IELTS Training Overview
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test designed to assess the language proficiency of individuals who want to study, work, or immigrate to English-speaking countries. IELTS is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities in various countries as evidence of English language skills. There are two main versions of the test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
Here's an overview of the IELTS test pattern:
-
Listening:
- Assesses the ability to understand spoken English in various contexts.
- Consists of four sections with a total of 40 questions.
- Time allotted is approximately 30 minutes, including 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet. -
Reading:
- Tests the ability to understand and interpret written materials.
- Differs between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
- IELTS Academic: Consists of three long passages with a total of 40 questions.
- IELTS General Training: Consists of three sections with 40 questions, testing a range of reading skills. - Time allotted is 60 minutes. -
Writing:
- Requires test-takers to express themselves in writing.
- Differs between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
- IELTS Academic: Involves describing a graph, table, chart, or diagram in Task 1 and writing an essay in Task 2.
- IELTS General Training: Involves writing a letter in Task 1 and writing an essay in Task 2.
- Time allotted is 60 minutes. -
Speaking:
- Assesses the ability to communicate effectively in spoken English.
- Consists of a face-to-face interview with an examiner.
- Involves three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Discussion.
- Time allotted is 11-14 minutes.
The table below provides a summary of the IELTS test pattern:
Section | IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training | Time Allotted |
---|---|---|---|
Listening | 40 questions | 40 questions | 30 mins |
Reading | 3 passages | 3 sections | 60 mins |
Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph, table, chart, or diagram (Academic) | Write a letter (General Training) | 20 mins |
Writing Task 2 | Write an essay | Write an essay | 40 mins |
Speaking | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | Face-to-face interview with an examiner | 11-14 mins |
IELTS scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 9, with a band score assigned to each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The overall band score is the average of the four individual band scores. Different institutions and organizations may have specific score requirements, so candidates should check the requirements of their target institutions or immigration authorities.