What is IELTS?
ELTS is an English language test for study, migration or work. Over three million people take our test every year. IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies around the world.
How to Prepare for IELTS Exam
Listening
You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.
- Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
- Recording 2 – a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
- Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
- Recording 4 – a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.
Speaking
The speaking section of the test consists of three parts:
- Part 1: General Questions – The examiner will ask you questions about yourself and familiar topics. This part lasts around four to five minutes.
- Part 2: Topic Presentation – You will be given a card with a specific topic and have one minute to prepare. You will then speak for up to two minutes about the topic. The examiner may ask follow-up questions afterwards.
- Part 3: Discussion – You will engage in a discussion with the examiner about the topic from Part 2. This part explores more abstract ideas and issues and lasts around four to five minutes.
Reading
The Reading section of the IELTS test assesses various reading skills through 40 questions. These skills include:
- Reading for gist: Understanding the main idea or general meaning of a text.
- Reading for main ideas: Identifying the primary points or arguments presented in a text.
- Reading for detail: Extracting specific information or facts from a passage.
- Skimming: Quickly scan a text to get a general overview or find specific information.
- Understanding logical argument: Comprehending the flow of reasoning and supporting evidence in a text.
- Recognizing writers’ opinions, attitudes, and purpose: Identifying the author’s viewpoint, tone, and intention.
Writing
The Writing section of the IELTS test consists of two tasks, both of which require a formal writing style. The topics covered are of general interest and are suitable for test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. Here are the details of each task:
Task 1: In this task, you will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram, and your task is to describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words. This may involve describing and explaining data, illustrating the stages of a process, explaining how something works, or describing an object or event.
Task 2: For this task, you will be given a statement presenting a point of view, argument, or problem, and you will need to write an essay in response. Your essay should provide a well-structured and coherent argument, supported by relevant examples and evidence.
IELTS for teachers
IELTS teachers have an important role to play in getting their students ready for the test. If your students score highly, it could greatly improve their chances of being able to work, live or study abroad. Over three million test takers take IELTS every year, with teachers playing an integral role in the preparation stage.