Test preparation
IELTS
Prepare with purpose. Aim for your target band.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally recognised English language proficiency test designed to assess how effectively a candidate can communicate in English. The test evaluates Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS can be taken on computer, and IELTS (Writing on Paper) also allows test takers to complete the Writing section by hand on paper while taking Listening and Reading on computer. Speaking remains a face-to-face interview with an expert examiner. IELTS is widely used for study, work and migration, depending on the requirements of the relevant organisation or authority.
- Test length
- About 2 hr 45 min
- Sections
- 4
- Score scale
- Band 1 to 9
- Versions
- Academic · General
About this course
Learn with a clear purpose.
Who it's for
For students, professionals and other candidates preparing for IELTS Academic or General Training for study, work, professional registration or migration, depending on the requirements of the relevant institution or authority.
What you’ll work on
- ✓ Listening & Reading — completed on computer
- ✓ Writing — choose computer or handwritten on paper
- ✓ Speaking — face-to-face interview with an examiner
- ✓ Academic & General Training test formats
- ✓ Same IELTS content, scoring and global acceptance across formats
- ✓ Test-day strategies and preparation for each section
How the test works
Four sections, one overall band.
01
Listening
30 minutes
Four recordings, from everyday conversations to academic lectures, with 40 questions.
02
Reading
60 minutes
Three sections with 40 questions in total. The texts differ between Academic and General Training.
03
Writing
60 minutes
Two tasks. Task 1 needs at least 150 words and Task 2 at least 250 words. Task 2 carries more weight.
04
Speaking
11 to 14 minutes
A live conversation with an examiner: an introduction, a short talk on a topic, and a discussion.
Versions
Choose the right version.
IELTS Academic
For higher education and professional registration. Writing Task 1 describes visual information such as a graph, chart or diagram.
IELTS General Training
For work experience, training programmes and migration. Writing Task 1 is a letter.
Marking scheme
How you are marked.
Listening and Reading
- ✓ Each section has 40 questions.
- ✓ Your correct answers are converted into a band from 1 to 9.
Writing
- ✓ Task achievement (Task 1) or task response (Task 2)
- ✓ Coherence and cohesion
- ✓ Lexical resource (vocabulary)
- ✓ Grammatical range and accuracy
Speaking
- ✓ Fluency and coherence
- ✓ Lexical resource (vocabulary)
- ✓ Grammatical range and accuracy
- ✓ Pronunciation
Your overall band is the average of the four section bands, rounded to the nearest half band.
See what each band means →How we prepare you
Your path to progress.
STEP 1
Know the test
Understand each section, the question types and how marks are awarded.
STEP 2
Build the skills
Strengthen listening, reading, writing and speaking with guided lessons.
STEP 3
Practise with feedback
Apply what you learn to exam-style tasks and get feedback you can act on.
STEP 4
Review and refine
Track your progress and focus on the areas that raise your band.
Start learning
Find your right batch.
Contact us for current batch timings, availability and course details.
Questions
Good to know before you start.
How is IELTS scored?
Each section receives a band from 1 to 9, and your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band.
Academic or General Training: which one do I need?
Academic is usually required for university study. General Training is usually used for work experience, training programmes and migration. Always check the requirement of the institution or authority you are applying to.
How long does the test take?
Listening, Reading and Writing take 2 hours 30 minutes together, on the same day without a break. Speaking takes 11 to 14 minutes and, depending on the test centre, can be on the same day or up to 7 days before or after.
Is IELTS taken on paper or on a computer?
Depending on the test centre, IELTS is available on paper or on a computer. Check the format offered when you book.
Where do I check test dates and fees?
They change, so check the official IELTS website at ielts.org before you book.
How can I enquire about a course?
Contact us on WhatsApp or through the contact page to enquire about the course you are interested in.
How do I find the right class for me?
Contact us with your learning goal and preferred schedule, and we'll help you understand the available options for IELTS.
How can I get course fees and details?
Contact us for the latest fee information, course details and available options for IELTS.
Free language assessment
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