IELTS ASSESSMENT

Reading and Listening are assessed according to the number of correct items on the candidate's answer sheet.

Speaking and Writing are assessed by an examiner using band descriptors. The public versions of these are below:

IELTS Speaking Test

The speaking test takes 11-14 minutes and consists of an interview with an examiner.

The interview is recorded.

The speaking test has three parts:

Part 1 Introduction and interview	Examiner introduces him/herself and checks your name. The examiner then asks you questions on general topics.	4–5 minutes
Part 2 Individual long turn	Examiner gives you a written task card. You have 1 minute to think (take notes) before you have to speak for 1–2 minutes. Examiner asks one or two questions at the end of your talk.	3–4 minutes (including 1 minute preparation time)
Part 3 Two-way discussion	Discuss with the examiner more abstract issues and concepts which are thematically linked to the topic of your talk in Part 2.	4–5 minutes

IELTS Writing test

About the IELTS Writing test

The writing test is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates.

Academic Writing

2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

1. In Task 1, candidates are presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and are asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in their own words. They may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event
   
   
2. In Task 2, candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem
   Responses to Task 1 and Task 2 should be written in a formal style
   

General Writing

2 pieces of writing, 60 minutes

1. In Task 1, candidates are presented with a situation and are asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-formal or formal in style.
   
2. In Task 2, candidates are asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. The essay can be slightly more personal in style than the Academic Writing Task 2 essay

IELTS Reading test

About the IELTS Reading test

The reading test is different for IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates
3 sections, 40 questions, 60 minutes

Academic Reading

Each section contains one long text. Texts are authentic and are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been written for a non-specialist audience and are on academic topics of general interest. Texts are appropriate to, and accessible to, candidates entering undergraduate or postgraduate courses or seeking professional registration. Texts range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. Texts may contain non-verbal materials such as diagrams, graphs or illustrations. If texts contain technical terms, then a simple glossary is provided

General Reading

1. Section 1 contains two or three short factual texts, one of which may be composite (consisting of 6-8 short texts related by topic, e.g. hotel advertisements). Topics are relevant to everyday life in an English-speaking country
2. Section 2 contains two short factual texts focusing on work-related issues (e.g. applying for jobs, company policies, pay and conditions, workplace facilities, staff development and training)
3. Section 3 contains one longer, more complex text on a topic of general interest
   

Texts are authentic and are taken from notices, advertisements, company handbooks, official documents, books, magazines and newspapers

IELTS Listening test

About the IELTS Listening test

• You will listen to 4 different recordings and answer 40 questions.
• The test takes approximately 30 minutes. You will have an additional ten minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet
• You only hear the audio once. A variety of voices and native-speaker accents is use. You will hear conversations and monologues, with topics ranging from the everyday social to the academic.
• A variety of question types are used, including multiple choice, form completion, note completion, summary completion, sentence completion, and short-answer questions.
• Candidates for IELTS Academic and IELTS General both do the same listening test

Listening Tips

• Read the instructions and questions carefully before you listen.
• Try to get an idea of the situation. Who are the speakers? Where are they? Why are they speaking?
• Remember, you will only hear the audio once. You will need to read, write and listen all at the same time.
• Listen for 'signpost words' such as however, although and finally. They help you to anticipate what the speaker will say.

USA says yes to IELTS

Over 3,000 institutions and programs in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. Over 1.7 million people each year are now using IELTS to open doors throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

 

For questions or concerns, you may contact IELTS in the USA:

 

IELTS International

825 Colorado Boulevard, Suite 201

Los Angeles, CA 90041

USA

Telephone: 323 255 2771

Email:ielts@ieltsintl.org

Who accepts IELTS ?

IELTS is the world’s proven test. Due to its high quality controls, IELTS is accepted by thousands of organisations in over 135 countries. 

• Universities, schools, training colleges, tertiary institutes
• Government departments and agencies
• Professional and industry bodies
• Multinational companies and employers

The IELTS Global Recognition System can tell you exactly which organisations accept IELTS and the scores they require.

Start your journey to international study or employment with an IELTS score.

Should i take IELTS Academic or General Training ?

Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further EducationThe Academic format is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test. 

General Training – for school, work or migrationThe General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

It should be noted that certain professions require an Academic test result for registration and migration purposes.

Check with your organisationWhilst the IELTS Global Recognition System is committed to maintaining an up to date record of English language requirements, it is strongly recommended that you also check the English language requirements with the recognising organisation directly, by visiting their website.

IELTS Test format

IELTS is available in two test formats:Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.

Why choose IELTS ?

IELTS tests all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English rather than learning by rote. This means your understanding of English is improved and valid for real life in an English-speaking country.

IELTS is owned by three reputable, international organisations. It has the highest quality control and security procedures. More than 6000 organisations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS. The IELTS scoring system is recognised globally, giving you a truly international result.

What is IELTS ?

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System which tests English proficiency across the globe. Conducting 1.7 million tests globally, IELTS is the world’s most popular English testing system.

IELTS tests are held in over 500 centres with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality.

You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.

To help you prepare, IELTS provides test samples and Official IELTS Practice Materials. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test.

You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is jointly owned by three reputable, international organisations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).