The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) was developed to help you if you need to work, study, or relocate in a nation where English is the primary language. The USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and other countries are included in this.
During the test, your speaking, reading, and writing skills in English will be assessed. IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 on a scale.
Band score | Skill level | Description |
9 | Expert user | The exam taker is proficient in the language in all practical senses. Their usage of English is proper, correct, and fluent, demonstrating full comprehension. |
8 | Very good user | The test-taker has complete command of the language, with the exception of a few sporadic unsystematic errors and incorrect usage. In unfamiliar circumstances, they could misinterpret some information. They are adept at handling intricate and elaborate argumentation. |
7 | Good user | Although there are occasionally errors, incorrect usage, and misinterpretations in certain contexts, the test-taker has a functional grasp of the language. They typically grasp intricate thinking and can manage sophisticated language well. |
6 | Competent user | Despite errors, improper usage, and misunderstandings, the test-taker has a strong mastery of the language. In familiar settings, they can use and comprehend pretty complex language. |
5 | Modest user | Despite having a limited grasp of the language, the test taker typically understands the overall meaning in most circumstances. They ought to be competent in their particular industry's fundamental communication. |
4 | Limited user | Basic competency is restricted to scenarios that the test-taker is familiar with. They usually exhibit comprehension and communication issues. They are unable to speak in sophisticated sentences. |
3 | Extremely limited user | In extremely familiar circumstances, the test taker can only express and comprehend generic meaning. Communication breakdowns happen frequently. |
2 | Intermittent user | The exam taker finds it extremely challenging to comprehend both spoken and written English. |
1 | Non-user | Except for a few isolated words, the test-taker is unable to use the language. |
0 | Did not attempt the test | The exam taker did not provide any answers. |
The purpose of IELTS is to offer a fair and reliable evaluation of English language skills.
IELTS test is of two types: Academic and General Training. Both exams evaluate your proficiency in speaking, reading, writing, and listening in English.
For people wishing to attend a university or environment where English is the primary language, the IELTS Academic test is appropriate (higher education). For professional registration, you can also take IELTS Academic. The exam gauges your readiness to start studying in English. It uses terminology that is common in academic contexts. You can take the IELTS Academic on paper, online, at home, or at another appropriate venue.
IELTS General Training is appropriate for applicants who want to study at the degree level. This includes a school or college with an English-speaking population. It may also be used for internships or other forms of employment training. Also necessary for immigration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK is IELTS General Training. The test covers common English language abilities that you'll need in social and professional settings. IELTS General Training is only offered for computer and paper testing.
IELTS Online is an additional IELTS Academic testing option. It is identical to IELTS in a test center in terms of format, test content, time, and scoring guidelines. You can take the IELTS Online exam from the comfort of your home or another private location with a reliable internet connection. The Speaking test is conducted via an online video chat with a certified IELTS Examiner.
Step 1: Locate the IELTS test center closest to you or register online.More than 1,600 IELTS test centers are spread across more than 140 nations. Locate the testing facility that is closest to you.With IELTS Online, you can now take your test in the privacy of your home or any location of your choosing.
With an approved IELTS practice test, you can gauge your readiness for the test. An official practice test that is marked online is called IELTS Progress Check. Your overall band score and the individual band scores for each test area will be displayed to you. It will offer advice on how to improve certain areas.
After listening to four recordings of fluent English speakers, you will be asked to answer a series of questions in writing.
Recording 1, a two-person conversation occurs in a typical social environment.
Recording 2, a monologue presented in a typical social environment, such as a speech on neighborhood amenities.
Recording 3, a conversation between up to four individuals taking place in an educational or training situation, such as an academic advisor and a student discussing a task.
Recording 4 is a monologue about a scholarly topic, such as a university lecture.
Examiners are going to be searching for proof that you can understand the main ideas and particular factual information, the viewpoints and attitudes of speakers, the aim of an utterance, and proof that you can follow the evolution of ideas.
Paper format: There are ten questions in each of the four sections. The answers to the questions are formatted to appear in the order they are heard in the audio.
The first two sections deal with scenarios in standard social environments. There is a dialogue between two speakers in Part 1 (for instance, a discussion of trip plans), then a monologue in Part 2. (for example, a speech about local facilities). The latter two sections cover scenarios that occur in training and educational settings. Part 3 is a conversation between the two primary speakers (for instance, two college students debating under the guidance of a professor), and Part 4 features a monologue on a subject related to academics.
You only hear the recordings once. Various accents are represented, including British, Australian, New Zealand, American, and Canadian.
Types of tasks Multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion are just a few of the question types used.
Answering: Test-takers record their responses to the questions as they listen, and they have 10 minutes at the end of the exam to transfer those responses to an answer sheet. When writing responses on the answer sheet, be careful because poor spelling and grammar will result in penalties.
Marks: Each question has a single point.
A thorough analysis of the paper with references to related sources.
Format and nature of the task: A question is followed by three potential responses in multiple-choice tasks, or a sentence's first word is followed by three different options to finish the sentence. The only valid response is one of the following: A, B, or C.
Task type and format: Examinees must match a set of selections on the question paper to a numbered list of items from the listening text. The list of choices could be any sort of criteria.
Format and nature of the task: Readers must read a series of phrases that summarise the most critical details from the entire listening passage or a specific section. They then use details from the listening text to fill gaps in each sentence. A word limit is specified, such as "NO MORE THAN ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER."
Format and nature of the task: Test-takers must read a question and quickly compose a response utilizing details from the listening passage. A word restriction is specified, such as "NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER." When test takers write more words than required, they are penalized. Contracted words won't be put to the test. Words with hyphens count as separate words. Test takers may occasionally be asked to mention two or three points in response to a question.
Certified examiners routinely observed to verify their dependability mark the Listening test. After each answer sheet has been graded, Cambridge English reviews them.
For each listening exam variant, a table is created that converts scores out of 40 into the IELTS 9-band scale. Both full bands and half bands are used to report scores.