About IELTS
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an internationally owned and globally recognised English language test. It assesses the 4 language skills; reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Who owns it?
It is owned, developed and delivered through the partnership of the British Council, the IDP Education Australia, IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Exams.
Who's it for?
It is aimed at people who wish to study or work in an English-speaking country or in an environment where English is the language of communication. The Academic paper is aimed at those hoping to gain university entrance and the General Training paper is mainly for immigration and work purposes.
Where is it accepted?
In Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK and Ireland as well as a large number of universities and colleges in the USA. In fact, more than 6,000 educational institutions, government agencies and professional organisations in over 68 countries worldwide recognise IELTS as an acceptable reflection of a candidate's English proficiency. IELTS may well be accepted in your own country.
How is it assessed?
IELTS is not an exam in which you simply pass or fail. You are awarded a Band Score between 0 (non-user) and 9 (proficient user). It is worth noting that most universities and professional bodies require a Band 6 or above.
Where can I take the exam?
IELTS is available in more than 120 countries at over 290 approved test centres. Go to www.ielts.org to find your nearest test centre.
Where can I get more information about IELTS?
www.ielts.org
www.britishcouncil.org
www.idp.edu.au
www.cambridgeesol.org
How can IPASS help me?
The speaking and writing modules available on this site provide you with high quality, independent tuition in preparation for the IELTS exam.
Each interactive training module gives you step-by-step guidance on how to improve the exact language skills needed to achieve a higher band score in the speaking and writing tests.
Click here to see the official IELTS Band Scores.
All of our training modules are conveniently designed for self-study purposes with an inclusive answer key for instant feedback.
The language exercises and practice material in the writing modules are specifically designed to prepare you for the Academic Writing paper. However, much of the grammar and vocabulary that is covered will also be useful for writing discursive essays in the General Training Writing test.
The Academic Writing paper is 1 hour long and is divided into two tasks:
| TASK | WORD COUNT | RECOMMENDED TIME LIMIT | TASK DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 150 words (minimum) | 20 minutes | Describing visual information presented as a chart, table or graph. |
| 2 | 250 words (minimum) | 40 minutes | Writing a discursive essay on a topic of general interest. |
View a Task 1 Example
View a Task 2 Example
Click here to see the official writing band descriptors for Task 1 and Task 2.
Become a FREE iPASS MEMBER and start using our writing modules today! Register Now!
The IELTS Speaking Test is a face-to-face interview (11-14 mins) consisting of 3 parts.
Part 1 (4/5 mins): general questions on personal topics such as family, home,
work, studies and hobbies.
Part 2 (3/4 mins): individual long-turn – speaking for 1-2 mins on a familiar topic using a prompt card.
Part 3 (4/5 mins): discussion with examiner using the topic in Part 2 as the theme.
Listen to an example podcast!
The language exercises and practice material in our speaking modules are specifically designed to enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Become a KEY iPASS Member and start using our Speaking Modules today!
Register Now!
