IELTS is an internationally recognized test to evaluate proficiency in the English language. Most IELTS candidates are people who plan to study abroad or live and work abroad and need to certify their level of competency in English for immigration purposes.
There are four different sections to the IELTS test: IELTS Listening, IELTS Reading, IELTS Writing and IELTS Speaking, each of which is designed to measure the candidates English language ability in that particular skill.
IELTS Writing | IELTS Speaking | IELTS Listening | IELTS Reading
IELTS administration and organizations
The IELTS test is owned and administered by three organizations, the University of Cambridge, the British Council (both based in England) and IDP Education Australia.It is a global English language proficiency test available to candidates in more than 100 different countries and hundreds of local test centers.
Each local IELTS test center manages the IELTS test registration process, IELTS test administration and IELTS examiners in their own area.
IELTS testing centers normally organize test sessions at least once every month in their area.
Normally candidates can access their results at the test center two weeks after the date of their IELTS test or online in some cases through the administrators website (Check with your local test center).
Academic and General Training IELTS Tests
There are two different versions of the IELTS test, Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS.The Academic version is normally taken by candidates who want to study a graduate or post-graduate level degree program at a university in a foreign country.
The General Training version is usually for candidates who are immigrating to an English speaking country, attending work experience or vocational training courses and also for young people who are completing their secondary level education in an English speaking country.
All candidates do the same IELTS Listening and IELTS Speaking test sections but the Reading and Writing sections for Academic and General Training IELTS are different.
General Training IELTS Reading Test
The texts used in this section are typical of articles and reading material that can be found in day to day life in an English speaking country.These texts are normally sourced from notices, newspapers, official documentation and forms, advertisements, books, booklets, leaflets, pamphlets, timetables and instruction manuals, and the questions are designed to test the ability of the candidate to interpret and be able to utilize this information correctly.
IELTS General Training Reading Section 1 normally presents different texts related to 'linguistic survival' in an English speaking country which require the candidate to be able to retrieve, process and provide information based on facts.
IELTS General Training Reading Section 2 normally contains texts related to a 'training context' either based on content of a training program or the practical considerations of attending such a course, for example, accommodation or welfare requirements.
IELTS General Training Reading Section 3 presents a more complex, longer text for candidates to read and answer questions on.
The IELTS Academic Reading Test
There are three different reading texts or passages, which are normally sourced from books, magazines, journals and newspapers which are written for a general reading audience.You are not required to have any specialist knowledge in any particular area in order to understand these reading passages.
The texts may contain graphic information in the form of tables, illustrations, graphs and diagrams and generally deal with topics or issues that are appropriate for undergraduate or postgraduate level candidates.
IELTS General Training Writing Test
This section has two writing tasks. Task 1 requires candidates to write a letter of 150 words minimum, usually asking for information or dealing with a situation in which the candidate has to explain some details and suggest some action or request something.Task 2 requires candidates to write a short essay of 250 words minimum, responding to either a question or statement on a general interest topic.
These two tasks are designed for candidates to show their ability to: discuss issues, provide factual information or data, describe a problem and a possible solution; present an opinion, evaluation or hypothesis; present and evaluate ideas, evidence and arguments.
IELTS Academic Writing Test
This section has two writing tasks. Task 1 requires candidates to write a description of 150 words minimum, based on a chart, diagram, graph or table of information.This task is designed to test the ability of the candidate to present factual information and summarize the main features of the information / data presented.
Task 2 requires candidates to write a short essay of 250 words minimum, in response to an opinion or question.
The topics or issues in Task 2 questions are appropriate for candidates who are about to enter into undergraduate and postgraduate study courses.
Task 2 is designed to test the candidate's ability to: discuss abstract issues, describe a solution related to a problem, express and support an opinion; make comparisons and contrast data provided, opinions and possible consequences; assess and challenge ideas, information presented and arguments.
The IELTS test is an international English language test and is written in British English.
However, you can choose to use British English or American English when writing your answers to the questions and in the IELTS Writing tasks.
You should NOT use a mixture of the two.
International English Language Testing System
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular test to certify the knowledge of English. In 2014 more than 2.2 million were performed through more than 900 IELTS test centers in more than 130 countries across the world.IELTS is the key that opens many doors to those wishing to work or study abroad. Globally, over 9,000 organizations (including 3,000 in the USA) recognize IELTS results for various purposes.
These include universities and higher education institutions, governments and immigration offices, companies and agencies. In fact, IELTS is the principal English language certification accepted by all countries that require one for immigration purposes.
IELTS is designed to help you in the use of English in your new life abroad. In less than three hours the test evaluates your English language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS guarantees an extremely reliable and consistent evaluation of your English language skills.
Over the years, in 135 countries worldwide which recognize IELTS results, IELTS has helped many students and workers to get English language certifications that have given them greater opportunities for success in life.
We list here some of the reasons why millions of people have supported IELTS:
- Support from experts: from books, videos to online courses and interactive apps, you'll have access to a wide range of resources that will help you to face the IELTS test in the best possible way.
- Free preparation resources: Road to IELTS online course, is accessible to anyone who wants to practice with the exam material.
- Selection of dates and locations: there are over 500 locations in more than 100 countries.
- Online registration: you can register online for the IELTS test up to 14 days before the chosen date.
- IELTS results available in a short time: You can view online IELTS test results after 13 days of the date of execution.
Gloabl IELTS
IELTS is necessary to obtain English language certification to study or work abroad, but is also widely accepted in prestigious universities and higher education institutions which recognize IELTS results for academic purposes.Among the various uses include partial or total exemption from internal English examinations and the recognition of credits or participation in international programs.
If you are not an EU citizen and you are making an application for a visa for the United Kingdom you can find more information in the section IELTS for immigration and visas in the United Kingdom.
RELATED: Tips to Pass the IELTS & TOEFL International English Language Tests
Where can I do the IELTS test?
IELTS is available in more than 130 countries worldwide. The IELTS test is organized every month by the British Council and IDP Australia in many cities and you can register online until two weeks before the chosen date (seats are limited so please register as soon as possible).IELTS and the Common European Framework (CEF)
IELTS is recognized by the Council of Europe. The Common European Framework of reference provides a basis for mutual recognition of language proficiency levels, facilitating international mobility for study and work.The following conversion table helps you understand how IELTS results correlate with the levels of knowledge of English.
| CEF Level | IELTS Result |
| A2 | 3.5 - 4.0 |
| B1 | 4.5 - 5.0 |
| B2 | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| C1 | 7.0 - 7.5 |
| C2 | 8.0 - 9.0 |