Standardized test designed to assess the language proficiency of individuals who want to study, work, or immigrate in English-speaking countries. Here are key aspects of the IELTS test.

Test Versions

There are two main versions of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
IELTS Academic is for those planning to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level, while IELTS General Training is often used for immigration and work-related purposes.

Test Components

The IELTS test assesses four language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
The Listening and Speaking components are the same for both versions, while the Reading and Writing components differ.

Listening

The Listening section consists of four recorded monologues and conversations.
Test-takers answer questions based on the audio content.

Reading

The Reading section varies between Academic and General Training versions.
Academic Reading includes three long texts with questions that assess the ability to understand complex academic texts.
General Training Reading includes passages related to everyday life, work, and general interest.

Writing

The Writing section also differs between the Academic and General Training versions.
Academic Writing includes tasks like describing visual information and writing an essay.
General Training Writing requires letter writing and essay tasks.

Speaking

The Speaking section assesses the ability to communicate effectively in English.
It consists of a face-to-face interview with a certified examiner and includes an introduction, a short speech, and a discussion.