IELTS Guide (Updated)

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About the IELTS exam
The IELTS exam is a language proficiency test designed for non-native

English speakers to assess their language skills. Recognized by most of
the universities in the world, especially in Australia, Britain, Canada, and
New Zealand, IELTS is a major academic prerequisite that opens doors to
international education.
It offers online as well as offline tests that have a fixed format. These tests
are organized up to 4 times or more each month and the results vary
based on the form of your examination. The IELTS results for pen and
paper tests are announced after 7-10 days from the date of the test.
However, the computer-delivered mode has more frequent test dates and
a greater number of centers. These IELTS results are generally announced
in about 5 days from the date of the test.
According to experts, the best way to ace the IELTS test is by thorough
preparation and attempting an IELTS sample paper.
IELTS exam pattern
The total time given to complete the test is 2 hours 45 minutes. Since
IELTS is regarded as the most popular English test for people who wish to
study or work abroad, it has two different modules;
General: For those who only want to work abroad

Academic: For students who want to study abroad
While the general module is for candidates planning to work abroad or for
immigration purposes, students who wish to study abroad take up the
academic module. Naturally, in this guide, we tell you all about the IELTS
academic test.
IELTS registration
IELTS has an online registration system. One can also submit a print of the
registration form at the nearest IELTS IDP or IELTS British Council center.
While the pen and paper mode has a selective number of dates, the
computer-delivered IELTS has a substantial number of them.
For both formats, it is necessary to book the test date in advance on the
IELTS IDP or IELTS British Council websites. Remember, a passport is
mandatory for registration as you have to present it as ID proof. You can
do your IELTS exam registration here.
IELTS scoring system

The IELTS score is based on 0-9 bands. Each paper of IELTS weighs 9
bands. The individual scores of each paper are rounded up to a final score.
The score rounds up to nearest 0.5 or whole band if the score turns up to
0.75 or 0.25.
Usually, universities expect at least 6.5-7 bands. Some universities might

ask for individual paper scores as well.
Listening and reading scores depend on the number of correct answers.

While the writing scores are based on completion of the task and its
grammatical accuracy. The scores of speaking are based on fluency,
pronunciation, grammatical accuracy. Many claim that the best way to
get a high IELTS score is to attempt at least one IELTS sample paper
before the main exam. You can find the official IELTS scoring system here.
IELTS Syllabus
The IELTS exam is divided into 4 different sections:
Reading
Listening
Writing
Speaking
1) Reading section
The reading paper has 3 passages with a total of 40 questions divided into a
number of tasks. The candidate is expected to complete the paper in 60
minutes. The questions in different tasks range from multiple-choice, matching
information, diagram labeling and identifying information (question type: true or
false). The distribution of the number of questions in the tasks is not fixed.
2) Listening section
The listening paper has a total of 40 questions divided in 4 different tasks

which are to be finished in 30 minutes. Candidates have 10 minutes extra
as a transfer time which is the time given to shift the final answers to the
answer sheet.
IELTS experts suggest that the candidates write rough answers on the
question paper as they listen to the audio to avoid haste.
The candidate listens to 4 different recordings, played only once. The

recordings will be in a variety of voices with native-speaker accents. They
can be a one on one conversation or a monologue on any topic. The
questions range from multiple-choice, matching, map or diagram
labeling, form completion, note completion, summary completion, and
short answers.
3) Writing section
Writing test consists of two sections with a total test time of 60 minutes.
Section 1
Consists of various types of visual information(e.g: graphs or pi diagrams). The

candidates are expected to elaborate the visual information in precisely 150
words.
Section 2
Consists of a topic to write on where candidates elaborate on an argument or a

topic in not less or more than 250 words.
4) Speaking section
Speaking test is an interview with the examiner which lasts up to 11-14 minutes.
The test consists of 3 tasks.
1. Task 1
Typically an introduction or an interview wherein the examiner asks the
candidate for a personal introduction. The interview can go on for about 4-5
minutes.
2. Task 2
In the second task, a task card is given to the candidate containing a topic to
speak on. 1 minute is given to jot down the notes and 1-2 minutes are given to
talk on the given topic. At the end of the 2 minutes, the examiner can ask a
couple of questions based on your topic.
3. Task 3
Related to the previous task. The topic from task two is discussed in-depth and in
an abstract way. This task can end up for 4-5 minutes. In some cases, the
speaking test is conducted on a different day.
Preparation tips
We talk to a lot of students who ask questions like, ‘How to prepare for IELTS in 15
days?’. Well, the short answer is, IELTS preparation can last from anywhere
between 10 days to 10 months. It all depends on you. Although, the best way to
get 7 bands or above out of 9 is to attempt a IELTS mock test. To help you along,
we’ve already provided links to the official IELTS sample papers. Be sure to use
them for your IELTS preparation. While you prepare, here are some tips for each
section which can be helpful during your exam:
Listening
Candidates have 10 minutes transfer time. One can write the answers roughly on
the question paper as they listen to the audio and transfer the answers later on
the answer paper in the extra time given. For this paper, you can prepare by
listening to the audios of native-speakers in their accents.
Reading
Reading newspapers, articles and magazines can go a long way for the
preparation of the reading test. On the day of the test, read the passage carefully.
Read and answer the questions after you read the passage in entirety.
Writing
Practice elaborating all kinds of visual information available, as one can get two-
three types of diagrams at once. Try not to spend more than 20 minutes on task
one and not more than 40 minutes on task two.
Speaking
The only way to practice speaking is by increasing the use of English on a daily
basis. If you are a fast or a slow speaker, try controlling your speed. As you get
only 1-2 minutes for task two, practice this task by referring to mock tests
available online.
IELTS Sample papers
The exam itself is not inherently difficult. However, the questions asked in the
exam can be tricky. Because many students don’t attempt any IELTS mock tests
before the main exam, they lose valuable marks.
For your reference, here are some official IELTS sample papers to help you get an
idea of the kind of questions you might face in the real IELTS exam:
British Council's official IELTS sample question bank
You can also prepare for the IELTS test by downloading the official British
Council app or taking the online sample test here:
British Council's official online sample test
Need some more IELTS sample material to

practice with?
Get more test resources and expert guidance!
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Prepare for IELTS with

What you get-

The IELTS exam is a language proficiency test designed for non-native

General: For those who only want to work abroad

IELTS scoring system

Usually, universities expect at least 6.5-7 bands. Some universities might

Listening and reading scores depend on the number of correct answers.

The listening paper has a total of 40 questions divided in 4 different tasks

The candidate listens to 4 different recordings, played only once. The

Consists of various types of visual information(e.g: graphs or pi diagrams). The

Consists of a topic to write on where candidates elaborate on an argument or a

British Council's official IELTS sample question bank

British Council's official online sample test

Need some more IELTS sample material to

Get more test resources and expert guidance!

You might also like