What is IELTS?
● IELTS is the International English Language Testing System
● IELTS is designed to assess the English language ability of people who intend to study or work where English is the language of communication
● The IELTS test covers all four skills of English: listening, reading, writing, and speaking - and includes a face-to-face speaking test to ensure that candidates can communicate effectively in English
● IELTS is a test of communicative proficiency in English, not a test of grammar
● Close to three million people rely on IELTS every year to study, work and migrate in English-speaking countries
A global test for a modern world
● IELTS is a truly international test in every aspect
● The IELTS international partnership consists of // British Council // IDP:IELTS Australia // University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations
● Test production: item writers from Australia, New Zealand, the U.K. and the U.S produce test materials
● Test content: sourced globally, covering all the main national varieties of English
● Test delivery: Available in over 145 countries
● Test recognition: recognised by over 9,000 institutions
Fair and reliable
● Every aspect of the IELTS test - from test design and administration to the marking and reporting of results, is subject to the highest quality controls, security procedures and integrity management practices
● The rigorous processes used to produce the test materials ensure that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty
● IELTS Quality Assurance and Examiner Management Systems assure that results are consistent wherever and whenever the test is taken
● Fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality, background, gender or lifestyle
● Since 1989, it has been trusted by both candidates and institutions to provide a secure, global, authentic test which measures true-to-life ability to communicate in English
● Trusted by institutions worldwide to provide a true indication of candidates' English language proficiency
● Trusted by students worldwide to take them where they want to go
Face-to-face speaking
● Realistic interactive conversation
● Shows your real-life communication skills
Accessible and convenient
● Available in over 500 locations across 140 countries and territories
● You can choose from up to 4 test dates each month
● Results available 13 days after the test
● Test fee payable in local currency
● Wide range of practice materials to help you prepare for the test
● One personal copy of your Test Report Form
● Up to five Report Forms sent free to receiving organisations
● Personal and friendly service from our test centre staff
Global acceptance: one test for many countries and many purposes
● IELTS is trusted and accepted by over 9,000 education institutions and organisations worldwide.
● Institutes of further and higher education: Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Hong Kong, New Zealand, South Africa, the United Kingdom, United States and many other countries worldwide
● In the U.S.A., IELTS is accepted by close to 1,400 institutions, including Harvard, Yale and Princeton
● Exit test at Hong Kong universities
● Professional bodies: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the U.K. and U.S.A.
● Immigration authorities: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the U.K.
● Government agencies and departments: Australia, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A.
Fit for purpose test IELTS is available in two formats
● Academic Test /for entry to universities, for professional registration
● General Training Test/for immigration, for colleges (e.g. T.A.F.E.)
● Check before you enrol
IELTS test format
Listening /30 minutes, four sections, 40 items /
● Each question is worth one mark
● No penalty for wrong answers
● Spelling is important. Can use both British and American spelling
● Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts. Includes monologues and conversations in a variety of English accents
General Training Reading /60 minutes, three sections, 40 items/
Academic Reading /60 minutes, three sections, 40 items/
● Each question is worth one mark
● No penalty for wrong answers
● Spelling is important. Test takers can use both British and American spelling
● Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a non-specialist audience
● At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument
General Training Writing /60 minutes, two tasks/
Academic Writing /60 minutes, two tasks/
● Allocate about 20 minutes for Task 1, and 40 minutes for Task 2
● Task 2 is worth more marks
● Task 1: write a description of at least 150 words based on material found in a chart, table, graph or diagram
● Task 2: essay of at least 250 words in response to a statement or question
Speaking /11 -14 minutes, three parts/
11-14 minutes face-to-face Speaking Test with a trained and certified Examiner, which is as close to real life situation as possible
● Part 1: introduction and interview
● Part 2: Candidate speaks uninterrupted for 2 minutes on a given topic. 1 minute preparation time.
● Part 3: a two-way discussion where the candidate is asked to participate in a discussion of a more abstract nature. Discussion is related to the topic in part 2
