Whether you’re planning to study abroad, immigrate to an English-speaking country, or enhance your career prospects, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam is a significant milestone you’ll encounter. It is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.
Types of IELTS Exam
There are two main types of IELTS exams. IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
1. IELTS Academic
This version is designed for individuals seeking admission to higher education institutions, such as universities, or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
2. IELTS General Training
The General Training test is intended for those planning to migrate to an English-speaking country or pursue non-academic training or work-related experiences.
3. IELTS For Visas and Immigration
The IELTS for Visas and Immigration is a specific type of IELTS test that the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) recognizes as evidence of English proficiency for individuals who intend to reside, work, or pursue education in the United Kingdom.
IELTS examination pattern and Syllabus
The IELTS exam has two formats: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The IELTS syllabus and exam pattern for both formats are similar, but they differ in the content and purpose of the Reading and Writing sections. The IELTS exam consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total duration of the IELTS exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Here is a brief overview of the IELTS syllabus and exam pattern.
Listening 15%
This section has four parts, each with 10 questions. 40 Questions in 30 minutes 1 mark per question. The first part is a conversation between two people in a social context. The second part is a monologue or speech on a general topic. The third part is a conversation among up to four people in an academic or training context. The fourth part is a lecture or talk on an academic topic. You will hear each part only once and answer the questions as you listen. The questions are in the form of multiple-choice.
Reading 20%
This section has three passages, each with 13 or 14 questions. 40 questions 60 minutes. The passages are taken from books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and other authentic sources. The topics are of general interest and suitable for candidates who plan to enter university or seek professional registration (for IELTS Academic) or who want to work or train in an English-speaking country (for IELTS General Training). The questions are in the form of multiple choice.
Writing 40%
This section has two tasks. IELTS Writing Task 1 and IELTS Writing Task 2. In the first task, you have to write a report based on a chart, graph, table, diagram, or map (for IELTS Academic) or a letter based on a given situation (for IELTS General Training). You have to write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. In the second task, you have to write an essay on a given topic or argument. You have to write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes. You will be assessed on your ability to present a clear position, develop and support your ideas with relevant examples and evidence, organize your ideas coherently and logically, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures accurately and appropriately.
Speaking 15%
This section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner. It has three parts. In the first part, you have to introduce yourself and answer some general questions about yourself and familiar topics such as your home, family, work, studies, hobbies, etc. This part lasts for 4 to 5 minutes. In the second part, you have to talk about a topic that the examiner gives you on a card. You have one minute to prepare your talk and then you have to speak for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask you one or two questions on the same topic. This part lasts for 3 to 4 minutes. In the third part, you have to discuss some more abstract issues and ideas related to the topic in part two. The examiner will ask you some questions and you have to give your opinions and justify them with examples and reasons.
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IELTS Test Exam Fee
The IELTS exam registration fees vary depending on the country and the type of test you take. There are details for Different types of IELTS exam fees given in 2023.
| Country | Academic & General Training | UKVI | Life SKILLS |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | £175 To £195 | £205 | £155 |
| Germany | €240 | €262 | €177 |
| Italy | €245 | €269 | €185 |
| France | €247 | €269 | €185 |
| USA | $215 To $310 | $295 | $195 |
| Canada | $309 To $335 | $352 | $249 |
| Brazil | 1171 BRL | BRL 1,210 | BRL 938 |
| India | 16,250 INR | INR 16,500 | INR 15,350 |
| Saudi Arabia | 1410 SAR | 1480 SAR | SAR 770 |
| Pakistan | 50,000 to 58000 PKR | 50,000 PKR | 36,500 PKR |
| Japan | 29,400 JPY | 31,500 JPY | 20,500 JPY |
| Philippines | 12,350 PHP | 12,720 PHP | 9,500 PHP |
| Malaysia | 835 MYR | 935 MYR | 792 MYR |
| Indonesia | 3,150,000 Rp | 3,350,000 Rp | 2,600,000 Rp |
| Thailand | 7350 THB | 7990 THB | 6300 THB |
| Australia | 410 AUD | 425 AUD | 325 AUD |
| New Zealand | 410 NZD | 439 NZD | 310 NZD |
How to Prepare IELTS Exam
The IELTS is a challenging test that assesses your English language skills in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Here are some tips to help you get ready for the test.
1. Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prepare for the IELTS exam is to take practice tests under exam conditions as well as to develop skills. You can use the official IELTS practice materials, books, and study guides, or free online IELTS practice tests. You can also take an official IELTS Progress Check that is marked by trained examiners and gives you feedback on your performance.
2. Assessment
Another important step is to get your speaking and writing assessed by an experienced IELTS teacher. You can get feedback on your technique and language problems, as well as learn how to improve your score. You can also use English Score Tutors – a personalized online tutoring service that matches you with a qualified tutor who can help you with your IELTS preparation.
3. Professional Training
If you want to get more guidance and support from experts, you can enroll in an online IELTS preparation course or webinar. You can also follow the IELTS Expert Facebook sessions to interact with an IELTS teacher and ask questions. You can also find some useful tips and advice from the IDP website or the IELTS Liz website.
4. English skills
You should also work on your general English skills and IELTS strategies in the four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You should familiarise yourself with the test format, the question types, the time constraints, and the assessment criteria. You should also develop a wide range of reading skills, use appropriate and assertive English terms when writing, multitask when listening in English, and speak with fluency and coherence in direct communication.
5. Prepare IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
The IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic is a 20-minute task in which you are asked to write a summary of a graph, table, chart, or process. Your response should be at least 150 words long. The IELTS Writing Task 1 can include a variety of different types of visual data, such as line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, tables, and processes. It is important to practice writing summaries of all of these types of data so that you are prepared for anything on the test day.
It is important to be able to paraphrase the visual data in your own words in the IELTS Writing Task 1. This shows the examiner that you understand the data and that you can write in your own style. The IELTS Writing Task 1 is a formal academic task, so it is important to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar. Avoid using slang or informal language. The IELTS Writing Task 1 is a 20-minute task, so it is important to time yourself when you are practicing. Try to complete your practice tasks in 20 minutes or less. Once you have written a practice task, ask a friend, family member, or teacher to read it and give you feedback. They can help you to identify any areas where you need to improve. By following these tips, you can prepare yourself to succeed in the IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic.
Here are some tips for IELTS Writing Task 1 Academic
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Identify the main features of the visual data.
- Organize your thoughts.
- Use a clear and concise writing style.
- Proofread your work carefully before submitting it.
6. Prepare IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic
The IELTS Writing Task 2 Academic is a 40-minute task in which you are asked to write an essay on a given topic. Your response should be at least 250 words long. The IELTS Writing Task 2 can include a variety of different types of essay questions, such as opinion essays, discussion essays, and problem-solution essays. It is important to practice writing all of these types of essays so that you are prepared for anything on the test day.
7. Prepare IELTS listening practice test
Practice listening to different types of English accents. The IELTS listening test features speakers from a variety of different English-speaking countries. It is important to practice listening to different accents so that you are prepared for anything on the test day.
Listen to English in different contexts. The IELTS listening test includes a variety of different types of listening passages, such as conversations, lectures, and news reports. It is important to practice listening to English in different contexts so that you are prepared for anything on the test day.
Time yourself. The IELTS listening test is a timed test, so it is important to practice managing your time effectively. Try to complete your practice tests in the same amount of time as the real test.
8. prepare IELTS reading practice test
The IELTS reading test features a variety of academic vocabulary. It is important to develop your vocabulary so that you can understand the passages and answer the questions accurately. There are many free and paid IELTS reading practice tests available online and in books. Choose a test that is appropriate for your level and that covers the types of questions that you expect to see on the real test. Before you start reading, make sure that you understand the instructions for each question. Pay attention to the number of words or numbers that you are allowed to use in your answers. Before you start reading the passage in detail, skim it to get a general idea of the main topic and the supporting details. Read the passage carefully. When you are reading the passage, pay attention to the key details and the relationships between the different ideas.
9. prepare IELTS speaking practice test
To prepare for an IELTS Speaking practice test, you can follow these steps. Familiarize yourself with the test format. The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts:
- Part 1: The examiner will ask you general questions about yourself, such as your family, work, studies, and interests.
- Part 2: You will be given a card with a topic and one minute to prepare to speak about it for two minutes. The examiner may ask you some follow-up questions.
- Part 3: You will have a longer discussion with the examiner about the topic from Part 2.
Practice speaking English about a variety of topics. The more you practice speaking English, the more confident and fluent you will become. You can practice by talking to friends and family, watching English-language TV shows and movies, or listening to English podcasts. The examiner will be assessing your grammar and pronunciation, so it is important to practice speaking accurately and clearly. When taking a practice test, it is important to time yourself and try to answer all of the questions. You should also record yourself speaking so that you can listen back and identify any areas where you need to improve.
10. Find a study partner or join an IELTS preparation class.
This can help you to stay motivated and to learn from others. Here are some ways to find a study partner or join an IELTS preparation class:
- Ask your friends, family, or classmates if they are interested in studying with you for the IELTS test.
- Look for IELTS study partners online. There are many websites and forums where you can connect with other IELTS students.
- Contact local English language schools and universities to see if they offer IELTS preparation classes.
- Search for IELTS preparation classes online. There are many online courses and programs available.
If you are looking for a study partner, it is important to find someone who is motivated and committed to studying for the IELTS test. You should also find someone who is at a similar level of English proficiency to you.
If you are looking for an IELTS preparation class, it is important to choose a class that has a good reputation and that is taught by experienced and qualified teachers. You should also make sure to choose a class that offers a variety of resources and support.
How to Register for IELTS Exam
To register for the IELTS exam, you can follow these steps:
1. Choose Your Test Type
There are two types of IELTS tests: Academic and General Training. The Academic test is for people who want to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level in an English-speaking country. The General Training test is for people who want to migrate to an English-speaking country or who want to work in a job where English is required.
2. Find a test center and date
You can find a list of official IELTS test centers on the IELTS website. Once you have chosen a test center, you can select a test date.
3. Create an account and register for the test
You can register for the IELTS test online or by phone. When you register, you will need to provide your personal information, test type, and test date. You will also need to pay the test fee.
4. Receive your confirmation email
Once you have registered for the test, you will receive a confirmation email with your test date, time, and location.
5. Prepare for your test
The IELTS test is a challenging exam, so it is important to prepare carefully. There are many resources available to help you prepare, including online courses, practice tests, and study books. On the day of the test, you will need to bring your valid passport or national ID card. You will also need to bring your confirmation email.
FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions )
Question# 1. How difficult is it to pass IELTS?
Answer: The difficulty of the IELTS exam depends on various factors, such as your level of English, your familiarity with the test format and question types, your preparation time and strategy, your ability to cope with stress and pressure, and your personal strengths and weaknesses in each skill area.
Question# 2. How many times can you fail IELTS Exam ?
Answer: There is no limit on how many times you can take the IELTS test. You can retake the exam as soon as you feel ready to do so.
Question# 3. Is 7.5 a good score in IELTS ?
Answer: A score of 7.5 in IELTS is considered a good score by many institutions and organizations. According to the IELTS band score table.
Question# 4. Which part of IELTS Exam is most difficult?
Answer: According to a survey conducted by IELTS Essentials, the most difficult part of the IELTS exam for most test takers is the writing test.
Question# 5. Which book is best for IELTS Exam preparation?
Answer: There are many books available for IELTS preparation, but the best one for you may depend on your level of English, your goals, and your preferences. However, based on the feedback and reviews of many test takers and experts, I can suggest some of the most popular and effective books for IELTS preparation. Here are some of them:
- The Official Cambridge Guide to IELTS
- Barron’s IELTS Superpack
- Target Band 7
- IELTS Trainer
Question# 6. How long does it take to get IELTS Exam results?
Answer: The time it takes to get your IELTS results depends on the test format and the test center. Here are some general guidelines:
- If you take the IELTS on paper at a test center, your results will be released 13 days after your written test.
- If you take the IELTS on a computer at a test center, your results will be available 3–5 days after your test.
- If you take the IELTS Online, your results will be available between 6 – 8 days after your test.
- If you take the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration or IELTS for Life Skills, your results will be available 13 days after your written test (for paper-based) or 3-5 days after your test (for computer-based)¹². For IELTS Life Skills, your results will be available 7 days after your test.
You can check your results online using the link provided by your test center. You will also receive an official confirmation of your results called the IELTS Test Report Form (or TRF). This can either be a paper copy or an electronic version (eTRF). You can collect the paper TRF in person at the test center or have it delivered by post. You can download the eTRF from the Test Taker portal.
Question# 7. What documents do I need for IELTS exam?
Answer: To register for the IELTS exam, you need to have a valid passport as your main identity proof. You also need to submit a photocopy of your passport (first and last page), and observation pages, if any. Additionally, you need to submit the duly signed Terms & Conditions document.
Question# 8. What should I wear to the IELTS exam?
Answer: There is no official dress code for the IELTS exam, so you can wear whatever you feel comfortable and confident in.
Question# 9. Can I take IELTS test online at home?
Answer: Yes, you can take the IELTS test online at home or from any private and well-lit space with a stable internet connection. This option is called IELTS Online and it is a new way to take the IELTS Academic test. However, for visa and immigration purposes, you should continue to take your test in an authorized IELTS test center.
Question# 10. What are the most common IELTS Exam questions?
Answer: There are many possible questions that you may encounter in the IELTS exam, especially in the speaking and writing parts. However, some questions are more common than others, and you should be prepared to answer them confidently and fluently.
Here are some of the most common IELTS questions.
- What do you do?
- Do you like your job/study?
- What kind of accommodation do you live in?
- Describe a person who has influenced you in some way.
- Some people think that it is better for children to grow up in the countryside than in a big city. Do you agree or disagree?