What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad.

You’ll be assessed on the following elements:

• SPEAKING:  is the same for Academic and General Training. It takes about 11-14 minutes. This part of the tests is a face-to-face interview without disruptions or distractions. It’s a structured discussion on a familiar topic.
• READING: The General Training Reading test takes 60 minutes. It contains 3 sections. Section 1 may contain two or three short texts or several shorter texts. Then, section 2 comprises two texts. Finally, in Section 3, there is one long text. The texts usually come from notices or advertisements. Also, it may have texts from company handbooks, official documents, books and newspapers. The Academic test is also 60 minutes, but it contains 3 long texts. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. Don’t worry, the texts are selected for a non-specialist audience.
• WRITING: Similar to the Reading test, IELTS Writing test also takes 60 minutes. For the General Training Writing test, you need to write a letter (150 words) and a short Essay (250 words). The Academic Writing test is usually a bit more formal. For the first task, you are asked to describe a table, chart or diagram (150 words). For the second task you should write a short Essay (250 words).
• LISTENING: The Listening test takes approximately 30 mins. It’s the same for Academic and General Training. This part of the test has 4 sections, each with 10 questions. The first two deal with everyday social contexts. Section 3 and 4 deal with educational and training contexts.

There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do.

IELTS Academic

IELTS developed the Academic test if you wish to study at university or college as an undergraduate or postgraduate student. Or, if you want to join or gain entry into a professional institution.

IELTS General Training

Don’t like taking academic tests? The good news is you may not need to. IELTS has the IELTS General Training test for your every-day English. As a result, you can do IELTS General Training for migration to an English speaking country.