IELTS: The World's Most Popular English Test
IELTS is recognized by over 11,000 organizations worldwide – for university admission, immigration, and professional registration. Here's everything you need to know.
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by language exam experts
Academic vs. General Training
IELTS Academic
For university study and professional registration
- University admission worldwide
- Professional registration (doctors, nurses)
- Academic texts in Reading section
- Task 1: Describe a graph/diagram
IELTS General Training
For immigration and vocational training
- Immigration (Canada, Australia, UK)
- Work visas and vocational training
- Everyday texts in Reading section
- Task 1: Write a letter
The Four Test Sections
Listening
30 min + 10 min transfer
4 sections with 40 questions total. From everyday conversations to academic lectures.
Reading
60 minutes
3 long texts with 40 questions. Academic: scholarly texts. General: everyday texts.
Writing
60 minutes
2 tasks: Task 1 (150+ words) and Task 2 essay (250+ words). Task 2 counts double!
Speaking
11-14 minutes
Face-to-face interview in 3 parts: Introduction, long turn with preparation, discussion.
Band Score System
IELTS uses a 9-band scale. You receive a score for each section plus an Overall Band Score (the average).
Expert User
Complete command of the language
Very Good User
Fully operational with occasional unsystematic errors
Good User
Operational command with occasional inaccuracies
Competent User
Effective command despite some inaccuracies
Modest User
Partial command, coping with overall meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
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