IELTS: Main test sections and scoring criteria

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English language proficiency that is widely used in education and migration worldwide.

IELTS training is an internationally recognized system for testing English language ability in different categories for non-native speakers who want to study or work in an English-speaking environment.

Test types and categories

IELTS tests language ability in four categories:

• Listening
• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking

IELTS preparation has become one of the most trusted forms of English-language assessment since its introduction in 1989, and it is accepted by over 8,000 universities, employers, and immigration organizations worldwide. IELTS testing methods are designed to assess a candidate’s practical ability to use English in everyday situations.

Learning basic English grammar is necessary if you want to excel in writing, speaking, and reading. Preparing well for the exam can benefit you in several ways, ranging from education to employment.

There are two types of IELTS tests, and your IELTS score is valid for two years after it has been graded.

Academic IELTS is designed for international students who want to study at a UK university or join a higher education institute.

General IELTS emphasizes English survival skills and social and workplace language, making them ideal for those planning to relocate to English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. Different areas are tested in the IELTS exam, from English composition to pronunciation.

How does IELTS work?

IELTS was created by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts to assess the full range of skills required to study or work in an English-speaking country successfully. You will be graded on the following criteria:

Listening: Assess your ability to understand ideas, recognize opinions, and follow the progression of an argument.

Reading: Assess your ability to read for general sense, main ideas, and details, as well as to determine whether you understand the author’s inferences and opinions.

Writing: Assess how well and accurately you write a response, organize your thoughts, and use a diverse vocabulary and grammar.

Speaking: Assess your ability to communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and shared experiences and express and justify your views.

IELTS 9-Band scale

Each test section will be graded on a scale of 1 to 9. Your average score determines your overall IELTS band score, and you can be graded on whole or half points.

Score	Skill	Skill Overview
Band 9	Expert user	Fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate, and fluent with complete understanding.
Band 8	Very good user	Fully operational command of the language with only occasional inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex, detailed argumentation well.
Band 7	Good user	Operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies, and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.
Band 6	Competent user	Generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5	Modest user	Partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though is likely to make many mistakes. Should be able to handle basic communication in own field.
Band 4	Limited user	Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.
Band 3	Extremely limited user	Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.
Band 2	Intermittent user	No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words or short formulae in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs. Has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
Band 1	Non-user	Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Band 0	Did not attempt the test	No assessable information was provided. Did not take the test.

It is important to practice English speaking to excel in the exam and get good grades. Many people enroll in online classes to prepare for the exam. We recommend you explore italki to find the best English tutor.

Prepare for the IELTS exam with italki

Learning English with italki can prove to be one of your best learning decisions because this platform has the best resources available. This platform’s incredible features set it apart from other language-learning mediums.

The enrollment procedure is exceptionally straightforward. You can schedule your lessons with just a few mouse clicks. The adaptability of this online learning medium is well known. The learner is free to select the most appropriate time for learning. It has a long list of teachers offering English classes right from scratch. The learner himself can choose the tutor that best meets the learner’s needs.

The learning sessions are all conversational in nature. Through conversational English lessons, learners can customize the learning plan to meet all of their needs while being supervised by a certified IELTS tutor. To assist students in tracking their progress, tutors provide additional learning material, exercises, and quizzes.

The enrollment process at italki

• Go to italki
• Make a profile for yourself
• Fill in all of the required information
• Navigate to the ‘Find a Teacher’ section
• Use the filter to find an English teacher
• Select the teacher who best meets your needs (Certified IELTS teacher)
• Schedule a trial lesson at a discounted rate
• Follow the tutor’s instructions
• Request feedback
• Keep track of your progress

Frequently asked questions

What is the format of the test, and how long will it last?

The three-hour test is divided into four sections: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Listening lasts 40 minutes, followed by reading and writing (one hour each) and speaking for up to 15 minutes.

What constitutes a good IELTS score?

A minimum IELTS score of 6 is generally required for an undergraduate degree, rising to 6.5 for postgraduate studies. A score of 7.0 is required for specialist courses such as medicine. However, each university and course is unique, so do your research for every institution.

When do I get my test results?

You will receive your results two weeks after you take the exam.

Conclusion

In this guide, we have discussed all the necessary details related to the IELTS exam, its sections, scoring criteria, and ways to prepare for the exams. Several English learning apps can help you prepare for the exam. Additionally, explore italki to get the best IELTS-certified English tutor and start preparing for the upcoming IELTS exam right from your home for a high score in IELTS.