Need to take the IELTS test but don’t know where to start? Start here! On this page you can find all the information you need about each part of the IELTS test. Get off to the right start with this guide to the basics of IELTS preparation:
IELTS Preparation Basics: What is the IELTS test?
The IELTS Academic test has four parts: Listening, Academic Reading, Academic Writing and Speaking. In this article, we will outline the whole test. Each part of the test contains different questions that require different skills to answer well. In each section of this article, I discuss what you have to do in that part of the test and the key skills that you need to develop during your IELTS preparation.
What do IELTS Band Scores REALLY Mean?
After you complete the test, you will be given an IELTS Band Score between 1 and 9 for each part of the test, as well as an overall Band Score. Understanding the level of English required to get each Band Score will help you to set realistic expectations and plan your IELTS preparation appropriately.
Introduction to IELTS Listening
The IELTS Listening Test lasts for 30 minutes. There are four sections, each of which has 10 questions. Find out what is in each section, how the test is scored, common question types, how to complete the IELTS listening test and common problems in this article.
Introduction to IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking Test is a one-to-one interview which lasts for 11 – 14 minutes. There are 3 parts which test your spoken English skills with various types of questions. In this article, find out what you have to do in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Introduction to IELTS Academic Reading
The IELTS Reading Test lasts for 60 minutes. In that time you have to answer 40 questions based on 3 texts. Find out how the IELTS Reading Test is scored, the key reading skills you need to develop, how to complete the test and the most common question types in this article.
Introduction to IELTS Academic Writing
The IELTS Writing Test lasts for 60 minutes. In that time you have to complete two tasks: Academic Writing Task 1 is a description and Task 2 is an opinion essay. In this article, find out the common task types for both Task 1 and Task 2, as well as what you have to include in each essay.