IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is designed to assess the language ability of those who want to study or work where English is the language of communication. It conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.
IELTS is recognized for course admission by universities in many countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, USA, UK and increasingly in Germany and wider Europe. In the USA the IELTS Test is now recognized by more than 1000 institutions and new ones are constantly added to the list, of which you will always find the latest version here.
IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. IELTS conforms to the highest International Standards of language assessment.
There are four modules - all candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules, but they can choose to take either the General Training or Academic Reading and Writing Modules.
If you are planning to undertake academic study, it is recommended that you sit for the Academic Reading and Writing Modules.
If you are planning to undertake non-academic training, it is recommended that you sit for the General Training Reading and Writing Modules.
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other modules.
Listening
Time: approximately 30 minutes |
Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations and feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once, but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down and check their answers. |
Academic Reading
Time: 60 minutes
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General Training Reading
Time: 60 minutes
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There are three reading passages with tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers, all written for a no specialist audience. At least one of the texts contains a detailed argument. |
The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the candidate’s ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which is descriptive rather than argumentative. |
Academic Writing
Time: 60 minutes |
General Training Writing
Time: 60 minutes |
For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain data. For the second task candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register. |
The first task requires candidates to write a letter of around 150 words either asking for information or explaining a situation. The second task is a short essay of around 250 words, and is written in response to a given point of view or problem. Candidates are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge other ideas, using appropriate tone and register. |
Speaking
Time: 11–14 minutes |
The test takes the form of a face to face interview. Candidates are assessed on their use of spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a familiar topic, and also to interact with the examiner. |
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