Learn more about the IELTS English test

IELTS is the world's most popular English language assessment test. IELTS is used to measure the English language skills of people applying to study or work in English-speaking countries.

The test was developed by the IELTS Foundation and is available worldwide.

The importance of the IELTS test in the world

Many universities and educational institutions in many countries use IELTS test results as a criterion for accepting international students. Some countries require IELTS test results as part of the immigration process and obtaining work or residence visas, such as immigration programs to Canada.

In some cases, IELTS test results can be important for international job seekers or jobs that require interaction with the English language. Individuals can use the test results to assess and improve their English language skills.

The IELTS test is an important tool used to assess and document the level of English language skills of individuals in various academic, professional and immigration contexts, and it plays a major role in facilitating global education and employment opportunities.

IELTS Test Sections

The IELTS test measures four main English language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each section is designed to assess a specific aspect of a candidate's language proficiency.

Speaking test

The oral test is a face-to-face interview with a trained assessor. This section aims to assess the applicant's ability to communicate in English in different real-life situations. The test consists of three parts, which vary in difficulty and complexity.

• Personal introduction and general questions (4-5 minutes)
• Discuss a specific topic using a topic card (3-4 minutes)
• More in-depth discussion on the topic (4-5 minutes)
• Tips: Speak clearly, use appropriate body language, and show confidence.

Written test

The written test consists of two tasks that aim to assess the applicant's ability to write in different styles. The first task is general, while the second is more academic or analytical. Both tasks must be completed within one hour.

• Task 150: Write a letter or report (minimum 20 words, XNUMX minutes)
• Task 250: Write an essay (minimum 40 words, XNUMX minutes)
• Tips: Plan your writing, use a clear structure, and review your work at the end.

Listening test

The Listening test consists of four sections containing recorded conversations and monologues. This section aims to assess the candidate's ability to understand spoken English in a variety of contexts, from everyday to academic.

• Four sections with a total of 40 questions (30 minutes + 10 minutes for transferring answers)
• Question types: Multiple choice, fill in the blanks, complete the sentences, etc.
• Tips: Read the questions in advance, focus on the keywords, and listen carefully for details.

Reading test

The reading test consists of three long texts with a variety of questions. This section aims to assess the applicant's ability to understand written English texts and extract information from them accurately.

• Three texts with a total of 40 questions (60 minutes)
• Text types: academic, descriptive, argumentative
• Tips: Start with a quick read of the text, then read the questions and look for the answers systematically.

Scores and how to pass the IELTS test

IELTS assesses the performance of individuals based on a specific scoring system. Scores are given for each section of the test, and then averaged to obtain an overall score. Points are awarded based on the level of performance in each section and are as follows:

• In the oral test, this section is evaluated based on criteria such as the ability to express oneself, pronounce words, and respond to the examiners' questions. Scores are given from 0 to 9, with 9 being the highest.
• In the written test, this section is assessed on the level of organization, ideas, and expression, as well as language. It is awarded marks from 0 to 9.
• In the Listening and Reading tests, each section is scored from 0 to 40. These scores are converted into an overall IELTS score scale of 0 to 9.

To calculate the total score in IELTS, the scores obtained in each section are summed and then the sum is divided by 4 to obtain the final average.

Example: If your grades are as follows:

• Speaking 7.5 marks.
• Writing 6.5 degrees
• Hearing 8 degrees
• Reading 7 marks.
• Overall score: 29 marks

The degree grade will always be the total sum divided by 4, thus 29 ÷ 4 = 7.25 grades.

This table provides you with your level according to the score you obtained in the IELTS certificate:

The validity period of IELTS test results

Test results are valid for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance of the result. This means that test results can be used for two years from the date of the test.

How to use test results

• If you are using IELTS results for university admission, you should check the requirements of the university you wish to attend. Universities vary in their requirements for required grades and the validity of results, so you must ensure that your results are valid during the application and admission period.
• If you are using your IELTS results for the purpose of immigrating to an English-speaking country, you must also check the immigration requirements of the country in question. IELTS results are usually valid for the purpose of immigration for a specific period determined by the competent authorities in the target country.
• In some cases, you may use test results as part of a job application or promotion at work, and you should specifically check your employer's requirements.

It is very important that you are aware of the validity of the IELTS test results, the format of the results, and the requirements of the entity to which you intend to apply. If your test results are expired, you should retest if required.

Is the IELTS exam difficult?

Quite simply, there is a lot of information about this test. You will also find many forms of preparation and exam questions online. Therefore, preparing for it is not difficult.

Preparing for the IELTS test can take months of hard work. We suggest that when you are determined to succeed, you will need a preparatory course lasting less than 4 months only.

There are three main things you need to improve your skills in to pass the IELTS test:

1. Improve the general grammatical level of your English.
2. Pay more attention to solving test samples.
3. Do not search a lot for exam models just to store them, but rather you must work on them and solve them.
4. Pay more attention to listening by turning on the radio in English or watching unsubtitled films, and so on.

Countries that accept IELTS test

The IELTS test score is accepted in over 140 countries including the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. 

Whether you want to enroll in scholarships, universities, apply for immigration or even a work visa… you always need to master English skills and prove them through an approved exam.

How to prepare for the IELTS test properly?

Prepare well for the IELTS exam by:

1. Understand the exam forms well ^{(Forms below in our article)}.
2. Don't think about results at the beginning of your learning.
3. Improve your level of English further.
4. Make a good plan of action to prepare for the exam.
5. Join a preparatory course online or at a school.
6. Practice sample exam questions
7. Learn more English grammar.
8. Choose yourself constantly
9. Do not register or book an appointment until you are ready.

Resources for preparing for the IELTS test

Preparing for the IELTS test requires access to diverse and effective educational resources. Here are some common preparation sources:

• Traditional preparation courses with professional trainers at recognized language institutes
• Specialized books such as “Cambridge IELTS” and “Barron's IELTS”
• Websites like British Council, IELTS Liz and IELTS Simon
• Smartphone apps like IELTS Prep and Magoosh IELTS
• Massive online courses (MOOCs) on platforms like Coursera and edX
• Local or online study groups
• Regular practice and sticking to a study schedule
• Practical test models and preparation tips from official sources
• Free educational materials available online
• Exercises to develop the four skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Preparing for the IELTS exam step by step

The following brief steps are the keys to answering the question of how to prepare for the IELTS exam:

• Set realistic goals for yourself while studying the language.
• Understand the different types of questions in exam forms.
• Study the rules more.
• Memorize a lot of vocabulary.
• Practice English every day through listening and pronunciation.
• Do test forms often.
• Get an evaluation of your speaking and writing Through people you know, for example.

1- Setting realistic goals

The key word here is “realistic.” There is a big difference between the result you want and the result you will realistically get. Therefore, good preparation will help you succeed and will ensure that you get the best result you can get.

2- Understanding the different types of questions

There are more than 10 different types of questions for the reading, listening and other sections of this test. Therefore, knowing the differences between all these sections will give you great ease in solving the questions.

3- Practice the rules in writing

You must practice English grammar well, through writing and not just speaking or listening. The more you write, the more you will remember on exam day.

 4- Memorize the largest possible number of English vocabulary.

Vocabulary is a big part of the IELTS test. It covers 25% of your total mark in speaking and writing. It is also tested in reading and listening tests. Therefore, it is good to have a database of English vocabulary of no less than 3000 words.

 5- Practice English every day

When it comes to improving your English, there's really no substitute for a little practice every day.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of ways in which you can practice every day, whether by listening to radio in English online, watching TV in English without subtitles, or getting to know people who speak English as a mother tongue through mobile applications.

6- Conduct practice tests as much as possible

Speaking of preparing for the IELTS exam, you should take IELTS practice tests in order to determine your current group score and also to get familiar with the test, however, there are two things that you should take care of before doing so.

The first thing is that there are many tests that are fake, and have nothing to do with the approved IELTS test. Therefore, making sure of your sources of references for preparation is very necessary.

A lot of students I know take IELTS tests all day, every day, and most of them improve very little. These models should only be used as a test of your current ability and not for learning. You should spend most of your time improving your English and your IELTS skills and not taking the test.

If you train all week, you should only take one or two practice tests.

7- Get an evaluation of your conversations and writing

It is very important that you get an English language teacher who is well qualified for these types of accredited international exams in order to evaluate your speaking level and your writing level. 

This is probably the most important part of preparing for IELTS. If you don’t know what your weaknesses are, you are wasting a lot of time because you have no idea what to focus on. You should focus on the things you are not good at in order to improve them.

How do I register for the IELTS test?

You can register for the test through the official website. Follow these steps:

• First, you have to visit the page. Register on the official IELTS website.
• Second. Create an account.
• Third. Find your nearest testing center.
• Fourthly. Register for IELTS and pay online.

Make sure you have your passport with you at the time of registration as you will need your passport number at the time. Apart from this, you also need to carry your passport on the test day. Registration for IELTS can be done in easy steps.

People under the age of 18 need a parent or guardian to book a test on their behalf. Once registration is complete, your test center will send written confirmation informing you of the date and time of your IELTS test.

IELTS Preparation Action Plan

Now that you know what to do, it's time to make a study plan. This will vary depending on your understanding of things, your interaction with the number of hours of the day, and your level of comprehension.

There are people who need to repeat information once to understand it, and here are those who need continuous repetition in order to remember... Do you understand my meaning? Are you any of them?

Understand the following points now, before you book the appointment and prepare to study:

1. What is your current level of English?

• The higher your overall level of English, the better you will be able to complete the test.

2. How much time do you have per day to study?

• Your studies should always be calm, balanced and according to a prior plan.
• Do you have more time on certain days, such as Saturday and Sunday?
• What other obligations do you have?
• Are there any commitments you can stop making until you take the IELTS test? 

3. What is your learning style?

• Can you usually understand everything the first time or do you have to step away and think about it on your own?
• Do you prefer to study with other people or alone?
• The more organized you are now, the easier your preparation will be.

4. Test date:

• How much time do you have left before the test?
• Do you need to change the test time because of fear or because of your inability to prepare well?

IELTS Test Day Advice

Here is a checklist to make sure you do your best on test day:

1. Go to bed early. You'll need plenty of sleep.
2. Eat a good breakfast. 
3. Eat more than you normally do so you don't feel tired and hungry.
4. Proteins and fats are better than simple carbohydrates.
5. Wear comfortable clothes. This is not the time to flaunt your fashion sense.
6. Don't forget to bring your ID, passport, and test registration notice.
7. Make sure you know where the testing center is and how to get there.
8. Go to the testing center early. 
9. Find out where everything is located, including the exam room, restrooms, and cafeteria.
10. Bring some water and some sugary foods or drinks. 
11. Don't drink too much because bathroom breaks will take time.
12. Don't panic. Stress is normal.
13.  Use this nervous energy to focus, but don't let it control you.
14. Don't be afraid to ask the staff for help if you need anything. They are there to help you.

Increase your chances of success in the IELTS test

• Prepare for the test a sufficient amount of time before the scheduled test date. Start practicing different skills and solve practical tests.
• Practice your listening and reading skills regularly, and try to read various articles and materials in English.
• Join dedicated IELTS training courses to get guidance and review from professional trainers.
• Take advantage of available study books, online learning materials, and apps to improve your skills.
• Solve pre-test practical tests and get used to the testing environment.
• Maintain your overall health and make sure to get enough sleep and eat healthy meals to maintain your focus and performance during the test.

With good preparation and regular practice, you can increase your chances of passing the IELTS test and achieving the scores required for your academic or professional goals.

Frequently asked questions about the IELTS test