The IELTS Test

The Test,

All Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Listening 30 mins
Reading 60 mins
Writing 60 mins
Speaking 11 – 14 mins
Total test time 2 hours 45 minutes excluding breaks.

Section 1: conversation – 2 speakers

Section 2: monologue

Section 3: conversation – 4 speakers

Section 4: lecture

Reading

3 reading passages, total of 40 questions
Texts are taken from books, magazines, journals and newspapers

Question types

-find detailed information
-identify attitudes and views
-complete a diagram

Writing

Task 1(20mins): descriptive report of a table or diagram, 150 words Task 2(40 mins):250 word essay in response to an opinion or a problem.

Speaking

Face to face interview between one candidate and one examiner.
Part 1(4-5mins): Introduction and interview
Part 2(1-3 mins incl. prep): Individual talk
Part 3(4-5 mins): Academic discussion on topics from part 2

Scoring

IELTS provides a profile of a candidate’s ability to use English Candidates receive a score on a Band Scale from 1-9 Scores on the IELTS test are graded into nine bands as follows:

Band 0-Did not attempt the test

Band 1-Non User

Band 2-Intermittent User

Band 3-Extremely Limited User

Band 4-Limited User

Band 5-Modest User

Band 6-Competent User

Band 7-Good User

Band 8-Very Good User

Band 9 -Expert User

Full description of bands:

9 EXPERT USER

Has fully operational command of the language: appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.

8 VERY GOOD USER

Has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriacies. Misunderstandings may occur in unfamiliar situations. Handles complex detailed argumentation well.

7 GOOD USER

Has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings in some situations. Generally handles complex language well and understands detailed reasoning.

6 COMPETENT USER

Has generally effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriacies and misunderstandings. Can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.

5 MODEST USER

Has 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.

4 LIMITED USER

Basic competence is limited to familiar situations. Has frequent problems in understanding and expression. Is not able to use complex language.

3 EXTREMELY LIMITED USER

Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. Frequent breakdowns in communication occur.

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.

1 NON USER

Essentially has no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.

0 DID NOT ATTEMPT THE TEST

No assessable information provided.