IELTS exam - a simple explanation of the test

Many students around the world sit an English Language Test called IELTS (International English Language Testing System).

There are two versions of the test:

Academic Module - For entry into university or other tertiary institution offering degree or diploma courses.

General Training Module - For entry into secondary school or vocational training courses.

This hub gives basic information about the modules in the IELTS academic test modules.

The test is scored using a confidential system. However, in general, each module (reading, writing, listening and speaking) is marked and scored then averaged and rounded to give an Overall Band Score.

The overall band score ranges from 0 (did not attempt the test) to 9 (expert user)

• 0 = Did not attempt the test
• 1 = Non User
• 2 = Intermittent user
• 3 = Extremely limited user
• 4 = Limited user
• 5 = Modest user
• 6 = Competent user
• 7 = Good user
• 8 = Very good user
• 9 = Expert user

• The academic reading module takes 60 minutes.
• There will be 3 reading texts with a total of 1500 to 2500 words.
• There are usually 40 questions starting easy and getting harder.

The writing module takes about 60 minutes. There are 2 tasks:

Task One

• Takes about 20 minutes
• You write a report
• You write a minimum of 150 words

• Takes about 40 minutes
• You write an essay either discussion, argument, opinion or point of view
• You need a good range of vocabulary and grammar, organization and task development.

The listening module takes about 30 minutes. It has 4 separate sections and you only hear each section one time. The sections are:

• Conversation on a general or social theme
• Monologue or interview on a general or social theme
• Conversation between up to 4 people on educational or training theme
• A talk or lecture about a topic of general academic interest

The speaking module takes between 11 and 14 minutes.

There are three sections to the test:

• Introductions (4 to 5 minutes) The examiner introduces themself, and ask questions about you.
• Give a short talk (3 to 4 minutes) Prepare and give a short talk of 1 to 2 minutes on a given subject
• Discussion (3 to 4 minutes) You and the examiner discuss the topic in part 2 of the test.