What does the IELTS test consist of?
For both IELTS modules, there are 4 separate parts, each one focusing on a specific skill: Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking.
There are 3 long texts on a variety of academic subjects. They are authentic and taken from books, journals, or magazines, and may be factual, analytical or opinion-based.
Candidates have to identify key points, important information, understand meaning, recognise the writer’s opinion, and summarise arguments effectively.
Candidates must write 2 texts. The first is a report on some data, such as a statistical table or a graph. The second is a discursive essay in which candidates respond to an opinion or statement about a particular topic.
Candidates are marked on whether they have answered the question set, used an appropriate style of language, and organised their thoughts clearly. They are also marked on grammatical accuracy, range of vocabulary, and their ability to connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs correctly.
There are 4 texts, 2 of them set in a social context, and 2 in a more educational or academic context. The texts may be conversations, discussions or a monologue, in a variety of accents.
Candidates need to listen for specific information, understand the main gist, and understand speakers’ opinions and attitudes.
This is a face-to-face speaking test with an IELTS examiner, divided into 3 parts. The first Is an introductory conversation; in the second, the candidate is given 1 minute to prepare a short presentation on a topic; in the third, the examiner and the candidate will discuss some questions connected with the topic in part 2.
Candidates are marked on their ability to express themselves clearly and accurately, to answer questions appropriately, their range of grammar and vocabulary, their level of ‘naturalness’, and their pronunciation and intonation.
Note: the test total time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading and Writing papers are always completed in one sitting. The Speaking test may be taken on the same day or up to seven days before or after the other tests.