The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
Why is IELTS important?
More than 10,000 organisations globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognised by educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies around the world.
As one of the pioneers of four skills English language testing 30 years ago, IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications.
Find out which organisations currently accept IELTS.
How does IELTS work?
IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad.
You’ll be assessed on the following elements:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
.
What is IELTS Listening ?
The IELTS Listening test is designed to assess a wide range of listening skills, including how well you
.
understand main ideas and specific factual information
recognise the opinions, attitudes and purpose of a speaker
follow the development of an argument
Academic Reading
| Format | Timing | Number of Questions | Task Types | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions. Recording 1: a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context. Recording 2: a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities Recording 3: a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment. Recording 4: a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture. |
The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you are allowed an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet. | 40 questions | Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions | Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.. |