IELTS

Not everyone has to sit the IELTS (sometimes known as the IELTS UKVI or IELTS for UKVI), however, many universities are starting to incorporate the test as part of their university admissions test for foreign students as the test covers everything from your listening skills, your reading and writing skills and general grasp of the English language.

We’ve got some useful tips, general information, how to prepare for IELTS, how to pass IELTS and some great resources to help you on your road to IELTS.

So just what is IELTS?

What is the IELTS?

IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The IELTS is a standardised test for non-native English speakers and was established in 1989. The test is designed for students to test their knowledge of your reading and writing skills, general grasp of the English language and listening skills. The test is run by a number of different council and education authorities, which are:

• British Council
• IDP: IELTS Australia
• Cambridge Assessment English

The IELTS is the only Secure English Language Test that is approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). The test will also meet any immigration requirements for Australia as well.

How long do IELTS results last for?

Your IELTS results do, unfortunately, have an expiration date. Your IELTS score or grade is only valid for two years.

Most companies and universities are told not to consider anyone whose scores are older than two years old. However, if the person is capable of proving that they have worked to maintain their level of English proficiency, then some companies or institutions may still accept these.

How are you scored for the IELTS?

The IETS English Test has ten different scores. You are scored using band scales, this means that you can score in the 0.25, 0.5 or 0.75 percentile of a certain score.

For example, it is possible to receive an 8.5 or a 6.25 score rather than just the round number. If your average across all the four skills ends in a 0.25 or a 0.75, then the score will be rounded up to the nearest half-band or whole band.

The scores are:

• 0 - Did Not Attempt the Test: Not assessable information could be provided on your performance.
• 1 - Non-User: Has no ability to use the language beyond one or two words here or there.
• 2 - Intermittent User: Have no real communication skills, can only read or speak the most basic information. Have no real abilities with the English language.
• 3 - Extremely Limited User: You can understand only the general meaning of words or sentences in very familiar situations. Breakdowns in communications are regular.
• 4 - Limited User: Basic competence is there, but limited. Cannot use complex language.
• 5 - Modest user: Have a good command of the language, but is still limited, will make many mistakes. Can handle basic communication in your field.
• 6 - Competent User: Effective command of the language, although there are some inaccuracies or misappropriations of words or sentences.
• 7 - Good User: You have operational command of the language, although there are some misunderstandings in some areas. Understand detailed reasoning.
• 8 - Very Good User: Very good understanding of the language with only occasional slip-ups.
• 9 - Expert User: Almost perfect command of the language, can be considered fluent.

Different universities will have different university entry requirements for the IELTS. Not all universities will accept the same score.

Immigration and IELTS requirements

Immigration with the IELTS has become a very important part of immigration as well. More specifically, those looking to study or work in countries where English is required, an IELTS score is required.

The most common countries that people look to work, live or study in and their corresponding IELTS scores are:

• What is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada immigration: Overall band score of 6.5, with minimum score of 6.0 in each test.
• What is the minimum IELTS score required for US immigration: A minimum score of 6.5 overall.
• What is the minimum IELTS score required for Australian immigration: For a student visa, you are required to have a minimum test score of 5.5, for general immigration purposes, you need a 6.0 or more.
• What is the minimum IELTS score required for UK immigration: This depends on a number of different factors, such as your tier of visa (such as a Tier 4 Student Visa). For those with a Tier 1 visa or general visa, you need a 7.0, for those with a Tier 2 or Tier 4 Student Visa, you need to have a an overall score of 4.0 (and in each category too), for those on a general Tier 4 visa (not a student one), you need a 5.5 overall and in each category or higher.

The IELTS Exam is being rolled out across the UK at a very quick rate. For foreign students looking to study in the UK, we recommend looking into the IELTS Exam as soon as possible Good luck!

What if I fail the IELTS?

You cannot fail the UKVI IELTS. The IELTS is operated on a numbered score (or band score), the score does not correspond to a pass or fail grade in the same a normal examination might do.

You can re-take the exam. There is also a way of being able to look into methods of rebooking etc on the IELTS British Council website too.

Can I take an IELTS practice test?

You can revise using past papers. Practice makes perfect, or in this case, IELTS practice makes perfect, especially if you’re looking into how to prepare for IELTS at home.

You will be able to find an IELTS practice test online (just search for the IELTS online test and you’ll see it on the website). Of course, plenty of people look for an IELTS online test, and they’re usually disappointed to find that they can only find practice tests. IELTS preparation is key!

You cannot take the IELTS test online, however, these IELTS practice tests can be found on the British Council website and can be downloaded and taken free of charge, although the oral portion might be hard to do, unless you have HAL 9000 installed, which chances are, you don’t!

You can find plenty of resources online, such as IELTS Buddy. These resources will give you a number of past papers and useful hints and tips to help you out and give you an IELTS advantage.

What is the structure of the IELTS exam?

The IELTS Test has a number of separate modules that run overall for two hours and fifty-five minutes. These sections are broken down into separate modules.

• Listening Task: 40 minutes (this also includes a 10-minute transfer time)
• Reading: 60 minutes
• Writing: 60 minutes
• Speaking: 15 minutes

These separate areas can all take different times, depending on your proficiency with the English Language, though this won’t be by much. In fact, the IELT exam will only allow an extra few minutes here or there.

Are there any modules for the IELTS?

The IELTS English test will mainly cover two main modules:

• Academic Module
• General Training Module

However, the IELTS UK also offers three separate tests, which is offered by the IELTS Test Partners, which is called IELTS Life Skills, which are:

• IELTS Academic: This is a test that is geared specifically towards students who wish to study at university or work in higher education, it is also essential for those looking to become medical doctors or nurses.
• IELTS General Training: This is a test that is intended for people who are planning for non-academic training or are looking to gain work experience. This test is also useful for immigration purposes as well.
• IELTS Life Skills: This test is required to show their English language proficiency (or IELTS vocabulary) at Common European Framework of References for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1.

The IELTS modules are easy enough to study for. You can use specific IELTS tutors, or you can revise using past papers, which you can usually find online.

IELTS Listening

The IELTS Listening section, as mentioned above, is 40 minutes overall. 30 minutes for testing and then 10 minutes for transferring the answers onto the provided answer sheet.

This module of the test will have four separate sections. Section one of the test is a conversation between two speakers. Section two is just one person speaking, usually reading a speech.

Section three will cover a conversation between two main speakers (usually a discussion between two university students). Section four is just one person speaking again, this time about an academic subject.

Each section will be introduced, you will then have time to study the questions before you answer them. Don’t worry, the IELTS English exam won’t ask you any questions out of order, you will be asked the questions in order of the conversational flow.

You will only hear each section once. You will lose marks for incorrect spelling and grammar, so make sure you take your time to sweat the small stuff!

IELTS Reading

The reading section of the test will have around 2,800 words and is broken into three sections. These questions will be everything from multiple choice, short-answer or completing summaries.

For those doing the academic IELTS examination, you will have three texts which will be from a wide variety of different publications. These will include magazines, journals, books, online resources and newspapers, with all of the texts relevant to students.

For those doing the IELTS General Training test, the sections are different.

• Section one: This will have two or three short texts or several much shorter texts, these will all deal with everyday topics, like notices or timetables.
• Section two: This section will only have two sections and will deal with reading materials usually found in the workplace, such as an employee handbook, job descriptions, contracts and/or training materials.
• Section three: This is one long text and will usually be in the form of a newspaper or magazine article. The text will be much longer and far more descriptive than sections one or two.

IELTS Writing

This is a writing paper that has two tasks. As with the reading section, the writing section is split depending on what form of the exam you are sitting, usually into IELTS writing task 1 and IELTS writing task 2.

With the IELTS Academic test, the first task will ask you to describe a graph, chart or table. The second task will ask you to discuss or present solutions to certain arguments or problems.

For those doing the IELTS General Training module, the tasks are slightly different.

• Task one: You are asked to write a letter in response to an everyday situation. For example, you might be asked to write a letter to your local newspaper about the plans to build a new shopping centre near where you live.
• Task Two: This will ask you to write an essay about a topic of general interest, like the smoking ban or environmental issues.

IELTS Speaking

These speaking tests are oral and are the same regardless of what form of the test you are taking. As with the reading section, you will have three sections to complete and will have a number of IELTS speaking topics to cover too.

• Section one: This will be an introduction and an interview and will last for around four or five minutes. You will be asked about home life, your hobbies, your reason for taking the IELTS and the internet.
• Section two: Here, you are given a task card about a certain topic. You will have one minute to prepare to talk about this topic and you will then have to talk on the topic for two minutes while covering certain points that are listed on the task card.
• Section three: This is a discussion between both the examiner and you.You will be asked about the theme of section two, whatever that was.

How do I book an IELTS Test?

The kind of IELTS exam booking you choose will depend on what test you need. For those looking to sit the IELTS for university, will need to head to the IELTS site and follow the instructions from there.

Alternatively, you are able to head to the British Council website and book through there. You can also manage your IELTS booking on the British Council IELTS.

Which universities require the IELTS?

The phrase "different strokes for different folks" is pretty relevant here. Each university will have a different requirement, depending on where you apply, however, some universities (mainly those associated with the Russell Group of Universities), will have scores already set, which may change depending on the IELTS course you choose.

The required scores are:

These scores are correct as of August 2023.

What is an IELTS Test Report Form?

An IELTS Test Report Form is usually posted to you about thirteen days after you’ve taken your test. As the name suggests, it is used to show you your IELTS score from the IELTS. This will cover:

• Your overall band score.
• A band score (1-9) for each section of the test (IELTS Listening, IELTS Writing, IELTS Reading and IELTS Speaking).
• Confirmation of completion on whether or not the IELTS Academic or General Training modules were completed.
• Your photo, nationality, first language and your date of birth.

You will receive only one copy of your Test Report Form. However, if you are applying to either the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) or to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), then you will receive two copies of the IELTS result.