The IELTS test
What is it
The IELTS test is an English competency test that many students have to take for university or visa requirements.
There are two types of IELTS test, the academic test and the general test. Both types of IELTS test have four components: speaking, reading, listening and writing. There are important differences between the two tests so make sure you know which one you are required to take. The differences are outlined below.
The IELTS General Test
speaking (11-14 minutes)
Face-to-face discussion. This is done separately to the other three components.
There are three parts:
- part one: short answer questions
- part two: "the talk". Speak for one to two minutes on a given topic.
- part three: long answer questions, related to the topic in part two
reading (60 minutes)
five to six texts taken from advertisements, newspapers, books and official documents
writing (60 minutes)
There are two parts:
part one: the letter, 150 words
part two: short essay, 250 words
listening (30 minutes)
There are 4 sections, each with 10 questions.
Section one and two - everyday social contexts
Section three and four - educational and training contexts
The IELTS Academic test
speaking (11-14 minutes)
Face-to-face discussion. This is done separately to the other three components.
There are three parts:
- part one: short answer questions
- part two: "the talk". Speak for one to two minutes on a given topic.
- part three: long answer questions, related to the topic in part two.
reading (60 minutes)
There are three long texts taken from books, journals, newspapers and magazines.
Selected for a non-specialist audience.
writing (60 minutes)
Part one: the graph - describe a graph, table, chart or diagram. 150 words
Part two: short essay, 250 words
listening (30 minutes)
There are 4 sections, each with 10 questions.
Section one and two - everyday social contexts
Section three and four - educational and training contexts
