IELTS Tips and Strategies for a
High Score
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised English test run by and managed by the Cambridge English Language Assessment, the British Council and IDP Australia.
The test is taken in order to show proficiency in the English language in order to study abroad or for immigration purposes, such as to work.
Thank you very much IELTS buddy! I had a band 8 in the IELTS exam last week! Your lessons were priceless, especially the writing lessons. I raised my mark from 6.5 to 7.5 in three weeks! I am really grateful!
Polia Matyus, Chester, UK - February 2018
On this site you'll find free lessons on writing, speaking, listening and reading, sample tests, techniques to learn the best vocabulary, models essays and graphs, and many excellent tips and strategies.
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What is IELTS?
The letters stand for the International English Language Testing System. It is a test designed to measure your ability in the four skills of writing, speaking, reading and listening.
After the test you will be given a score from 1-9. You use this score for admission to a university or to work abroad (institutions and employers decide what score they require).
It is accepted by many institutions and employers in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and North America.
ACADEMIC IELTS - Taking the test to study abroad
There are four sections in the IELTS test:
Writing
If you are intending to study abroad, you will take the academic writing module. This test takes 60 minutes and there are two parts. You will have to write an essay and analyse a graph or diagram.
Reading
The reading test takes 60 minutes and is divided into three sections. Each section will have an academic reading of about 600 words and you will have to answer 40 questions in total.
Speaking
In this part of the test, you will have a 11-14 minute interview with an examiner. The examiner will ask you questions and evaluate your responses. The questions are easier at the beginning but get harder at the end.
Listening
The listening test takes 40 minutes and is divided into four sections, each one slightly harder than the first. There are 40 questions. You'll have to listen to each section and answer the questions as you listen.
GENERAL TRAINING - Taking the test to work abroad
The general training module is intended to test English ability in a more practical, everyday context. The test format is the same as above for the listening and speaking. However the writing and reading modules are different.
People often take the general training module if they are intending to work or live abroad.
Writing
If you are taking the test to work abroad, then you will take the 'general training' module. You will also have to write an essay, but you will have to write a letter instead of analysing a graph.
Reading
The reading test is different to the one for the academic module. The test is still 60 minutes and there are 40 questions to answer. However, the readings are different as they are based on real life situations rather than being academic.
Speaking
Same as for the Academic Module.
Listening
Same as for the Academic Module.
Classic IELTS Problems Solved!
Are there things that you are worried about in IELTS or you don't understand?
The site is here to help you with all the kinds of issues you may have with the test.
Here are some common ones:
What are recent IELTS exam topics?
It's useful to get an idea which questions have come up in the IELTS writing exam so you know what kinds of essay questions you have to prepare for.
On this page, candidates have posted recent writing topics:
How are IELTS scores calculated?
You are given a separate score for each module of the test and these are then averaged together to give you a final overall band score.
The writing and speaking are marked by an examiner using band scores.
The reading and writing are based on points for each correct answer with the total score for each then being converted to a band score.
You can learn more about how they are calculated here:
When can I take the test?
The test dates are usually on a Saturday three times a month, and some Thursdays.
They are set in advance for the whole year and are on the same date in every country.
Check what the test dates are for this year:
Recent Articles
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Latest IELTS Writing Topics - Recent IELTS exam writing questions.
May 18, 18 02:58 AM
Do you want to know what some of the latest IELTS writing topics have been? Here you can view real recent IELTS exam writing questions. They are from the Academic and General Test. You can also post t…
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Can we write about both sides?
May 16, 18 03:37 PM
I am confused of when to write both sides especially in opinion essay. For example in below topic: Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot
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How to Score IELTS Band 8
May 13, 18 02:23 PM
A common question asked is how to score IELTS Band 8. To do this you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first. These will tell you if yo…
Recent Articles
-
Latest IELTS Writing Topics - Recent IELTS exam writing questions.
May 18, 18 02:58 AM
Do you want to know what some of the latest IELTS writing topics have been? Here you can view real recent IELTS exam writing questions. They are from the Academic and General Test. You can also post t…
-
Can we write about both sides?
May 16, 18 03:37 PM
I am confused of when to write both sides especially in opinion essay. For example in below topic: Some people say that it is possible to tell a lot
-
How to Score IELTS Band 8
May 13, 18 02:23 PM
A common question asked is how to score IELTS Band 8. To do this you need to understand exactly what is in the IELTS Band Descriptors for an 8 for writing and speaking first. These will tell you if yo…
IELTS Books to get you the score you need
Boost your reading score with our Academic Reading eBook
Worried about your grammar?
Want a band 7?
Check out the latest eBook
Band 7.5
Thanks to your essays, I scored 7.5 in writing with just two days preparation.
Listening: 8.5
Reading: 7.0
Writing: 7.5
Speaking: 6.5
Overall: 7.5
Your website is very useful. Thanks for your generous help.
Ram K, India
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