IELTS

WHERE TO START
How to prepare for the IELTS test
IELTS measures your reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and assesses your ability to communicate for work, study or
life in an English-speaking country.
The first step is to make sure you understand the IELTS test format. You need to know what will be expected of you on test day.

Understand the IELTS test format

Study the test format to make sure that you know what to expect.
Look carefully at the content of each part of the IELTS test: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Get to know the different types of questions that you may be asked in each part.

Once you are familiar with the IELTS test format, you will need to undertake a number of focused preparation activities.
Recommended preparation activities
Examine our IELTS practice test papers and answers.
Take practice tests under timed conditions.
Practise with the British Council's IELTS online preparation resources, available free when you book your test with the British
Council.
Buy IELTS self-study books and materials.
Consider taking an IELTS preparation course with the British Council.
Review our IELTS test day advice.
Test Format & Band Scores

Candidates are tested in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking

Understand the IELTS test format

You will take the first three parts of the test all on one day in the
following order: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. There are no
breaks between the first three tests.
You will take the Speaking test either on the same day, or 7 days
before or after that, depending on local arrangements.
IELTS General

The general training module is for candidates wishing to emigrate to

and work in an English speaking country (Australia, Canada, New
Zealand, UK)
for those wishing to train or study below a degree level
20% of test takers write the General exam
IELTS Academic

The academic module is for candidates wishing to study at

undergraduate or post graduate levels
for those seeking professional registration
80% of test takers write the Academic exam
Test Format & Band Scores

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day without break
Speaking can be completed within 7 days before or after the main test day
Band scores
9 Expert user
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
8 Very good user
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate words. Misunderstandings may occur in
unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.
7 Good user
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate words and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally
handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
6 Competent user
Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate words and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly
complex language particularly in familiar situations.
5 Modest user
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle
basic communication in own field.
4 Limited user
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
3 Extremely limited user
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
2 Intermittent user
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate
needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1 Non user
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
0 Did not attempt the test
No assessable information provided.
Test Format & Band Scores

IELTS Band Score

How to Apply

An application form
Bring your original valid passport
Two photos (passport size) and the background must be white or light blue only
The IELTS test fee
FAQs Contd..
Table of Content

1. About IELTS
7. What is the format of test and how long will it take?
2. FAQs
IELTS has four parts Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking
3.
(1114 minutes). The total time of the test is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Listening, Reading and Writing tests Exam Types
are held in one sitting. Speaking test might be on the same day or taken 7 days after or before the
4. Test Format
other tests.
5. Test Scoring
8. Is the IELTS test finished in one day?
6. Exam Tips
The Listening, Reading and Writing test are completed right away, one after each other with no break.
The Speaking test might be held 7 days before or after the other test date, depending on the test 7. Preparation Tips
centre.

9. Which part do I take first?

You take the Listening test first, then the Reading and Writing test. You will take the Speaking test 7 days
before or after the other tests take, depending on test centre.