

IELTS is accepted by various professional organisations and academic institutions across the world, and is approved by UK Visas and Immigration for those applying for visas both outside and inside the UK. It is also accepted as part of the immigration requirements for Australia, New Zealand and Canada.

4 IELTS Sections

There are four parts to an IELTS:

Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time) Reading: 60 minutes Writing: 60 minutes Speaking: 11-14 minutes

Listening, Reading and Writing are completed in one sitting. The Speaking section can vary, and whilst can sometimes be taken on the same day, will typically be taken up to seven days before or after the other tests.

IELTS Listening

This module is split into four sections, each with 10 questions:

Section 1 will require you to listen to a conversation between two speakers about an everyday, social situation. For example, a conversation about travel arrangements.
Section 2 will require you to listen to one person speaking about an everyday, social situation. For example, a speech about local facilities.
Section 3 will require you to listen to a conversation between two speakers about an educational or training situation. For example, a discussion had between two university students.
Section 4 will require you to listen to one person speaking about an educational or training situation. For example, a teacher providing instructions.

You will be expected to answer questions relating to the information you have heard, and will be in the same order as the information in the recording. Each section is heard only once.

It is important for you to know that incorrect spelling and grammar will be marked down, and you will lose marks.

IELTS Reading

This module is split into three sections. The questions provided will come in a range of formats including multiple choice, short-answer questions, identifying information, identifying writer’s views, labeling diagrams, completing a summary using words taken from the text and matching information / headings / features in the text / sentence endings.

Section 1 requires you to read 2-3 short texts which tackle everyday topics.
Section 2 requires you to read two texts which tackle work-like topics.
Section 3 requires you to read one long text about a topic of general interest. It is normally the most complex section and the information is typically taken from newspapers, magazines, books or online.

It is important for you to know that incorrect spelling and grammar will be marked down, and you will lose marks.

IELTS Writing

This module has two tasks that require completion:

Task one will ask you to write at least 150 words within 20 minutes. This is typically a letter in response to an everyday situation. For example, write a complaint about a recent problem you experience with your rented accomodation.

Task two will ask you to write at least 250 words within 40 minutes. This is typically an essay about a topic of general interest. For example, whether smoking should be banned in public places.

It is important for you to know that you will be penalised if your answer is too short or does not relate to the given topic. You are expected to write in full sentences and must use correct spelling and grammar.

IELTS Speaking

This module is a face-to-face interview and includes three sections:

Section one is an introduction and interview where you will be asked questions about your family, work, hobbies and reasons for taking the IELT exam.
Section two will provide you with a particular topic and you will be given one minute to prepare a talk about this topic .You will be expected to speak for two minutes as well as answer questions that the examiner may ask you.
Section three involves a discussion between you and the examiner around a given theme. This will be between 4-5 minutes long.

Whilst no minimum score is required to pass the IELTS, various institutions will have set a minimum criteria. It is, therefore, important to score well.