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. 

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. 

Model Graphs	Model Essays	Practice Tests
Lessons	Sample Essay Questions	Speaking Practice
Reading Practice	Vocabulary	Listening
Books	Downloads	What's New

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:

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.

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:

How do I prepare for IELTS?

This is probably one of the first things you'll be asking yourself if you are new to the test or you've take it but think you may not be preparing properly. 

learn how you should start preparing:

• How to prepare for IELTS

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. 

Here you can learn more about how they are calculated and there is also a link to an IELTS Band Score Calculator, which works out final scores for you based on your scores for each module:

• IELTS Band Scores

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:

• Recent Exam Questions

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:

• IELTS Test Dates

Recent Articles

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1. What happens if I memorise sentences for IELTS writing?

   Dec 11, 18 05:37 AM

   Per the public band descriptors, if a Task 1 academic has no clear overview it earns no better than a band 5 for C&C. I'm an English teacher who loves

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2. A Tip for the First Sentence of your Task 1 Graph

   Dec 11, 18 05:20 AM

   I'm an English teacher and here's a Task 1 tip that a colleague shared with me. It's so simple and easy that I'm surprised I don't see it more. I teach

   Read More

3. IELTS General Training - Strategies and Tips

   Dec 07, 18 02:14 PM

   

   The IELTS General Training module of the test differs from the academic test in several ways. The listening and speaking are the same, but the readings are completely different. In the writing, you st…

   Read More