International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to evaluate the language proficiency of students wishing to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country. The test taker’s communication skills are graded on a scale of 1-9 to assess their English language understanding.
Students must take the test seriously to demonstrate their language knowledge and communication abilities, abiding by the test rules. They should also know the minimum IELTS score needed to become eligible to travel or stay abroad.
If you want to study in UK, the US, Australia or other countries where English is the primary native language, your aim should be a band score of 6 or more. Next, look for the right guidance to understand how IELTS is marked, what mistakes to avoid, ways to score better and things like that.
This blog covers every aspect of the IELTS preparation stage to help aspiring test takers like you achieve the best scores.
IELTS is a widely prevalent English language test for overseas education, work, and global migration. The scores prove that the test taker has the skills for recruitment or admission procedures. You can join the IELTS exam coaching for IELTS preparation.
Apart from this purpose, what is the importance of IELTS? Let’s find out!
IELTS for education: If studying abroad has been your lifelong dream, you’ll be glad to know that 11,000+ employers, universities, institutions, and immigration bodies treat IELTS scores as eligibility criteria to find the right candidate. English is the main mode of instruction, and good scores are an important criterion to apply in your field of choice.
IELTS for work: IELTS scores are an essential prerequisite for job applications abroad. Your score will be recognised and highly valued. However, as a professional, you should accomplish ‘Competent' or 'Vocational' English, not just basic conversational English.
Note that the basic test score requirements vary by country. For instance, you must accomplish at least 6.5 in each section of the test in the UK, while in Australia, scoring 5 is recognised as a 'vocational English' level and 6 as a ‘competent English’ speaker.
On the contrary, the minimum score differs in New Zealand and Canada. A score of 4 or higher in the academic or general module is mandatory in New Zealand, whereas in Canada, the employers set the language requirements. Some lines of work demand a minimum of 6, whereas some educators insist on at least a score of 7. In brief, the minimum score varies.
IELTS for immigration: Government bodies consider the IELTS test scores part of the citizenship application process. The immigration authorities take it as an evaluation medium to determine if the applicant meets the standard language requirements. Again, the requirements differ by country.
The UK government authorised the Secure English Language Test (SELT) for visa applications. The test is recognised as 'IELTS for UKVI' or 'IELTS Life Skills’ to confirm students’ language expertise and listening and speaking skills.
The New Zealand government has set a band score of 6.5 in academic or general training, while the Canadian government has its language benchmark. However, Australia accepts both Competent and Vocational English offered by the Immigration and Citizenship Department.
Academic and General Training are two versions of IELTS. The IELTS Academic test is for higher education admissions, while the General Training test is for migration.
Now which test to take - IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training? To decide, we first must learn the difference between both.
The primary difference between Academic and General Training is that the prior one is designed for candidates aspiring to continue their studies abroad. Conversely, General Training is more general and focuses on the usual context.
The IELTS Academic test format examines whether your language proficiency meets the required academic environment standard. The text is prepared from different texts such as magazines, journals, newspapers, and textbooks relevant to academics for the officers to determine if they have the skills to write a college-level essay.
Comparatively, IELTS General Training examines your language from the everyday context. You’ll have to refer to guidebooks, notices, advertisements, and magazines to imbibe the regular lingos in your language. Furthermore, your letter-writing or basic essay-writing skills will be tested.
Now you may wonder which test you should take. Well, it entirely depends on what you want to do. For example, take IELTS Academic if you wish to study abroad or register professionally. If migration is on your card, go for IELTS General Training.
Here’s a table indicating goals and preferable test types:
Goal |
Test Type |
UG Level |
IELTS Academic |
PG Level |
IELTS Academic |
Doctorate |
IELTS Academic |
Post Doctoral |
IELTS Academic |
Professional Organisation |
IELTS Academic |
Below Degree Level |
IELTS General Training |
Migration |
IELTS General Training |
Work/Training |
IELTS General Training |
Job Switch |
IELTS General Training |
Permanent Residency |
IELTS General Training |
Both test versions have four similar parts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Despite the similarities, you should know the differences in both test formats' reading and writing sections.
Language assessment experts developed IELTS to evaluate the range of skills necessary to survive in an English-speaking region. The test evaluates four key communication aspects:
IELTS results are calculated on a scale of 9, where band score 1 is the lowest and 9 is the highest. The scoring system is simple and is used for all IELTS formats.
Band Score |
Skill Level |
Description |
9 |
Expert user |
The test taker has a strong command of the language. S/he uses accurate and fluent grammar and possesses a clear understanding. |
8 |
Very good user |
The test taker has operational command over the language with occasional errors and inaccurate word usage. Although s/he may lack a clear understanding of certain situations, they can handle complex arguments. |
7 |
Good user |
The test taker's command of the language is operational, with occasional inaccuracies and incorrect use of words, and misunderstanding of the context. S/he possesses reasoning abilities and can tackle complex ideas. |
6 |
Competent user |
The test taker possesses an effective command of the language, besides occasional language inaccuracies and inadequate language understanding. S/he can fairly understand the complexity of a topic in familiar situations. |
5 |
Modest user |
The test taker has partial knowledge of the language and can cope with the overall meaning, although there's a high chance of mistakes. S/he can manage basic communication in their field of work. |
4 |
Limited user |
The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations, and s/he is likely to have problems with understanding and expression. They won’t be able to use complex language. |
3 |
Extremely limited user |
The test taker can convey and understand texts with general meaning in familiar situations but with frequent breakdowns in communication. |
2 |
Intermittent user |
The test taker struggles to understand, write and speak in English. |
1 |
Non-user |
The test taker cannot use the language except for a few words. |
0 |
Did not attempt the test |
The test taker doesn’t answer the questions. |
The IELTS band score system calculates the marks of each component: listening, speaking, reading and writing. As a test taker, you will be graded from 1-9, with 9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest. The overall score is the average of the scores of the four components.
For example:
Writing |
Speaking |
Reading |
Listening |
Average of 4 Scores |
Overall Band |
6.0 |
6.5 |
5.5 |
7.0 |
6.25 |
6.5 |
Writing |
Speaking |
Reading |
Listening |
Average of 4 Scores |
Overall Band |
5.5 |
4.0 |
4.5 |
6.5 |
5.125 |
5.0 |
Writing |
Speaking |
Reading |
Listening |
Average of 4 Scores |
Overall Band |
8.0 |
8.5 |
7.5 |
7.0 |
7.75 |
8.0 |
If the average of four scores ends with .25, the overall is rounded to the next half band. Likewise, if the average of four scores ends with .75, the overall is rounded to the next whole band.
Both individual and overall band scores are important for test takers since some university applications require both scores. As an applicant, be aware of the university and course requirements.
The IELTS band score system becomes easier to understand when you know how an individual component is scored. So here's what to know:
Listening: Contains 40 questions; one mark is awarded for every correct answer (raw score), which is converted to the IELTS nine-band scale.
Below is a table of raw score conversion:
Raw Score |
Band Score |
39-40 |
9 |
37-38 |
8.5 |
35-36 |
8 |
32-34 |
7.5 |
30-31 |
7 |
26-29 |
6.5 |
23-25 |
6 |
18-22 |
5.5 |
16-17 |
5 |
13-15 |
4.5 |
11-12 |
4 |
Reading: It also contains 40 questions. One mark is awarded for every correct answer (raw score), which is converted to the IELTS nine-band scale. However, there is a difference in grading between IELTS Academic and General. What is it?
Well, it’s the genre or text type. Unlike General reading, Academic reading tests are more complex and contain hard vocabulary. Moreover, students must answer more General reading questions to get a desired band score.
Here’s a table of raw score conversion:
Academic Reading Test: Raw Score |
Academic Reading Test: Band Score |
39-40 |
9 |
37-38 |
8.5 |
35-36 |
8 |
33-34 |
7.5 |
30-32 |
7 |
27-29 |
6.5 |
23-26 |
6 |
19-22 |
5.5 |
15-18 |
5 |
13-14 |
4.5 |
10-12 |
4 |
8-9 |
3.5 |
6-7 |
3 |
General Reading Test: Raw Score |
General Reading Test: Band Score |
40 |
9 |
39 |
8.5 |
37-38 |
8 |
36 |
7.5 |
34-35 |
7 |
32-33 |
6.5 |
30-31 |
6 |
27-29 |
5.5 |
23-26 |
5 |
19-22 |
4.5 |
15-18 |
4 |
12-14 |
3.5 |
9-11 |
3 |
Writing: The test is divided into two parts, where the examiner evaluates the text and awards a score based on the following:
Since each section carries equal weight, an average of four is taken to calculate the band score.
Speaking: The same approach is followed for the speaking test. The examiner calculates the IELTS band scores based on one’s fluency and coherence, pronunciation, lexical resource, and grammatical range and accuracy.
IELTS Academic test can be taken at the test centre (on paper or computer) and online from home or other remote settings with a stable internet connection. And contrary wise, IELTS General Training can only be taken at the test centre (on paper or computer.)
The Listening and Speaking tests are similar for both test formats but not for Reading and Writing tests. You should complete all tests apart from the Speaking test on the same day, without taking breaks. You can schedule the Speaking test a week before or after the other tests.
Note that the Speaking test usually takes place for IELTS Online before the other tests. The total test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Let’s break up the format.
You will have to listen to four recordings in English and answer the given questions.
Assessors evaluate your ability to comprehend the main ideas, grasp the factual information, analyse the speakers’ opinions and attitudes, and your skills to follow the development of the discussions.
Paper format: It will consist of four parts with ten questions each, designed to answer in the order it appeared in the audio. Moreover, the recordings include a range of accents, from British and Australian to Canadian and American. Be sure to listen carefully, as the recordings will be played once.
Timing: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes transfer time)
No. of questions: 40
Task types: Varied questions, including multiple-choice, sentence completion, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, and form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion.
Answering: Write your answers on the question papers while listening to the recordings. You'll get 10 minutes at the end to transfer your answers to the answer sheets. Be careful with your spelling and grammar to avoid penalties.
Marks: Each question is of 1 mark.
The Reading section consists of 40 questions to evaluate test takers’ reading skills. You'll be assessed on your ability to read for main ideas and details, skim, and understand logical arguments and the writers' opinions and attitudes.
Paper format: Three long texts that range from descriptive to factual and analytical with multiple related questions
Timing: 60 minutes
No. of questions: 40
Task types: Varied types of questions including multiple choice, matching information, matching sentence endings, summary completion, table completion, identifying information, matching features, sentence completion, note completion, diagram label completion, identifying writer’s claims, flow-chart completion, and short-answer questions.
Sources: Texts are taken from multiple sources of general interests relevant to test testers of UG and PG levels seeking admission or professional registration.
Answering: As a test taker, you have to transfer your answers on the answer sheet during the test time. No extra time is allowed. Watch out for spelling and grammar mistakes to avoid penalties.
Marks: 1 mark for each question.
The Reading section consists of 40 questions designed to evaluate your skills for reading for main ideas, details, skimming, understanding logical arguments and writers' attitudes. The extracts are taken from multiple sources you will likely encounter regularly in an English-speaking setting.
Paper format: Three sections where section 1 focuses on two or three short sections or multiple shorter texts. Section 3 focuses on a long text.
Timing: 60 minutes
No. of questions: 40
Task types: Different question types, such as multiple-choice, sentence completion, flow-chart completion, notes completion and short-answer questions, identifying information, matching sentence endings, summary completion, table completion, identifying writer's views, and diagram label completion
Sources: The ‘social survival’ section contains texts from basic linguistics, while the 'Workplace survival' focuses on texts from the workplace context. Finally, the last section, 'General reading', consists of extended prose with complex structure.
Answering: No transfer time is given. You must transfer your answers from the question paper in that given time without any error.
Marks: Each question is of 1 mark.
Topics are relevant to the knowledge of students applying for a UG or PG course or professional registration. The test format consists of two tasks:
In task 1, you will be given a table, chart, graph, or diagram, which you have to describe or explain in your own words. Next, in task 2, you will have to write an essay in a formal style, responding to an argument, a problem or a viewpoint.
Paper format: BOTH writing tasks must be completed.
Timing: 60 minutes
No. of questions: 2
Task types: In Task 1, you will have to write 150 words in 20 minutes describing the given information in your own words. For Task 2, you must write 250 words in 40 minutes responding to an argument, a problem, or a viewpoint.
Answering: Complete answers should be written on the answer paper. Notes or bullet points on the question papers are not accepted as answers. All assessments are marked based on task achievement, lexical resource, coherence and cohesion, and grammatical usage and accuracy.
The format covers two tasks on topics of general interest.
Paper format: Two writing tasks to complete
Timing: 60 minutes
No. of questions: 2
Task types: Task 1 focuses on letter writing, while the second task is essay writing.
Answering: Complete answers should be written in the answer booklet. Answers must be written in full in the answer booklet. Notes or bullet points on the question papers will not be accepted as answers. Assessments are based on task achievement, lexical resource, coherence and cohesion, and grammatical usage and accuracy.
The Speaking test assesses your ability to speak in English in three parts. Assessors record every test and award scores based on fluency, coherence, lexical resource, pronunciation, grammatical range, and accuracy.
Paper format: An oral interview between the candidate and the examiner. All tests are recorded for further evaluation.
Timing: 11–14 minutes
Task types: Three tasks, each focusing on the specific purpose of the communication pattern, task input and your output.
As mentioned, IELTS is a widely recognised English language proficiency test trusted by countless global institutions, organisations, and government bodies. Passing the test will increase your college acceptance chances, develop your language skills, improve your employment prospects, motivate you to achieve your goals, and help you communicate better in a foreign country.
However, getting it right the first time is difficult for most students. It could be due to poor preparation. If English isn't your strong pursuit, IELTS can take months of hard work, expensive tuition and test fees. Despite so, don’t get carried away with the pressure and focus on your preparation.
Here are some suggestions for quality preparation:
No matter what you do, you cannot accomplish the best results without planning and setting goals. Effective preparation depends on realistic planning. Understand the difference between the score you want and the score you can get. Then evaluate your abilities and determine whether you need to improve your language skills.
Once you have identified your weaknesses, sketch a proper plan for a self-guided study. You can start by dividing your time into multiple slots for specific tasks. For instance, set a timeline for reading, listening, writing, and speaking tasks. Don’t cram your plan. Instead, pick one task for the day and give your best. Remember, you have tasks to complete as well.
You can only nail the IELTS when you are thorough with the fundamentals. It includes understanding the test format, structure, and timing. Whether for study, immigration, or work, it's important to know the test format, structure, and test timings clearly. For instance, IELTS score requirements vary by university and course. Some universities may require a 6.5 overall band score with a minimum of 6.0 in all four skills.
Therefore, familiarise yourself with the structure of the test, the grading system, and the timing for every section. Once you have familiarised yourself with the exam fundamentals, identify what you need to obtain the grades you have wished for. Next, develop the habit of solving IELTS practice tests and taking online mock tests. It's fine if you want extra time to solve the papers on your first attempt, but aim to complete all your tests in real time as you proceed. With continuous practice of completing the tests in real-time, you will build stronger skills for excelling in the test.
If you cannot follow the Band Descriptors and need assistance, you can get an IELTS tutor to understand what you must do and how. A professional's help can go a long way as s/he can guide and review your work and give necessary guidance to make you test-ready.
You can also use IELTS practice materials to understand the test format and the type of questions. You'll find several practice modules or get official IELTS practice materials from the official website. The kit contains a book and DVD covering materials for all four skills and is suitable for both test formats.
The IELTS Listening test consists of four parts which involve conversations between people, a speech, two people talking, and one person giving a presentation. All the audio files will be in different accents, so you need to practice active listening and note-taking to answer the questions.
You will get different questions like multiple choice, form completion, sentence completion, matching questions, and others. In order to help you prepare, here are some tips:
Reading may seem more manageable than the previous task. But things can get tricky with complex paragraphs and long sentences with words difficult to pronounce. The best way to improve your reading and responding time limit is to get your strategies straight. For instance, learn to skim, scan, and identify keywords. Learn the structure of this task and increase your regular reading limit to expand your vocabulary. Here are some more hacks to nail this test:
Writing tasks can be challenging even for native speakers if they are not thorough with the fundamentals. That’s why you need to practice writing with extra care. The best way to start is to learn the structure and format of IELTS writing tasks. Refer to several sample papers to grasp the tactics of structuring essays, organising ideas, and managing time for the task. Let's take a closer look at some more expert-suggested strategies:
Fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation are the key factors to look out for to excel in the speaking task. To polish these aspects of your speech, you’ll need to practice. During the test, you’ll be given a cue card or a task card, with 3-4 questions and some instructions. Then, you’ll be given a minute to think about your answer and prepare to talk about the topic. Finally, you will have to speak continuously for 2 minutes or until the assessor asks you to stop.
Sounds terrifying? Well, it doesn't have to if you practice. Like writing, you can improve your speaking abilities with practice. Regular practice will improve your sentence-making skills, pronunciation, and use of different words and phrases and boost your confidence to tackle any topic. In addition, try these tricks for thorough preparation.
Now that you are done with your preparations, it’s time to revise and recollect. Don't practice until the last day before the test. Instead, devote it to reviewing and evaluating your knowledge. Next, prepare a checklist of everything you need for the test day. Here are a few things to prepare:
Also, remember:
You can try the IELTS official practice test to get an idea of your overall band score. The IELTS Progress Check is an online practice test for students to practice and get an idea of the band score for every task. It also provides feedback so as a test taker, you can improve in the suggested areas. You will also find several verified online forums and study groups for support and discussion. Join them.
Persistence is the key to success in IELTS. Give your best effort and be committed to practising to excel in all tasks. Start by understanding what the test is about, the structure, format, time duration, and other exam-related information. Next, plan and determine if you need a tutor or want to self-prepare. Then, find IELTS preparation materials and start your practice. Finally, keep in mind the importance of self-assessment. Appear for IELTS mock tests, get peer review for constructive feedback, and correct mistakes. Remind yourself of the bigger goal and go at it with confidence and determination.
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