IELTS Preparation Tutorials

IELTS at a glance!

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's largest and most widely recognized English proficiency test, with test centers available in nearly every country. It evaluates English language skills in an international context, accepting diverse forms of English, not limited to British English. IELTS is commonly taken by individuals for professional purposes, academic pursuits, or migration to English-speaking countries. The test format offers flexibility, allowing candidates to complete it either on paper or on a computer, with the content and scoring remaining consistent across both options.

IELTS Listening Test

The IELTS Listening test consists of four sections with a total of 40 questions. Sections 1 and 2 focus on social topics, while Sections 3 and 4 are academic in nature. The test includes a variety of question types, so it is essential to develop specific strategies for each. The audio recording lasts approximately 30 minutes, followed by additional time to transfer or review your answers (refer to the Listening page for more details). All candidates take the same listening test, regardless of their purpose for taking IELTS.

IELTS Reading Test

The IELTS Reading test consists of three passages with a total of 40 questions. The Academic Reading test features passages with an academic style, while the General Training (GT) Reading test includes content focused on everyday or work-related topics, with Passage 3 resembling the academic style. There are 14 types of questions shared across both test formats, and it is essential to practice them thoroughly to develop familiarity and effective strategies. All reading practice lessons on this website are suitable for both Academic and GT candidates. The Reading test has a time limit of one hour.

IELTS Writing Test

The IELTS Writing test consists of two tasks. For Academic IELTS candidates, Task 1 requires writing a report based on visual data such as a chart, graph, or table. For General Training (GT) candidates, Task 1 involves writing a letter. Task 2 is common to both formats and requires writing a formal essay. There are five distinct types of essays, so it’s important to prepare accordingly, focusing on ideas and vocabulary for various topics. Understanding the marking criteria is crucial for success, as scoring is not solely based on language proficiency. The Writing test has a duration of one hour. For more details, see the band score information below.

IELTS Speaking Test

This is a face to face, informal speaking test with the examiner either in a room or through video call. It lasts for 11 – 14 mins and has 3 parts. Part 1 and 3 are question/answers. Part 2 is a talk that you give for 2 mins with 1 min preparation. Topics are crucial for your speaking test preparation because it is a topic based test. Topic relevant vocabulary is vital. All candidates take the same test. You must understand the marking criteria.