The International English Language Testing System is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers.

IELTS Test Information FAQ 

1. How many skills are tested in the IELTS test? Answer
   There are 4 skills tested: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
2. Does the IELTS test accept American English?
   Answer
   Yes, it does. It is an international test of English. In the speaking test, most examiners speak with an English or Australian accent and you can have a mixed accent. However, for spelling in the writing test, you must choose either US or UK spelling – you can’t mix them.
3. How many times can I take my IELTS test?
   Answer
   You can take it as many times as you want. There is no limit. There is no time limit to wait between tests either.
4. How do I take the speaking test online?
   Answer
   This will be done through a video call with an examiner. So, make sure your laptop mic is working and the volume is set properly.
5. Which skills do I take on the same day?
   Answer
   Listening, reading, and writing are all taken on the same day. The speaking test can be taken either before, after, or on the same day as the other skills.

Test Results Information FAQ

1. How is IELTS scored? Where can I find out about band scores?
   Answer
   See this page: IELTS Band Scored Explained
2. How long does it take for my test results to arrive?
   Answer
   Your results will be posted to you 13 days after you have taken your test. It is possible to get your results by sms or online at some test centers. Contact them to find out. However, there are times when results are delayed longer than 13 days – see question number 5 below.
3. How long are my IELTS results valid?
   Answer
   Your IELTS results are valid for 2 years.
4. Can I get my IELTS test remarked?
   Answers
   Yes, you can. You must pay to do this so check with your local test center for the price. If your results change and your band score goes up, you will get your money refunded. You have 6 weeks after taking your test to get your test remarked. Your test will be remarked on by a different examiner. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks for the results of your remark to arrive. Alternatively, you could take your test again. See this page to read about a successful remark and read the comments on that page too for other great results

   IELTS Reading Test Information

   1. How long is the IELTS reading test?
      Answer
      The reading test is 1 hour in length and it comes directly after your listening test. There is no extra time given to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
   2. How many reading passages are there?
      Answer
      There are three reading passages for the academic paper and the general training paper.
   3. Does everyone take the same reading test?
      Answer
      No, there are two different tests for IELTS reading. One is the academic paper and one is the general training paper. Before your test, you will decide which IELTS test you will take and this will affect both your reading and writing papers. If you don’t know which one you are taking, please follow the link to the IELTS British Council page for information.
   4. Can I use a highlighter pen?
      Answer
      No, you can’t. So, get used to using a pencil to highlight ideas and words in reading passages before your test.
   5. Should I use a pen or pencil?
      Answer
      For your reading and listening test, you must use a pencil. so don’t forget to take an eraser with you. However, for writing, you can choose either pen or pencil.
   6. Is spelling important?
      Answer
      Yes, it is. If the answer is spelled incorrectly, it will be marked wrong. So pay attention to your spelling of long academic words.

IELTS Writing Test Information

1. How many parts to the writing test are there?
   Answer
   There are two parts. Writing task 1 is a report for the academic test and a letter for the General Training test. Writing task 2 is an essay for both tests.
2. How long is the IELTS writing test?
   Answer
   It takes a total of 1 hour. You should spend 20 minutes on writing task 1 and 40 minutes on writing task 2.
3. How many words should I write for task 1 and task 2?
   Answer
   You must write over 150 words for task 1 and over 250 words for task 2. See this page: Length of essay advice.
4. What is the difference between the General Training paper and the Academic Paper?
   Answer
   The general training paper is mainly for people who want to migrate to a foreign country. For this paper, students need to write a letter for task 1 and an essay for task 2.
   The academic paper is mostly for people who want to enter college or university or for doctors and nurses. Most people take this paper. For this paper, students need to write an academic report for task 1 (based on a bar chart or other types of graphs) and an essay for writing task 2. To read more about the differences, see this page:

IELTS Speaking Test Information

1. How many parts are there to the IELTS speaking test?
   There are 3 parts. There is an interview, a talk, and a discussion with the examiner.
2. How long does the speaking test take?
   It takes a total of 11 to 14 minutes. Part 1 is 4-5 mins, part 2 is 3-4 mins and part 3 is 4-5 mins.
3. Is the speaking test face-to-face with an examiner or by a computer?
   Your speaking test will be face-to-face with an IELTS examiner. There is no option to do your IELTS test by computer.
4. How will the speaking test be marked?
   You will be marked on fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Each one accounts for 25% of your marks. Learn more about the speaking criteria, follow the link.
5. When will my speaking test be marked? Does the examiner listen to the recording to decide the marks?
   The examiner who conducts the test and asks you the questions will decide your score when you leave the room. The recording is only used if you ask for a remark. At that time a senior examiner will listen to it and decide your score.

IELTS Writing Task 1

The information below is about Writing Task 1. To learn from free lessons, model answers, and tips for task 1, click here: Writing Task 1

1. How many types of task 1 are there?
   There are many types of academic IELTS paper. Here are the main types: diagrams, maps, building plans, bar charts, line graphs, pie charts, and tables. Follow the link to see sample charts for IELTS academic papers. It is also possible to get more than one type in your task 1 test. However, for the GT paper, you only need to write a letter.
2. How much is writing task 1 worth?
   It is worth only one-third of your marks for IELTS writing. Task 2 is worth twice as much. To learn how writing is calculated, see this page: IELTS Writing Scoring.
3. What’s the difference between the academic paper and the general training paper in task 1?
   In the general training paper, you have to write a letter whereas in the academic paper, you must write a report based on a chart.

IELTS Writing Task 2

1. What is IELTS Writing Task 2?
   For writing task 2, you must write an essay that is over 250 words and you have 40 mins to do this. IELTS will provide you with the essay question.
2. How long does writing task 2 take?
   It is recommended to take 40 mins to plan and write your essay.
3. Can I spend more than 40 mins on my essay?
   You can decide the length of time to spend on your essay but I wouldn’t recommend spending more than 40 mins on it.