International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

General overview

This lesson will cover the following topics: 

  • Structure and format of the test
  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking 
  • Scoring

The Test

All candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. 

Listening 30 mins
Reading  60 mins
Writing  60 mins
Speaking  11 – 14 mins

Total test time: 2 hours 44 minutes excluding breaks.

All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests. There is a choice of Reading and Writing tests according to whether a candidate is taking the Academic or General Training version of the test.

Reading and Writing Tests
Academic

General Training

For candidates taking the test for entry to undergraduate or postgraduate studies, or for professional reasons

 For candidates taking the test for entry to vocational or training programmes not at degree level, for admission to secondary schools and for immigration purposes  

The tests modules are taken in the following order:

Listening
4 sections, 40 items
30 minutes

Academic Reading 
3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes

OR

General Training Reading
3 sections, 40 items
60 minutes

Academic Writing 
2 tasks
60 minutes

 OR

General Training
Writing
2 tasks
60 minutes

Speaking
11 to 14 minutes

Total test time
2 hours 44 minutes

Listening

  • Time: 30 minutes 4 sections, 40 questions

  • Real-world listening situations

  • Range of topics and tasks

    • - listening for specific information 
      - e.g.dates, place names

    • - understanding gist

    • - understanding speaker attitude / opinion

Listening Test Format

  • Section 1: conversation – 2 speakers

  • Section 2: monologue

  • Section 3: conversation – 4 speakers

  • Section 4: lecture

General listening strategies

  • Recording is played once

  • Read question CAREFULLY BEFORE listening

  • Familiarise yourself with question types:

    • - completing a chart

    • - selecting pictures

    • - note-taking exercises

    • -MC questions

Reading

  • Time: 60 minutes 3 reading passages, totally 40 questions

  • Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers

  • Question types

    • - find detailed information  

    • - identify attitudes and views 

    • - complete a diagram

General Reading Strategies

  • Identify reading skills being tested

  • Practise these skills

Writing

  • Time: 60 minutes 2 tasks

  • Task 1(20mins): descriptive report of a table or diagram, 150 words 

  • Task 2(40 mins): 250 word essay in response to an opinion or a problem. 

    • Discuss issues, construct an argument and use the appropriate tone and register.

General Writing Strategies

  • Read the question carefully

  • Familiarise yourself with descriptions of data in newspapers and textbooks

  • Practise formulating your own ideas on topics

Speaking

  • Time: 10 – 15 minutes 

  • Face to face interview between one candidate and one examiner. 

  • Part 1 (4-5mins): Introduction and interview

  • Part 2 (1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk

  • Part 3 (4-5 mins): Discussion topics

  • Speak fluently and link ideas coherently

  • Demonstrate a range of appropriate vocabulary

  • Use accurate grammar and appropriate register

  • Speak so that a listener can understand

Speaking strategies

  • Part 1

    • Take the initiative if possible

    • Always say more than yes or no

    • Try to overcome nerves

  • Part 2

    • - Take the 1 min preparation time

    • - Jot down some main ideas

    • - Sound interested in the talk

  • Part 3

    • - Give informed responses

    • - Demonstrate your control of the language 

    • - Attempt to express abstract ideas 

    • - Support your opinions 

    • - Show that you are willing to provide extended replies

Scoring

  • IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s ability to use English

  • Candidates receive a score on a Band Scale from 1- 9

Scores on the IELTS test are graded into nine bands as follows:

IELTS Band Descriptors

Band

Descriptor

9

Expert user
Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8

Very good user
Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies. Misunderstandings occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation as well.

7

Good user
Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6

Competent user
 Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. 

5

Modest user
Has partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.

4

Limited user
Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3

Extremely limited user
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

2

Intermittent user
No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty in understanding spoken and written English.

1

Non user
Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

0

Did not attempt the test
No assessable information provided.

General Strategies

  • Familiarise yourself with the test.

  • Practice

  • Time Management

Websites

 

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