All About the IELTS Exam

Interested in the IELTS exam? You’ve found the right page! I put together the most common questions about IELTS so you don’t have to search the internet for answers. Keep reading to find out more!

————————————————————————————————–
Disclaimer: Some of the links in my posts are affiliate links. This means that I may get a commission if you purchase a product or service through the link. There are no additional costs to you. In fact, you may even qualify for discounts. All opinions are my own. Thank you for your support!
————————————————————————————————–

What Is the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam is a standardized English language test that is used to check a non-native English speaker’s level of English. The exam is designed to assess the language skills of people who need to use English for academic or professional purposes. The IELTS exam is accepted by many universities, employers, and immigration authorities around the world.

More than 3 million people take the IELTS exam every year!

What Does IELTS Stand For?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The exam was developed together by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment. 

Why IELTS Is Important

IELTS is a widely recognized English language proficiency test. The IELTS exam is accepted by many universities, employers, and immigration authorities around the world as a reliable way to test someone’s level of English and English language ability. If you do well on the IELTS exam, it shows that you are good at English and can use it for school or work. This will help you get chances to study or work in a place where English is spoken.

The IELTS exam tests your ability to read, write, listen to, and speak English. Many schools, companies, and government offices want to see that you can use all of these language skills. The IELTS exam is a good way to show them that you can.

Who Accepts the IELTS Exam?

The IELTS exam is accepted by many universities, employers, and immigration authorities around the world as a reliable measure of someone’s English language ability. 

In the United States, for example, the IELTS exam is accepted by more than 9,000 organizations, including universities, colleges, and more. 

In the United Kingdom, the IELTS exam is accepted by almost all universities and of course some companies. 

Many organizations in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand accept IELTS exam results, too!

Who Takes IELTS Exams?

The IELTS exam is taken by people from a wide range of backgrounds who need to prove their English language skills for academic or professional purposes. 

Basically, there are three types of people who take the IELTS exam. Students who want to study at a school where English is spoken, people who want to work in a place where English is used, and people who want to move to an English-speaking country.

For example, a non-native English speaker moving to the UK, Australia, Canada, or New Zealand might be required to take IELTS as part of the visa application process.

Which IELTS Should I Take?

There are two versions of the IELTS exam. One is called the IELTS Academic test and the other is the IELTS General Training test. The IELTS Academic test is required for some schools and universities. The IELTS General Training test is usually for people who need to use English for practical, everyday purposes, such as work or immigration.

You should choose the IELTS version that best fits your situation. If you are planning to study at a university or college, you should take the IELTS Academic test. If you are planning to use English for work, you should take the IELTS General Training test.

However, it’s best to find out which version of the IELTS is required by the school you want to attend, the company you want to apply for, or the country you’d like to live in.

Also, the IELTS has two formats. You can do a paper-based test and write in your answers by hand, or a computer-based test and enter your answers using a keyboard. In some places, it’s also possible to do the IELTS online from home!

You can read more about the two versions of the test on the official IELTS website.

How Is the IELTS Score Calculated?

The IELTS exam is scored on a 9-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 (did not answer any questions) to 9 (expert user of English). The scores are calculated based on a combination of factors, including the number of correct answers, the difficulty of the questions, and the test taker’s level of English.

You can see more about how the IELTS score is calculated here. 

The IELTS exam is marked and graded by trained, certified examiners. They look at a test taker’s overall performance, not just their correct answers, and give scores in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These scores are averaged together to give an overall ‘band score’ for the exam. For example, if someone gets 7 in reading, 6 in writing, 7 in listening, and 8 in speaking, their overall band score would be 7.0.

Your IELTS results come out between 3 and 13 days after you take the test. Scores for the digital version of the test are received sooner than scores for the paper version of the test.

How Long Are IELTS Scores Valid?

IELTS scores are generally valid for two years from the date of the exam. After two years, your scores will expire, and you will need to take the exam again in order to get a new valid score.

Universities, employers, and immigration authorities might have different policies on how long IELTS scores are considered valid. It’s a good idea to check with the organization you are applying to see what their specific requirements are. Some may accept scores that are older than two years, while others may require a more recent score.

Where Are IELTS Exams Conducted?

IELTS exams are conducted in more than 1,600 locations in over 140 countries around the world. The exams are typically held at authorized test centers, which are approved by the IELTS partners (the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and the University of Cambridge English Language Assessment.)

Test centers are located in major cities and towns around the world, and they should be easy to access by public transportation. The exact location of the test center will depend on your location and the availability of seats for the exam.

You can find the nearest test center to you using this tool on the official IELTS website.

Can IELTS Be Taken Online?

Yes, the IELTS exam is available both online from home and on paper. Both versions have similar content and formats, but the online version is taken on a computer. The online version is available for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams.

It’s important to know that you’ll need a webcam, microphone, and a computer that meets IELTS requirements.

Also, the IELTS online exam may not be valid for immigration purposes! Make sure you double-check that.

What’s a Good IELTS Score?

A “good” IELTS score will depend on your individual goals and the requirements of the organization you are applying to. However, in general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered to be a good score on the IELTS exam.

The IELTS exam is scored on a 9-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 (didn’t answer any questions) to 9 (expert user). Most universities and employers require a score of at least 6.5 or 7.0 on the IELTS exam, depending on the program or position.

Immigration authorities may require different IELTS scores depending on the country and program. A score of 6.5 or 7.0 is often required for immigration. It’s a good idea to check with the organization you are applying to for their specific requirements.

Difference Between IELTS and TOEFL

The IELTS and TOEFL are both tests to measure English proficiency for non-native English speakers. Both exams are accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities. However, there are some differences between them.

Content: The IELTS exam is a more general test of all four language skills – reading, writing, listening, and speaking. For the TOEFL exam, you’ll also use all four language skills, but the test focuses more on academic skills, such as reading and listening to lectures, and taking notes. The content of a TOEFL exam is mostly related to school situations.

Scoring: The IELTS exam is scored on a 9-band scale, with scores ranging from 0 (no English) to 9 (expert user of English). The TOEFL exam is scored on a scale of 0-120, with scores based on the number of correct answers and the difficulty of the questions.

Test length: The IELTS exam is generally shorter than the TOEFL exam. The IELTS Academic test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long, and the TOEFL iBT test is a little over 3 hours long.

In the end, you can’t really say which test is “better.” You should choose between the IELTS and TOEFL exams based on your goals and the requirements of the organization you are applying to. Be sure to check with the specific university, employer, or immigration authority to see which exam they prefer.

Which Test Is Easier, TOEFL or IELTS? 

It is difficult to say which exam is ‘easier’ because both exams evaluate a non-native English speaker’s language ability at an advanced level. The difficulty of the exam can vary based on the test taker’s language proficiency, the exam format, and the specific questions and tasks on the test.

Depending on your strengths and weaknesses, one test might be easier or more difficult than the other. 

Personally, after hearing from students that have done both tests, some say that the IELTS is easier. The vocabulary on TOEFL can be very technical!

Read my overview of TOEFL if you’re interested in learning more! You may also be interested in the Duolingo English Test which can be taken from home and is much less expensive than IELTS!

IELTS Preparation at Home

It’s a really good idea to do some preparation for the IELTS test! You don’t want to waste your time and money. I recommend taking a look at the official IELTS website for some basic preparation advice first.

It is important to understand the structure of the IELTS exam so that you know what to expect on test day. Becoming familiar with the exam format is crucial.

One of the best ways to do that is with sample questions and practice tests. You can find these materials on the official IELTS website and on other websites that offer IELTS preparation resources. I have some recommendations below.

You should also check out some videos on YouTube or other social media. With some simple Google searches, you can also find interactive exercises, and study guides. In general, you really want to improve your overall English ability, so any practice is useful. Have you tried reading and listening to news stories to practice your English?

If you are struggling to prepare for the IELTS exam by yourself, you should think about getting extra support. This could include hiring a tutor or joining an online IELTS preparation course.

You can find really helpful tutors specialized in IELTS exams on iTalki. Find an affordable teacher that you like and start practicing! 

Overall, the key to preparing for the IELTS exam is to be consistent with your studies. By following these tips, you can be successful on test day!

IELTS Practice Tests

There are many resources available online that offer practice IELTS tests and sample questions. Here are a few options you may want to consider.

The official IELTS website offers basic resources for preparing for the IELTS exam, including practice tests and sample questions. You can find these resources in the “For Test Takers” section of the website.

IELTS Practice Tests Plus is a book series published by Cambridge University Press that includes four practice tests and some exercises to help you prepare for the exam. You can buy the book online or at a bookstore.

IELTS Exam Preparation is an online course offered by the British Council to help you prepare for the IELTS exam. It includes practice tests, exercises, and other resources. The course is available for self-study or with a tutor. You can find more information and sign up on the British Council’s website.

There are many other online resources that offer practice IELTS tests and sample questions, including websites, apps, and online courses. Some popular options include IELTS-Blog and IELTS Advantage.

It is important to use a variety of resources to prepare for the IELTS exam. This will help you understand the types of tasks and questions on the exam and increase your chances of success.

Good luck!