What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular English proficiency test, accepted by over 11,000 organisations in 140+ countries — including UK, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand universities, immigration programmes, and professional bodies. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge Assessment English.
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140+ countries
Widely accepted
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2 hrs 45 min
Total exam time
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Band 1–9
Scoring scale
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2 years
Score validity
IELTS exam format — four skills
| Skill | Duration | Questions | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✍️ Writing | 60 min | 2 tasks | Task 1 (150+ words) + Task 2 essay (250+ words) |
| 📖 Reading | 60 min | 40 questions | 3 passages — MCQ, T/F/NG, matching, gap-fill |
| 🎧 Listening | 30 min | 40 questions | 4 sections — form fill, MCQ, map labelling |
| 🗣️ Speaking | 11–14 min | 3 parts | Interview + long turn (Part 2) + discussion |
IELTS Academic vs General Training — which do you need?
🎓 Academic
- Undergraduate & postgraduate university admission
- Professional registration (nurses, doctors, engineers)
- UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand study visas
💼 General Training
- Skilled worker & permanent residency applications
- Secondary education overseas
- Work experience programmes
💡 Not sure which to take? If you are applying to a university, choose Academic. If you are applying for immigration or work, choose General Training.
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What band score do you need?
Different universities and countries require different bands
5
Modest
UK Work Visa
6
Competent
Most Universities
7
Good
Postgrad / Nurses
8
Very Good
Top Universities
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IELTS Writing
7 lessons available
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IELTS Writing Task 2 — How to Structure an Essay
Learn the 4-paragraph structure that IELTS examiners e…
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IELTS Writing Task 1 — Describing a Line Graph
Master the language for describing trends in line grap…
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IELTS Writing — Band 7 Academic Vocabulary
The exact vocabulary that separates Band 6 from Band 7…
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IELTS Writing Task 2 — Technology & AI Essay
Write a Band 7 IELTS essay on technology and AI. Real …
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IELTS Writing Task 2 — How to Write an Opinion Essay
Master the agree/disagree opinion essay for IELTS Task…
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IELTS Writing Task 2 — Environment & Climate Essay
Environment is one of IELTS's top 3 essay topics. Lear…
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IELTS Study Plan — 8 Weeks to Band 7
A structured 8-week IELTS study plan targeting Band 7,…
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IELTS Reading
2 lessons available
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IELTS Listening
3 lessons available
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IELTS Speaking
3 lessons available
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IELTS Speaking Part 2 — How to Give a Long Turn
Part 2 gives you 1–2 minutes to speak. Learn how to st…
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IELTS Speaking Part 3 — Discussion Strategy & Sample Answers
Part 3 is where Band 7 scores are made or lost. Learn …
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IELTS Speaking Part 1 — Common Topics & Sample Answers
IELTS Speaking Part 1 lasts 4–5 minutes. Learn the mos…
Exam Day Tips
Things every IELTS candidate should know
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Manage your time
Writing Task 1 = 20 min. Task 2 = 40 min. Never spend more than 20 on Task 1 — it's worth fewer marks.
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Read the question carefully
In Reading, answers follow the order of the text (except for matching headings). Use that to your advantage.
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Pre-read Listening questions
You get 30–45 seconds before each section. Use it to read ahead so you know what to listen for.
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Speaking: extend your answers
Short "yes/no" answers hurt your score. Use PEEL: Point → Example → Explain → Link back.