Ielts what is it

The sentence beginnings are in the same order as the information in the text. This type of question tests your ability to understand the main ideas in the text. Question Type 8 — Sentence completion What's involved?

The questions are in the same order as the information in the text. When completing this type of question, you will need to think about the type of word s that will fit into a gap for example, whether a noun is needed, or a verb, etc. Question Type 10 — Diagram label completion What's involved? This type of question tests your ability to understand a detailed description in the text, and then relate that description to information given in a diagram. Question Type 11 — Short-answer questions What's involved?

In this type of question, you have to answer questions about factual details in the text. You must write your answers in words or numbers on the answer sheet. Answers must be taken from words in the text. Numbers can be written using figures 1, 2, etc. The answers come in the same order as the information in the text.

This type of question tests your ability to find and understand specific information in the text. In Task 1, all the information you require is given in the diagram. Summary Time allowed: 60 minutes Number of tasks: 2 Marking: Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to the Writing score. Tasks 1 and 2 Academic Writing — Task 1 What's involved? In Academic Writing Task 1, you may be asked to describe: one or more graphs, charts or tables a diagram of an object, device, process or event.

You have to include the most important points in the diagram. Some minor points or details may be left out. You must write your answer on the answer sheet.

Depending on the task type, you will be assessed on your ability to: organise, present and possibly compare data describe stages of a process or procedure describe an object, event or sequence of events explain how something works. How much do I have to write? A minimum of words. Academic Writing — Task 2 What's involved? Depending on the task type, you will be assessed on your ability to: present a solution to a problem present and justify an opinion compare and contrast evidence, opinions and implications evaluate and challenge ideas, evidence or an argument.

You must write a minimum of words. Summary Time allowed: Approximately 30 minutes plus 10 minutes to transfer your answers to an answer sheet Number of parts: 4 Number of questions: 40 Marking: Each correct answer receives 1 mark.

This type of question tests many listening skills, e. Question Type 2 — Matching What's involved? This type of question tests your ability to: listen for detailed information. For example, whether you can understand information about the type of hotel or guest house accommodation in an everyday conversation follow a conversation between two people recognise how facts in the recording are connected to each other. In this type of question, you have to complete labels on a visual which may be: a diagram e.

You may have to: select your answers from a list on the question paper, then write the correct letter on the answer sheet select words from the recording which fit into gaps on the question paper. In this case, you will need to keep to the word limit given in the instructions. You do not have to change the words in the recording in any way.

This type of question tests your ability to understand, for example, a description of a place, and how this description relates to the visual. It may also test your ability to understand explanations of where things are and follow directions e. This type of question focuses on the main points the person listening would naturally write down.

Question Type 5 — Sentence completion What's involved? This type of question focuses on your ability to identify the important information in a recording.

Question Type 6 — Short-answer questions What's involved? This type of question focuses on your ability to listen for facts, such as places, prices or times, heard in the recording. There are four assessment criteria things which the examiner thinks about when deciding what score to give you : Fluency and coherence Lexical resource Grammatical range and accuracy Pronunciation. Part 1 is 4—5 minutes long. This part tests your ability to give opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences or situations by answering a range of questions.

Part 2 — Long turn What's involved? Part 2 lasts 3—4 minutes, including the preparation time. This part tests your ability to speak at length on a given topic, using appropriate language and organising your ideas logically.

You will need to think about your own experiences to complete the long turn. Part 3 — Discussion What's involved? Part 3 lasts 4—5 minutes. This part tests your ability to explain your opinions and to analyse, discuss and speculate about issues. In Task 1, Task achievement refers to how well your letter achieves its purpose. The situations you need to write about are common, everyday situations such as: writing to a college accommodation officer about problems with your accommodation writing to a new employer about problems you are having with managing your time writing to a local newspaper about a plan to develop a local airport writing to a renting agency to sort out problems with the heating system in your house.

You do not need to write any addresses at the top of your letter. General Training Writing — Task 2 What's involved? Depending on the task type, you will be assessed on your ability to: provide general factual information outline a problem and present a solution present and possibly justify an opinion evaluate and discuss ideas, evidence or an argument.

We use cookies. This means that after completing your studies, you may need to take the test in order to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country. There are no computers, no technical problems and no distractions.

We use cookies to enhance your experience. Find out more. Examination fees and transfer information. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.

There are frequent breakdowns in communication. Learn more about the test. The format for both exams is the same, with the reading and writing elements slightly easier in the General test. For an undergraduate degree , a minimum IELTS score of 6 is generally required, while at postgraduate level, this rises to 6.

For specialist courses such as medicine , students will need a score of 7. Each university and course is different though, so research what is needed or speak to an SI-UK consultant before applying.

When you should take the exam and how long you need to prepare depends on your current ability. It is advisable however that you begin preparation lessons two months before your exam date. It is advisable to book well in advance though as spaces fill up quickly, especially during July and August. You will receive your results within 48 hours.

This depends on your current level and the score you wish to achieve. Even if your English is of a high level, you will still need a score which can only be achieved by taking the IELTS exam. The writing part of the exam in particular has very specific requirements for students to meet and learning specific strategies and techniques with teachers will help you reach your goals.

A wide variety of IELTS lessons for international students of all levels and ability are available, including:. My consultant was very helpful and motivating.