IELTS
International English Language Testing System
The English test accepted for study, work and migration across the UK, Australia, Canada and Europe.
About the exam
IELTS reports a band score from 0 to 9 across Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Academic is used for university admission and professional registration; General Training is used for migration and work.
Bands are awarded against published descriptors, so scores improve fastest when practice is matched to those descriptors rather than to generic English study.
Exam pattern at a glance
- Versions
- Academic and General Training
- Total time
- 2 hours 45 minutes
- Scoring
- Band 0–9, reported in half bands
- Speaking
- Face-to-face interview, 11–14 minutes
- Result validity
- Two years
- Mode
- Paper-based, computer-delivered, or IELTS Online
Syllabus & sections
Four recordings, 40 questions, one hearing only — spelling and number accuracy decide the band.
Three passages, 40 questions. Matching headings and True/False/Not Given cost most candidates their band.
Task 1 data or letter description, Task 2 argumentative essay of 250+ words.
Introduction, two-minute long turn on a cue card, and an abstract discussion.
Who can apply
- Open to anyone aged 16 and above; no academic prerequisites.
- Valid passport required for registration and on test day.
Study timeline
- 1. Weeks 1–2
Diagnostic test, band-descriptor briefing, and question-type mapping.
- 2. Weeks 3–6
Skill drills: reading speed, listening dictation, essay frameworks, fluency practice.
- 3. Weeks 7–8
Weekly full mocks with written feedback and recorded speaking reviews.
Frequently asked
Six to eight weeks of structured work is typical, and writing is almost always the band that lags.
The content is identical. Computer delivery gives faster results and easier editing in Writing; choose paper if you prefer annotating passages.