What is the IELTS Test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most trusted and popular English tests used by universities, educational institutions, workplaces, and governments around the world to assess students and workers’ English level proficiency.
The test evaluates your English Speaking , Reading , Writing , and Listening skills.
The IELTS exam is marked on a and each band corresponds to the level of competence in English, with Band 9 being the highest band and Band 1 indicating a non-user.
Image adapted from the IELTS Scores Guide
IELTS Test Types
IELTS offers two main tests for students and workers: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training:
IELTS Academic
The IELTS Academic test is more aimed towards people who want to study in a country where English is spoken and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying in English. The test is often used by universities, higher education institutions, and for professional registration purposes. It features vocabulary that is common in an academic setting.
IELTS Academic Test Format
Listening
30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet (Paper-based)
- 4 recorded monologues
- 40 questions
Reading
60 minutes
- 3 long reading passages that may be descriptive, factual, discursive, analytical, or visual.
- 40 questions
Writing
60 minutes
- Essay Writing Tasks (2 Tasks)
- Writing Task 1 (150 words): Describing and summarising visual information
- Writing Task 2 (250 words): Short essay task
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
- Face to Face Interview (3 Sections)
- Section 1: Short, general questions
- Section 2: Speaking at length about a topic
- Section 3: Structured Discussion
IELTS General Training
The IELTS General Training test is more suitable for people who want to migrate to a country where English is spoken and for those who want to train or study at below a degree level. The test is used for immigration, employment, training, schools, and colleges. It tests everyday English language skills that are needed in workplaces and social situations.
IELTS General Training Test Format
Listening
30 minutes + 10 minutes to transfer answers to the answer sheet (Paper-based)
- 4 recorded monologues
- 40 questions
Reading
60 minutes
- 5 or 6 texts of varying lengths (3 Sections)
- 40 questions
- Section 1: Two or three short factual texts
- Section 2: Two short, work related, factual texts
- Section 3: One longer text on a topic of general interest
Writing
60 minutes
- Essay Writing Tasks (2 Tasks)
- Writing Task 1 (150 words): Letter writing
- Writing Task 2 (250 words): Short essay task
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
- Face to Face Interview (3 Sections)
- Section 1: Short, general questions
- Section 2: Speaking at length about a topic
- Section 3: Structured Discussion
*Note that the listening and speaking components for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training are the same.
Please note that Zenar International Education currently only offers IELTS Academic preparation courses. If you would like advice and help for IELTS General Training, please contact us.