Test format – Listening
30 minutes You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.

• Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 – a mon...

Test format – Speaking

11–14 minutes
The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.

• Part 1 – the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and...

Test format – General Training Reading

60 minutes
The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitu...

Test format – General Training Writing

You know that preparation is the key to success in IELTS and you’re ready to put the time and effort into improving your English and perfecting your test technique. Whether your goal is to study, work or live in an English-speaking environment, this list of examiner approved t...

Test format – Academic Reading

60 minutes
The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include reading for gist, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, skimming, understanding logical argument and recognising writers’ opinions, attitudes and ...

Test format – Academic Writing

60 minutes
Topics are of general interest. There are two tasks:

There are two parts:

Task 1 – you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information, or explaining the situation. The letter may be personal, semi-form...