IELTS · Overview
How IELTS works
Understand the four skills, choose the right test type and see where to begin your preparation.
- Skills
- 4
- Test time
- 2 h 45 min
- Score scale
- 0–9 bands
The format, explained
Listening · about 30 minutes
Follow recordings and answer 40 questions. The listening guide explains the four parts and what to pay attention to.
Reading · 60 minutes
Answer 40 questions. Academic uses longer texts for a non-specialist audience; General Training moves from everyday to workplace and longer general-interest reading.
Writing · 60 minutes
Complete two tasks. Academic begins with visual information; General Training begins with a letter. Both include an essay.
Speaking · 11–14 minutes
Talk with an examiner through familiar questions, a longer individual turn and a related discussion.
Where to start practising
- Write down your required test type, overall score and any individual skill requirements. Do not assume one overall target tells the whole story.
- Try a small official sample in each skill. Separate problems with the instructions from problems with English itself.
- Use the section guides below to choose one skill to work on first.
Common questions
Are Academic and General Training the same exam?
They test the same four skills, but use different Reading and Writing tasks. Choose the required version before choosing practice material.
Does knowing the format mean I am ready?
It removes surprises, but it does not replace practice. You still need to understand English, produce relevant answers and work within the time available.
Official format references
Format facts are based on these official sources. Check the provider’s current instructions before booking. The study advice is Professor Scott’s independent guidance.
Format reviewed:
Put the English into practice
Read & practise
Short lessons for related English foundations. These are not official exam questions or complete test simulations.
How to agree partly and explain your concern
Name the point you accept, then explain the part you see differently.
Read & practiseComparatives with than: compare two options
Use faster than or more expensive than to explain one clear difference between two choices.
Read & practiseJoin sentences with and, but and so
Choose a connector and use a comma between complete clauses.
Read & practiseKeep exploring
All exam guidesIndependent exam preparation. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the test providers.