The International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an international standardized test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. It is jointly managed by Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council and IDP Education and was established in 1989. IELTS is one of the two major English-language tests in the world, the other being the TOEFL.
| Sections with Duration | IELTS Academic Paper Pattern | Total Questions |
| Listening | It encompasses four recorded monologues and conversations | 40 |
| Reading | Three long reading passages with tasks
Texts range from descriptive and factual to discursive, and analytical includes non-verbal material like diagrams, graphs, and illustrations texts are authentic (taken from books, journals, and newspapers) |
40 |
| Writing | A writing task of at least 150 words where the candidate must summarize, describe or explain table, graph, chart, or diagram, and another short essay task of at least 250 words | 2 |
| Speaking | The face-to-face interview includes short questions, speaking at length about a familiar topic, and a structured discussion | 3 |
The IELTS listening test is the same for both those taking the Academic and General Training papers. The listening test is divided into four sections, each of which is more difficult than the last. To put it another way, part one is the simplest, and part four is the hardest. Each section has a unique theme or emphasis.
The IELTS Writing test lasts 60 minutes, and you’ll have to complete two writing assignments, each with a different form of text (description, report, discussion, argument, opinion text)
The IELTS Speaking test is a part of the IELTS exam that tests your English speaking skills, specifically how well you can express yourself, talk about things, and make arguments to support your position. The test is usually conducted on a different day, either after or before the Writing, Reading, and Listening exams, which are all conducted on the same day.
| Type: | Academic and General |
| Developer: | British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge English Language Assessment |
| Skills tested: | Reading, Listening, Speaking and Writing of the English Language |
| Purpose: | To assess the English Language Proficiency of non-native English speakers |
| Duration: | 2 hours and 55 minutes |
| Score range: | 0-9, in 0.5 increments |
| Score validity: | 2 years |
| Offered: | Up to 4 times a month |
| Countries accepted: | Worldwide |
| Language: | English |
| Fee: | US $160 to US $250(depending on country) |
| Website: | www.ielts.org |
| Test Structure: | Listening, Reading and Writing completed on same day Speaking may be on the same day or a different day |