IELTS

What is the IELTS Test?

IELTS = International English Language Testing System. It is the world’s biggest English language test with test centres in most countries. This means it is a test which accepts international English, not only British English.

There are four parts to the IELTS test:

• IELTS Speaking – a face to face informal test with an examiner which lasts between 11 and 14 mins and is made up of 3 parts. All IELTS candidates take the same test.
• IELTS Listening – a 30 minute audio recording with 40 questions. All IELTS candidates take the same test.
• IELTS Reading – 3 reading passages with 40 questions which lasts for 1 hour. This test is divided into Academic and General Training papers.
• IELTS Writing – this is divided into task 1 and task 2. Task 1 Academic is a short report of a chart, graph, map table etc. Task 1 GT is a letter. Task 2 Academic & GT is a formal essay. IELTS writing lasts for 1 hour in total.