Format
The Four Sections
Listening
Recorded conversations and monologues with question sets that test comprehension and detail.
Reading
Passages with a range of question types testing skimming, scanning and detailed understanding.
Writing
Two tasks assessing task response, coherence, vocabulary range and grammatical accuracy.
Speaking
A face-to-face style interview covering an introduction, a long turn and a discussion.
Choosing
Academic or General Training?
IELTS Academic
Generally required for higher education and professional registration. Reading and Writing use academic-style content.
IELTS General Training
Used for some migration, work and vocational routes. Reading and Writing use everyday and workplace content.
Scoring
How Band Scores Work
Each section receives a band score, and these combine into an overall band score. Universities usually set both an overall requirement and a minimum for individual sections.
Requirements differ by university, course and country, and some visa routes set their own minimums. Always work to the specific requirement of your target course rather than a general figure.
FAQ