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IELTS

IELTS Exam: Types, Modules, Marking Scheme, and Band Scores

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the world’s most popular English proficiency tests, widely accepted for study, work, and migration. If you plan to study abroad, apply for a job overseas, or migrate to an English-speaking country, understanding IELTS is essential.

This guide explains the types of IELTS exams, the test modules, marking scheme, and band scores so you can prepare with confidence.

Types of IELTS

There are two main types of IELTS tests:

IELTS Academic
- Designed for students applying to universities or professional registration in an English-speaking environment.
- Measures readiness to study in higher education with academic language and tasks.
IELTS General Training
- Focuses on basic communication skills for work, migration, or training programs.
- Suitable for those applying for PR (Permanent Residency), work visas, or non-academic training.

✅ Both versions test the same four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

IELTS Modules

The IELTS test is divided into four modules:

1. Listening (30 minutes + 10 minutes transfer time)

4 sections, 40 questions.
Includes conversations, monologues, and lectures.

2. Reading (60 minutes)

Academic: 3 long passages (descriptive, analytical, discursive).
General Training: 3 sections (extracts from books, magazines, advertisements, etc.).
40 questions total.

3. Writing (60 minutes)

Academic:
- Task 1: Describe a graph, chart, or diagram.
- Task 2: Essay on a given topic.
General Training:
- Task 1: Write a letter (formal, semi-formal, informal).
- Task 2: Essay on a general topic.

4. Speaking (11–14 minutes)

Face-to-face interview with an examiner.
3 parts: introduction, short speech, and discussion.

IELTS Marking Scheme

Each module (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) is scored on a band scale of 0–9.

The overall band score is the average of all four module scores.
Scores are reported in whole bands (e.g., 7.0) or half bands (e.g., 6.5).

Marking Criteria:

Listening & Reading: Based on the number of correct answers (out of 40).
Writing & Speaking: Assessed on four criteria:
1. Task Achievement/Response
2. Coherence and Cohesion
3. Lexical Resource (vocabulary)
4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy

📌 IELTS Band Scores Explained

Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9.0	Expert User	Fully operational command of English.
8.0	Very Good User	Minor inaccuracies; handles complex detail well.
7.0	Good User	Effective command; occasional misunderstandings.
6.0	Competent User	Generally effective, but errors in complex language.
5.0	Modest User	Partial command, frequent mistakes.
4.0	Limited User	Basic competence only in familiar situations.
3.0	Extremely Limited	Understands only general meaning.
2.0	Intermittent User	Very difficult to communicate.
1.0	Non-User	Cannot use English except a few words.
0.0	Did Not Attempt	Test not taken.

Which IELTS Test Should You Book?

If you're planning to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), the first step is to choose the right type of test. The IELTS exam comes in different versions, each designed for specific purposes. Booking the wrong one could delay your study, work, or immigration plans. In this guide, we’ll break down the different IELTS tests available and help you decide which one to book based on your goals.

STANDARD IELTS

The two main types of IELTS are IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

✅ IELTS Academic

Who should take it? Students applying for higher education (university or college) in an English-speaking country.
Accepted by: Universities, colleges, and professional registration bodies (e.g., for medicine or engineering).
Test content: Focuses on academic language skills, including complex graphs, essays, and lectures.

✅ IELTS General Training

Who should take it? People migrating to an English-speaking country (e.g., USA, Canada, Australia) or applying for work visas.
Accepted by: Immigration authorities (e.g., IRCC for Canada) and employers.
Test content: Covers everyday English skills, workplace communication, and social situations.

Still unsure?

If you’re applying for a student visa, book IELTS Academic.
If you’re applying for permanent residency or work, book IELTS General Training.

IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration)

If you’re moving to the UK, you may need to take a UKVI-approved IELTS test.

✅ IELTS Academic for UKVI

Required for student visas (Tier 4) at UK universities.
Same format as IELTS Academic but taken at a UKVI-approved test center.

✅ IELTS General Training for UKVI

Needed for work visas or settlement (indefinite leave to remain) in the UK.

✅ IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2, or B1)

For UK family, spouse, or citizenship visas.
Tests only speaking and listening skills.
A1 (for family visas), B1 (for citizenship).

Check UKVI requirements before booking!

IELTS on Computer vs. IELTS on Paper

ou can take IELTS on computer or paper—both are equally valid.

Feature	IELTS on Computer	IELTS on Paper
Results	3-5 days	13 days
Writing	Typed answers	Handwritten
Reading	On-screen	Paper-based
Listening	Headphones	Speakers

Choose computer-based if:
✔ You type faster than you write.
✔ You want faster results.

Choose paper-based if:
✔ You prefer handwriting.
✔ You’re more comfortable with traditional tests.

How to Book Your IELTS Test

Visit the official IELTS website: https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org
Select your test type (Academic, General, UKVI).
Choose a test center near you.
Pick a date (computer tests have more availability).
Pay and confirm your booking.

Final Tips for IELTS Preparation

Practice with official IELTS past papers.
Improve your vocabulary and grammar daily.
Take mock speaking interviews to build confidence.
Time yourself during practice to match exam conditions.
Focus on both accuracy and fluency.

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