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Types of IELTS Tests

IELTS offers a comprehensive range of tests to assess your English language proficiency. These test types cover all the essential skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. With a comprehensive and highly secure testing system, these tests accurately evaluate an individual’s proficiency in the English language. You can choose the test type according to your entry requirements.

IELTS Academic:

The IELTS Academic test is specifically crafted to evaluate individuals’ proficiency in the English language, with a particular focus on the skills necessary for success in undergraduate or postgraduate studies. This test features vocabulary that is commonly used in an academic setting. Additionally, if you’re part of a professional association, consider using the IELTS Academic test as a benchmark for setting entry requirements.

The IELTS Academic test comprises four modules: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

Listening:

The listening part is divided into four sections containing ten thought-provoking questions. When answering the questions, it’s important to note that they follow the same sequence as the information provided in the recording. This means that the response to the initial question will precede the reaction to the subsequent question, and so forth.

Sections 1 and 2 focus on various everyday social situations. In Part 1, you’ll find a conversation between two speakers. It could be about something exciting, like making travel arrangements. In Part 2, we are introduced to a single speaker who discusses the various local facilities in the area.

The following sections, 3 and 4, include educational and training scenarios. Part features an engaging dialogue between two prominent individuals. These individuals could be university students engaging in a thought-provoking discussion, possibly under the guidance of a knowledgeable tutor. Part 4 focuses on individuals who share their expertise on an academic topic.

The recording for listening is played just once, and it exhibits different accents, e.g., British, North American, New Zealand, and Australian.

Main Points in Brief:

Time allowed: 

Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes to transfer answers to an answer sheet)

Several sections: 

The test has four sections.

Several questions: 

The test consists of 40 questions.

Marking Scheme: 

Each correct answer receives one mark. The final score is a band score in whole or half bands, e.g., 5.5 or 7.0.

Academic Reading:

Texts are derived from various sources such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers, and online resources. These texts are crafted to cater to a general audience rather than specialists in a particular field. These topics are sure to address students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Texts can be crafted in various styles, such as narrative, descriptive, or discursive/argumentative. Each style brings its unique logic and purpose to the writing. One of the texts presents a comprehensive and well-reasoned argument. Texts can also include diagrams, graphs, or illustrations. A simple dictionary definition is always provided when using technical vocabulary in texts. This ensures that students can easily understand the terms being used.

Main points in Brief:

Time allowed: 60 minutes

Number of sections: The test consists of 3 sections.

Number of questions: The test has 40 questions. 

Marking scheme: Each correct answer receives one mark. The final score is given as a band score from 1 to 9 in whole or half bands, e.g., 4 or 6.5.

Academic Writing:

There are two writing tasks, and it is essential to complete both of them.

Task 1 requires test takers to provide a descriptive analysis of visual data using their own words, such as graphs, tables, charts, or diagrams. They have to write 150 words in almost 20 minutes. Task 2 involves exploring a specific point of view, argument, or problem that requires thoughtful discussion. Writing a minimum of 250 words within a timeframe of approximately 40 minutes is essential. It is important to write answers using complete sentences rather than notes or bullet points. 

Main points in Brief:

Time allowed: 60 minutes

Number of tasks: This section contains two tasks.

Marking scheme: Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score.

Speaking:

During the Speaking test, test takers engage in a personal interview with an examiner. During this part of the exam, your responses are captured and saved for evaluation. This allows the examiners to assess your speaking skills and provide accurate feedback carefully. It consists of three distinct parts. Each part has its own unique set of tasks designed to assess your speaking skills from various angles.

In part 1, test takers are asked questions about themselves and the known topics, such as home, family, studies, professions, or hobbies. 

In part 2, the test takers are shown a card with a topic written on it, asking about a particular subject. After 1 minute of thought, they have to speak extempore for 1-2 minutes. 

In part 3, more discussion questions are asked about the topic given in part 2. 

Main points in Brief:

Time allowed: 12-15 minutes

Number of parts: The test contains three parts.

Which IELTS Test Type is suitable for your needs?

We aim to simplify the process of selecting the perfect test suitable for your needs, allowing you to customize the desired score and effectively identify top-notch applicants that meet your specific requirements. 

 If you’re interested in discovering the benefits of IELTS, feel free to contact us. Our team is always there to help.