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IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. IELTS is the most popular test of English language according to wikipedia.org with over 3.5 million test-takers in 2018.

Exam Structure

IELTS exam is divided into four parts: , , Writing and . The parts come in the same order. Now lets have a look at each part in more detail.

Listening: 4 sections, 40 questions total. Lasts for 30 minutes

Reading: 3 sections, 40 questions total. Lasts for 1 hour

Writing: 2 pieces of writing, 150 and 250 words long. Lasts for 1 hour

Speaking: 3 sections. Lasts for 12-15 minutes.

General and Academic Modules

IELTS test has two different modules (or types): General and Academic. You have to choose one depending on the purpose you take your IELTS test. In 2014 over 75% of test-takers chose Academic for their test.

Academic module is aimed at people who intend to study abroad for their so-called tertiary degree- universities and colleges. General module is mostly for people planning to work abroad, get their secondary education there or emigrate. For more detailed information on Academic and General module check this part of IELTS Reading page.

IELTS Score

Your exam results are scored from 1 to 9 in 0.5 increments, called Band. See the table below for IELTS score comparison with other English exams.

Reading and Listening score is based on the number of correct answers. Writing and Speaking parts of IELTS have four different assessment criteria.

IELTS Test Procedure

Before the exam starts, you get a small plastic bag to put your personal belongings in (your phone, watch and so forth). Each student is seated individually at a small table. At the beginning of each exam part you are given instructions in your native language and you are free to ask questions.

For your Listening and Reading parts, you have to fill in your Answer Sheet form. After that each test-taker gets an envelope with the task that shouldn't be opened before the exam starts. The supervisor confirms that everyone has filled in their form, then you get to open your task envelopes and the exam time starts. During your Writing part the teacher occasionally announces the remaining time you have. Both Writing and Reading parts have a clock in the room that you can use to time yourself.

Cheating is virtually impossible as there are people monitoring you all the time, moving between the isles. It is possible to have bathroom breaks at the expense of your exam time. Keep in mind that a member of monitoring staff will accompany you. At the end of the exam the staff member hand out forms that allow you to report cheating that you might have noticed during the exam.

IELTS Results

Your test results can be checked at IELTS official test results page 14 days after completing all four parts of the exam. You should be able to get your Test Report Form from the place your test-taking centre at about the same time.

You can choose up to five organisations that will get your IELTS test result score. This can be useful when applying for several colleges or universities.

Keep in mind that you won't get an extra Test Report Form should you lose or damage yours.

The best way to prepare for your test is to know the structure of each part and then do as many practice tests as you can.

Do you really need a teacher to prepare for your IELTS test? Read this entry for some insight.

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IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It has two different modules(or types): General and Academic. You have to choose one of them

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Free IDP Webinar #3: IELTS Speaking Masterclass

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There is a good chance that if you are reading this blog post you probably understand the importance of preparing for your IELTS test. You can take advantage of the vast amount of information available to help you get ready for your IELTS test.

One of the most important resources available is the IELTS public band descriptors for the Speaking and Writing tests. We recommend becoming familiar with these as they will help you get ready for your test. This blog post gives an overview of the Speaking band descriptors.

What are the Speaking band descriptors?

The Speaking band descriptors are a set of assessment criteria that the examiner uses to assess your speaking performance. The band descriptors are the same for both IELTS Speaking tests (Academic and General Training). The assessment criteria are broken into four categories across 9 bands:

How are the Speaking band descriptors used?

Your IELTS Speaking examiner will use these descriptors to evaluate your speaking skills. Your examiner will carefully consider the descriptors and will then match them to your overall performance across the four categories by assigning a band score for each one. The band scores range from 0 (the lowest) to 9 (the highest).

What do the band descriptors mean?

Let's take a closer look at what each category means and how your IELTS examiner will use the descriptors to evaluate your speaking skills.

1. Fluency and coherence

A few things to consider about this descriptor:

Fluency - Your examiner will look at how fluent you are - your ability to keep speaking and if you need to hesitate, self-correct and repeat yourself to keep going.

Coherence - Your examiner will look at how coherent you sound - how your words, ideas and thoughts flow together, using a range of words and phrases to connect and organise your ideas, help you move on to another point, etc.

Some examples of connecting words include:

First, Second...

Next...

Then...

Another thing...

Well, I believe...

This is a very small sample, and we suggest taking time to research and review how using these words can help you sound more fluent.

2. Lexical resource

With this descriptor, your examiner will be listening for your ability to choose the right words and phrases to express yourself clearly:

Your words - Your examiner will consider the kinds of words you use, whether they help make your ideas clear, and whether the words are understandable, appropriate and relevant to the topic. They will also see if you can choose the right word forms (e.g. bored/boring) and if you can use the right words together - collocation (e.g. environmental pollution).

Paraphrasing, idiomatic language and less common language - The use of idiomatic language and less common words are important at higher levels (band 7 and up). This doesn't mean that you need to use very uncommon words, or phrases and clichés that you have memorised. It takes time and practice to use idiomatic language naturally when discussing a variety of topics. The examiner also assesses your ability to paraphrase, saying what you mean using different words when you can't think of the right word or phrase.

3. Grammatical range and accuracy

This descriptor focuses on your ability to produce speech that is grammatically correct using both simple and complex structures:

Sentence structure and variation - When speaking, think about the proper use of sentences - using a mix of simple and complex structures. You need to show your examiner that you can use a range of complex structures accurately, if you want to score a higher band score.

Number of errors - It is also important to try and limit the number of grammatical errors you make. Become aware of the errors you usually make (e.g. articles, prepositions, subject/verb agreement) so you can make sure that your sentences are accurate.

4. Pronunciation

This descriptor assesses how easy it is to understand what you say, and you are assessed on the range of pronunciation features you can use, including stress, intonation and rhythm.

How well you are understood - Your examiner will be listening for how easy it is to understand you, and how clearly (and correctly) you pronounce words. They will also listen to how you use stress and intonation to emphasise important words and ideas and the use of stress to contrast ideas. They will also listen out for pronunciation errors made when you say your words.

When preparing for your IELTS test keep in mind that, as outlined above, there are many things your IELTS examiner will be listening for. So, it is important to understand what the examiner is looking out for, to be better prepared for test day.

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ielts speaking band descriptors explained

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Understanding the IELTS Speaking band descriptors

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There is a good chance that if you are reading this blog post you probably understand the importance of preparing for your IELTS test. You can take advantage of the vast amount of information available to help you get ready for your IELTS test.

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You might be nervous about taking your IELTS Speaking test, but with these 10 tips from our IELTS Experts, and plenty of practice, you will be well on your way to building your confidence and getting the IELTS band score you need.

For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, the face-to-face Speaking test is made up of three parts. By understanding what happens in these three parts of the Speaking test, you will be better prepared.

Part 1

In Part 1, you will have a 4 to 5 minute conversation with an IELTS examiner about yourself. Topics might include:

Part 2

In Part 2 of the Speaking test, you will be given a card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response, you will then speak on the topic for two minutes.

Part 3

In Part 3, you will have a conversation with the IELTS examiner around the topic given in part 2, discussing it in more detail. Part 3 should take approximately 4 to 5 minutes to complete.

Tip 1: Don't memorise answers

Don't memorise answers, especially in Part 1. Memorised language doesn't give the examiner an accurate measure of your English-language skills. The examiner will be able to tell if you have memorised your answers and this may influence your final band score.

Tip 2: Don't use big and unfamiliar words

You may want to impress the examiner with big and complex words in your Speaking test. But to be safe, avoid using words you are not familiar with. There is a higher chance of making mistakes by either mispronouncing words or using them in the wrong context. Mistakes can affect your final band score.

Use a range of vocabulary that you know which is relevant to the topic being discussed. Look at the topics in Tip 10, making vocabulary lists or mind maps to help you learn more words and phrases connected to these topic areas.

Tip 3: Use a range of grammatical structures

When IELTS examiners asses your speaking skills, they mark you against the following assessment criteria:

Try and use a range of grammatical structures using complex and simple sentences to express what you want to say. Know your own errors and practice speaking to friends in English, or record yourself to see if you can spot errors. If you hear an error, make sure to correct yourself. You are assessed on your ability to use different grammatical structures accurately, so it's important to practise speaking about the past, the present and the future using correct tenses.

Tip 4: Don't worry about your accent

With a face-to-face Speaking test, the IELTS examiner understands a wide range of accents so will be able to understand what you say, unlike an AI machine. If you can communicate well, then there is nothing to worry about. But do be aware of sounds that you have difficulty with and make sure to use stress and intonation as English is a stress-timed language. Practice with friends and they will tell you if they can't understand what you are saying.

Tip 5: Pause to think

There is no harm in taking a brief pause to think about what to say. We all do it to process questions. You can use phrases to give you time to think during the Speaking test - phrases such as:

That's an interesting question

I have never thought about that, but...

That's a good point

That's a difficult question, but I'll try and answer it

Well, some people say that is the case, however I think...

Let me think about that for a minute

Tip 6: Avoid using fillers

Speak confidently and avoid using filler words. We generally use fillers when we don't know what to say, however, this shows the examiner that you can't access the appropriate language or ideas so it's important to avoid them and to use the phrases we gave you in Tip 5.

Avoid the following fillers:

Tip 7: Extend your answers

Try and answer the examiner's questions in full. Extend your answers and don't wait for the examiner to prompt you with a question. When your answers are short, this shows the examiner that you cannot talk in detail about a topic. If the examiner says 'Why?', they are prompting you to give a reason for your answer and to extend more fully.

Tip 8: Smiling helps pronunciation

Smiling can help calm your nerves which in turn helps your pronunciation. Make sure to enunciate clearly, opening your mouth wide enough so that sounds come out clearly. When we smile, our mouth is bigger and the tone of our voice is more friendly. Using clear enunciation and tone will show the examiner that you can use a range of pronunciation features.

Tip 9: Don't speak in a monotone

Sometimes when we speak, we produce a flat sound, a monotone, with little variation. This makes it more difficult to express what you say and makes it more difficult for the listener to identify what parts of your message are important. Putting emphasis on certain words and pausing at sections in your speech can make your conversation with the IELTS examiner more engaging. When we emphasise certain words it makes it easier to compare and contrast ideas by stressing key words. It also increases the flow of conversation, so remember:

Don't speak in a monotone

Vary the stress and intonation to add emphasis

Use your hands to gesture and help the rhythm of the conversation

Tip 10 - Practice common IELTS topics

Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test requires you to speak on a given topic for about 2 minutes. Practice common IELTS topics with friends, family or colleagues to improve and to learn vocabulary associated with each topic.

Common topics you can practice for the Speaking test include:

Combine these 10 tips with our IELTS practice materials to build up your confidence.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, so with plenty of practice you will be well on your way to getting the band score you need in your IELTS Speaking test.

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IELTS Speaking test - 10 tips from Experts | IDP IELTS

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You might be nervous about taking your IELTS Speaking test, but with these 10 tips from our IELTS Experts, and plenty of practice, you will be well on your way to building your confidence and getting the IELTS band score you need. For both paper-based and computer-delivered IELTS, the face-to-face Speaking test is made up of three parts.

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Practice Listening on computer

Practice IELTS Reading on computer

Try some IELTS Reading sample questions on computer to see if it is for you. It's also a perfect addition to your IELTS study plan.

The Reading sample questions for IELTS on computer are made up of 11 question types and 41 questions including:

Start the sample questions for Listening by clicking on the link below

Download the answer sheet to see how you went.

Practice IELTS Writing on computer

Try our sample questions for IELTS Writing test on computer to see if it is for you. And if you have booked a computer-delivered IELTS test, add it to your study plan.

The sample questions for IELTS Writing test consists of 2 tasks.

Task 1: You will be asked to write 150 words and spend about 20 minutes on this task.

Task 2: You will be asked to write 250 words and spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Start your Writing practice test by clicking on the link below:

Download the answer sheet to see how you went.

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Get familiar with taking IELTS on computer

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Try some IELTS Reading sample questions on computer to see if it is for you. It's also a perfect addition to your IELTS study plan. The Reading sample questions for IELTS on computer are made up of 11 question types and 41 questions including: Start the sample questions for Listening by clicking on the link below Download the answer sheet to see how you went.

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Today I'm making a difficult decision: I'm taking a break from this blog for a while.

I'll still be teaching IELTS, but I'll only be available in one place: my member site.

Here's a quick explanation for this decision:

Over the last few months I've been in too many places at the same time. I've been publishing daily blog lessons, creating special lessons for the member site, answering emails and comments, and even posting things here and there on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

I've learnt that by doing too many things, the quality of each one suffers. I want to spend some time doing one thing and doing it better, and I'm afraid I had to choose the member site.

So, I'm not leaving the blog forever; I'm taking a sabbatical to work on a project. And if you're a subscriber to my member site, I'll be able to serve you better.

..........

Note:
There are over 2800 lessons here on the blog, so there's plenty for you to read. My other IELTS resources are also still available.

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Today I'm making a difficult decision: I'm taking a break from this blog for a while. I'll still be teaching IELTS, but I'll only be available in one place: my member site. Here's a quick explanation for this decision: Over the last few months I've been in too many places at the same time.

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An IELTS teacher's guide with free lessons in test preparation with help and resources in reading, writing. listening and speaking

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Improve your english speaking with our IELTS speaking practice test. Designed for 2 people working together. Take the speaking test today.

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IELTS Writing - Academic Task 1 - Vocabulary | Good Luck IELTS

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Get high marks on Task 1 of the Academic IELTS with our FREE list of useful vocabulary, and complete, free guide to the exam.

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The Academic Phrasebank is a general resource for academic writers. It aims to provide you with examples of some of the phraseological 'nuts and bolts' of writing organised according to the main sections of a research paper or dissertation (see the top menu ). Other phrases are listed under the more general communicative functions of academic writing (see the menu on the left). The resource should be particularly useful for writers who need to report their research work. The phrases, and the headings under which they are listed, can be used simply to assist you in thinking about the content and organisation of your own writing, or the phrases can be incorporated into your writing where this is appropriate. In most cases, a certain amount of creativity and adaptation will be necessary when a phrase is used. The items in the Academic Phrasebank are mostly content neutral and generic in nature; in using them, therefore, you are not stealing other people's ideas and this does not constitute plagiarism. For some of the entries, specific content words have been included for illustrative purposes, and these should be substituted when the phrases are used. The resource was designed primarily for academic and scientific writers who are non-native speakers of English. However, native speaker writers may still find much of the material helpful. In fact, recent data suggest that the majority of users are native speakers of English. More about Academic Phrasebank.

Call for research participants
Are you a postgraduate student with a specific learning difficulty? We are conducting research into how Academic Phrasebank can be useful for postgraduate students who have specific learning difficulties. Would you like to assist with this project by taking part in an online interview? If so, please complete thisshort form. It will only take around one minute of your time.

This site was created by John Morley.

Academic Phrasebank is the Intellectual Property of the University of Manchester.

Copyright © 2023 The University of Manchester

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The Academic Phrasebank is a general resource for academic writers. It aims to provide you with examples of some of the phraseological 'nuts and bolts' of writing organised according to the main sections of a research paper or dissertation (see the top menu ).

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Writing exercises for self-directed study, LLC, Victoria University of Wellington

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IELTS Tips and Strategies for a High Score

IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) is a standardised English test run by and managed by the Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council and IDP Australia.

The test is taken in order to show proficiency in the English language in order to study abroad or for immigration purposes, such as to work.

Great feedback for our writing training!

Thank you very much IELTS buddy! I had a band 8 in the IELTS exam last week! Your lessons were priceless, especially the writing lessons . I raised my mark from 6.5 to 7.5 in three weeks! I am really grateful!

Polia Matyus, Chester, UK - February 2018

Click on the icon to go to some of the great teaching material on the IELTS buddy website

Now...what is IELTS?

The letters stand for the International English Language Testing System. It is a test designed to measure your ability in the four skills of writing, speaking, reading and listening.

After the test you will be given a score from 1-9. You use this score for admission to a university or to work abroad (institutions and employers decide what score they require).

It is accepted by many institutions and employers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and North America.

There are four sections in the IELTS test, but some parts vary depending on whether you are taking the test to study abroad or work/live abroad.

Academic IELTS: Study Abroad

The IELTS Academic test is taken if you are planning to study abroad at school or higher education establishments.

Academic IELTS

Writing

The academic writing test takes 60 minutes and there are two parts. You will have to write an essay and analyse a graph or diagram.

Reading

The reading test takes 60 minutes and is divided into three sections. Each section will have an academic reading of about 600 words and you will have to answer 40 questions in total.

Speaking

In this part of the test, you will have a 11-14 minute interview with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions and evaluate your responses. The questions are easier at the beginning but get harder at the end.

Listening

The listening test takes 40 minutes and is divided into four sections, each one slightly harder than the first. There are 40 questions. You'll have to listen to each section and answer the questions as you listen.

General Training: Working or Living Abroad

The general training module is intended to test English ability in a more practical, everyday context. The test format is the same as above for the listening and speaking. However the writing and reading modules are different.

People often take the general training module if they are intending to work or live abroad.

General Training

Writing

Like the academic test, you will have to write an essay, but you will have to write a letter instead of analysing a graph. Again you have 60 minutes.

Reading

Like the academic module, the test is 60 minutes and there are 40 questions to answer. However, the readings are based on real life situations rather than being academic.

Speaking

Same as for the Academic Module.

Listening

Same as for the Academic Module.

Classic IELTS Problems Solved!

Are there things that you are worried about in IELTS or you don't understand?

The site is here to help you with all the kinds of issues you may have with the test.

Here are some common ones:

How do I prepare for IELTS?

This is probably one of the first things you'll be asking yourself if you are new to the test or you've take it but think you may not be preparing properly.

learn how you should start preparing:

How are IELTS scores calculated?

You are given a separate score for each module of the test and these are then averaged together to give you a final overall band score.

Here you can learn more about how they are calculated and there is also a link to an IELTS Band Score Calculator, which works out final scores for you based on your scores for each module:

What are recent IELTS exam topics?

It's useful to get an idea which questions have come up in the IELTS writing exam so you know what kinds of essay questions you have to prepare for.

On this page, candidates have posted recent writing topics:

When can I take the test?

The test dates are usually on a Saturday three times a month, and some Thursdays.

They are set in advance for the whole year and are on the same date in every country.

Check what the test dates are for this year:

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"
Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5
You may also be interested in:

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IELTSbuddy - Free exam preparation to improve your test score

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IELTS ( International English Language Testing System) is a standardised English test run by and managed by the Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council and IDP Australia. The test is taken in order to show proficiency in the English language in order to study abroad or for immigration purposes, such as to work.

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Welcome to my Free IELTS TEST PREPARATION WEBSITE: containing IELTS tips, model answers, topics, practice lessons, and videos created from many years of experience teaching IELTS. My name is Liz and I am the author and teacher of this website.

Please read this whole page carefully to learn about IELTS and learn how to use this free website for your preparation. Most of the lessons and tips are for people aiming for IELTS band score 7, 8 & 9. Although, people who only need band 6 can also benefit.

IELTS = International English Language Testing System. It is the world's biggest English language test with test centres in most countries. This means it is a test which accepts international English, not only British English.

There are four parts to the IELTS test:

IELTS Speaking - a face to face informal test with an examiner which lasts between 11 and 14 mins and is made up of 3 parts. All IELTS candidates take the same test.

IELTS Listening - a 30 minute audio recording with 40 questions. All IELTS candidates take the same test.

IELTS Reading - 3 reading passages with 40 questions which lasts for 1 hour. This test is divided into Academic and General Training papers.

IELTS Writing - this is divided into task 1 and task 2. Task 1 Academic is a short report of a chart, graph, map table etc. Task 1 GT is a letter. Task 2 Academic & GT is a formal essay. IELTS writing lasts for 1 hour in total.

For more information about band scores, GT IELTS, computer IELTS etc see the TEST INFO button on the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website. The Test Info FAQ page will give you information about using capital letters, using highlighter pens etc - make sure you read that page.

At present, there are over 300 PAGES OF FREE IELTS LESSONS & TIPS on this site. All pages are accessed lower down this page or through the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website. You will find IELTS model answers, lessons, videos, tips, topics, vocab, band score info, etc all for free to help you prepare at home for your test.

You can also find more information in the comments section of many pages. I am not able to answer all comments posted to me, but you can learn from the answers I have already provided to others.

How to Prepare for IELTS

Watch the video to learn the essential steps to prepare successfully for your IELTS test. When you prepare for IELTS, there is no particular place to start. Just start where you want to start. This video will help make sure you cover all the vital aspects of preparation before your test.

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If you prepare in the right way, you will be able to maximise your results. Having both good English and a clear understanding of the IELTS test is essential. Be clear minded and strategic in your approach and training.

Free IELTS Tips & Practice Lessons

I have prepared IELTS tips, practice lessons, model answers and topics for you to use for FREE at home. Click below to start learning.

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ADVANCED IELTS E-books & Lessons

Professionally designed IELTS lessons for serious candidates who need a high score in Writing Task 2. By IELTS Liz.

IELTS Grammar E-book

My Grammar E-book is now available to buy in my online store. Click here: Visit Store

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IELTS Liz – IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2023

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IELTS Preparation with Liz: Free IELTS Tips and Lessons, 2023