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IELTS Basic Information that You Must Know

This page contains plenty of basic information on IELTS. You must know all this information if you want to attend for the test. Please go through the discussion below for a detailed picture of IELTS. All the information is updated for 2023.

  • In IELTS (International English Language Testing System), 4 skills are tested: listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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  • There are two types of IELTS. One is Academic IELTS and another is General Training (GT) IELTS. Click to see the detailed discussion on their differences.

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  • You might be confused about where to take the test, British Council or IDP. In fact, you can sit for test taken by any of these two organizations. Click here to take an informed decision.  

 

  • You can use American English, British English whatever you are comfortable with. But in case of spelling, you must choose either American or British English. You cannot mix them.

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  • Listening, Reading and Writing tests are taken in one day, in one sitting. That means you will not get any break during this test. However, Speaking test is taken within one week before or after this day.

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  • You can use either pen or pencil in writing. But in listening and reading test, you must use a pencil.

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  • You can write both capital letters and small letters in IELTS answer sheet.

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  • You are not allowed to bring watch or any other electronic devices in the test room. There will be a cloak on the wall so that you can track your time.

Test Result

  • Click here to understand how the test is scored.

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  • You can attend for the test as many times as you want. You can use any of the tests' scores as long as it is valid. Remember, your score will remain valid for 2 years.

 

  • You will get the result 13 days after you have taken the test. It may take a little longer time in some cases.

 

  • You can review your result. If you want to review, you will need to apply within 6 weeks after you have taken the test. This time your test will be remarked by a different examiner. If you get higher score, your review cost will be refunded. Usually, it takes 6 to 8 weeks to receive your reviewed score. 

IELTS Reading Test: Basic Information

IELTS Reading is the most difficult section for many students. Because, there will be three big passages that you will need to read and answer in a very short time. Moreover, there will be so many tricks and traps in the questions. Check the detailed information about the Reading section.

IELTS Listening Test: Basic Information

Listening is the easiest section for most of the students. Because, speakers usually don't speak fast, and their pronunciation is also clear to understand. It just requires your maximum concentration. However, the parts in the listening section will be progressively difficult. Click here to check the details for this section.

IELTS Speaking Test: Basic Information

Some students are very confident about the Speaking section, whereas some are very nervous. Remember, just nonstop speaking will not bring marks for you. You need to know some important strategies how to impress the examiner. Click for our  detailed guide on the Speaking section.

IELTS Writing Test: Basic Information

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  • In Academic IELTS, Writing Task 1 is usually a 150 word report writing based on a given diagram. Whereas GT students write a formal or an informal letter in this section.

 

  • Task 2 is same for both Academic and GT tests. It is a 250 word essay writing.

 

  • You must answer in the specific blank space of the answer sheet. However, you can make notes using pencil on the question paper.

 

  • It is important how you write paragraphs. Just indentation is not enough. Leave an empty line between two paragraphs.

 

  • Spelling is important in IELTS. You can follow either British or American spelling. You cannot mix, you must choose one of them. 

 

  • You don't have to follow order. You can start with writing task 1 or even writing task 2. Start whatever you are comfortable with.

Don't forget to review the following resources:

Most essential grammar and vocabulary for IELTS

IELTS Writing Assistance

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