IELTS tests a complete range of skills commonly needed by students when studying
or training in English.
There are four modules - all candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules,
but they can choose to take either the General Training or Academic Reading and
Writing Modules.
If you are planning to undertake academic study, it is recommended that you sit
for the Academic Reading and Writing Modules.
If you are planning to undertake non-academic training, it is recommended that you
sit for the General Training Reading and Writing Modules.
The Academic modules assesses the candidate's ability to use the kind of language
neeeded to follow a course of study - for example, following complex arguments,
discussing abstract ideas and concepts and dealing with information effectively.
The General Training modules assess a broader range of language skills. They are
more suited to candidates wanting to take work related training courses, complete
their secondary education or work in an English speaking country.
The first three modules – Listening, Reading and Writing – must be completed in
one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking Module may be taken,
at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the
other modules.
Listening | Time: approximately 30 minutes
Candidates listen to a number of recorded texts, which increase in difficulty as
the test progresses. These include a mixture of monologues and conversations and
feature a variety of English accents and dialects. The recording is heard only once,
but candidates are given time to read the questions and write down and check their
answers.
Academic Reading | Time: 60 minutes
There are three reading passageswith tasks. Texts are taken from books, magazines,
journals and newspapers, all written for a nonspecialist audience. At least one
of the texts contains a detailed argument.
General Training Reading | Time: 60 minutes
The texts are based on the type of material candidates would be expected to encounter
on a daily basis in an English speaking country. They are taken from sources such
as newspapers, advertisements, instruction manuals and books, and test the candidate's
ability to understand and use information. The test includes one longer text, which
is descriptive rather than argumentative.
Academic Writing | Time: 60 minutes
For the first task, candidates write a report of around 150 words based on material
found in a table or diagram, demonstrating their ability to describe and explain
data. For the second task candidates write a short essay of around 250 words in
response to an opinion or a problem. They are expected to demonstrate an ability
to discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register.
General Training Writing | Time: 60 minutes
The first task requires candidates to write a letter of around 150 words either
asking for information or explaining a situation. The second task is a short essay
of around 250 words, and is written in response to a given point of view or problem.
Candidates are expected to be able to present their own ideas and challenge other
ideas, using appropriate tone and register.
Speaking | Time: 11–14 minutes
The test takes the form of a face to face interview. Candidates are assessed on
their use of spoken English to answer short questions, speak at length on a familiar
topic, and also to interact with the examiner.