IELTS FAQs

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test that assesses the English language proficiency of non-native speakers for education, work, and migration purposes.

There are two types of IELTS tests: IELTS Academic (for higher education and professional registration) and IELTS General Training (for work experience, training programs, and migration).

The IELTS test has four sections: Listening (30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes), and Speaking (11-14 minutes). The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed on the same day, while the Speaking test may be scheduled up to a week before or after.

IELTS scores range from 1 to 9 for each section, with 9 being the highest score. An overall band score is calculated by averaging the scores of the four sections.

You can register for the IELTS test online through the official IELTS website or at an authorized test center.

The cost of the IELTS test varies by country and test center. It is typically around USD 200-250. Check with your local test center for the exact fee.

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the IELTS test. You can retake it as often as you need to achieve your desired score.

IELTS results are usually available 13 days after the test date. Some test centers offer online previews of results.

You need to bring the same valid ID (passport or national identity card) that you used to register for the test.

You must use a pencil for the Listening and Reading sections. You can use a pen or pencil for the Writing section.

Yes, the content, format, and scoring of the IELTS test are consistent worldwide.

Yes, you can request an Enquiry on Results if you believe your score does not reflect your performance. This must be done within six weeks of your test date, and there is a fee for this service.

The Listening test consists of four sections, each with 10 questions, making a total of 40 questions. The recordings include conversations and monologues.

The Listening test lasts approximately 30 minutes, plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.

No, each recording is played only once.

Question types include multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labeling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion.

Yes, you can write notes on the question paper, but you must transfer your answers to the answer sheet within the 10 minutes provided.

No, the recordings feature a variety of accents, including British, American, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand accents.

If you miss an answer, move on to the next question to avoid missing more information. You can guess the missed answer later if you have time.

The Reading test consists of 40 questions and is divided into three sections with a variety of question types based on reading passages.

The Reading test lasts 60 minutes, with no extra time to transfer answers.

No, Academic Reading passages are more complex and related to academic topics, while General Training passages are more practical and related to everyday life.

Question types include multiple choice, identifying information, identifying the writer’s views/claims, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, sentence completion, summary/note/table/flow-chart completion, diagram label completion, and short-answer questions.

Yes, you can make notes on the question paper, but your final answers must be written on the answer sheet.

Each correct answer earns one mark. Your total score out of 40 is converted to a band score ranging from 1 to 9.

It’s a personal preference, but many find it helpful to skim the questions first to know what information to look for in the passage.

The Writing test has two tasks: Task 1 (150 words) and Task 2 (250 words). Task 1 differs for Academic (describing visual information) and General Training (writing a letter), while Task 2 is an essay for both.

The Writing test lasts 60 minutes: 20 minutes for Task 1 and 40 minutes for Task 2.

Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1, so it’s important to allocate your time accordingly.

Informal language is acceptable for General Training Task 1 (letter writing) if appropriate, but both tasks should generally use formal language.

Not reaching the word count can lower your score as it shows inadequate task response.

The Writing test is scored based on task achievement/response, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.

No, answers should be in full sentences and well-organized paragraphs.

IELTS Speaking Part 2, also known as the "long turn," is a part of the speaking test where candidates are given a topic and one minute to prepare. You are expected to speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic without interruption. The examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions afterward.

It’s important to expand your answer by providing additional details, examples, and opinions. If you finish early, the examiner may prompt you to continue, but it’s better to practice so you can speak fluently for the full time.

No, you cannot ask for an explanation of the topic. However, if you don’t understand a particular word, you can ask for clarification, but only once, as asking multiple times can affect your fluency score.

You don’t need personal experience to answer the question. Use your imagination or adapt the situation to something similar.

The examiner is more interested in your ability to speak fluently and coherently than the accuracy of your story.

Yes, you have 1 minute to prepare and can make notes, which you can refer to while speaking.

The Speaking test is scored based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.

If you run out of time during IELTS Speaking Part 2, the examiner will stop you once the two-minute limit has been reached.

You won't be penalized for stopping when the time is up. However, if you stop speaking much earlier, this could affect your score since it may indicate you struggle with fluency or developing your ideas fully.

To maximize your score, aim to keep talking until the examiner stops you. Organizing your thoughts, expanding on each point, and adding relevant details can help you maintain speech for the full two minutes.