IELTS

Your essential guide to the world's most popular English language test for study, work, and migration.

What is IELTS?

Imagine you want to study at a university in London, work as a nurse in Sydney, or move to Canada. To do this, you need to show that you can understand and speak English.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the test that helps you do exactly that. It's like a key that unlocks doors to international opportunities. Millions of people take IELTS every year, and it is trusted by over 11,000 organisations worldwide.

Which IELTS Test is Right for You?

IELTS comes in two types. It's important to choose the right one for your goals.

1. IELTS Academic

• Who is it for? For students who want to study at a university or college where English is the language of communication.

• What does it test? Your readiness to start studying in an academic environment. Think textbooks, lectures, and essays.

2. IELTS General Training

• Who is it for? For people who want to work in an English-speaking country, or for those migrating to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

• What does it test? Your English skills for everyday situations. Think workplace conversations, reading a newspaper, or writing a letter to a friend.

Always check with the university or organization you are applying to and ask which test they require!

Understanding the Four Parts of the Test

The IELTS test has four sections, designed to check all of your English skills. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

1. Listening (30 minutes)

You will listen to four different recordings and answer questions about what you hear. The recordings include conversations and monologues (one person speaking).

• Our Tip: You only hear the audio once, so listen carefully for key words and main ideas!

2. Reading (60 minutes)

You will read three long passages from books, magazines, or newspapers and answer 40 questions. The topics are different for Academic and General Training tests.

• Our Tip: Don't try to understand every single word. Scan the text first to get a general idea, then read carefully to find the answers.

3. Writing (60 minutes)

You will complete two writing tasks.

• Task 1: You'll be given a graph, table, or chart and asked to describe the information in your own words (for Academic) or you'll write a letter (for General Training).

• Task 2: You will write an essay in response to a question or a point of view.

• Our Tip: Manage your time well! Task 2 is worth more marks, so plan to spend about 40 minutes on it.

4. Speaking (11-14 minutes)

This is a face-to-face conversation with a certified examiner. It feels like a friendly, natural interview.

• Part 1: You'll answer general questions about yourself (e.g., your home, family, work).

• Part 2: You'll be given a topic card and have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes.

• Part 3: You'll have a longer discussion on the topic from Part 2.

• Our Tip: Relax and speak clearly. It’s okay to pause and think. The examiner wants to hear you communicate your ideas effectively.

How is IELTS Scored?

IELTS doesn't have a pass or fail. You receive a score for each section and an overall score on a scale from $0 to $9$. This is called your Band Score.

• Band 9: Expert User

• Band 8: Very Good User

• Band 7: Good User

• Band 6: Competent User

• Band 5: Modest User

Most universities require a score between $6.0 and $7.5.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Taking the IELTS test is the first step towards achieving your dream of studying, working, or living abroad. With the right preparation, you can succeed!