IELTS Overview: Format and Assessment Criteria - Part 1

Jenn Author

Summary: Part I of a two-part series with specific information on the format and assessment criteria of the IELTS.

Are you one of those individuals who believe they have collected every tip and trick to ace the IELTS, yet still fall short of their desired score?

Or perhaps you find yourself overwhelmed by the abundance of information available leaving you confused about what you genuinely need to know about the IELTS.

Well, fear not! I have not 1 but 2 blog posts for you where I aim to simplify things for you. I will provide specific information about the IELTS:
•    the format
•    who accepts it
•    how you will be assessed

Along the way, I will provide additional resources to help you chart your path to IELTS success.

Understanding the IELTS

Let's begin by answering the fundamental question: What is the IELTS? The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language proficiency test. It evaluates your language skills on the day of your exam, making it crucial to understand how to improve your score and where your language skills need to be.

Developed by the British Council, the IELTS is administered in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. The best part about this exam is its global recognition and acceptance. With over 11,500 organizations across 140 countries accepting the IELTS, it has become the world's most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

Exam Format

Now that we know what the IELTS is. Let's dive into its format.

There are several options to take the IELTS: computer-based or paper-based. You can choose the option that suits you best at a local authorized testing center.

Additionally, for those aiming to take the IELTS Academic test for higher education, you have a new option, IELTS Online using a computer or laptop from the location of your choice.

This only applies if you live in Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Cameroon, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Netherlands, New Zealand, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Before registering, make sure to check with your institution to see if they accept the IELTS Online.

Please note: IELTS Online is not accepted for immigration purposes. You must take the exam at an authorized testing center.

The exam has 4 sections:

Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking* -this is the order of the exam.

The Speaking test* could happen on the same day as the other sections or up to seven days before or after your test day, depending on local arrangements.

If you choose IELTS Online, you will have a face-to-face Speaking test with an IELTS examiner via a video call.

The total duration of the exam is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

The timing for the sections is as follows::
•    Listening: 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes for transferring answers)
•    Reading: 60 minutes (including transferring answers)
•    Writing: 60 minutes
•    Speaking: 11-14 minutes, depending on your proficiency and the topic of discussion.

During the exam, no breaks are allowed, and no food or drinks are permitted in the testing center. However, you may raise your hand to get the invigilator's attention if you need to use the toilet.

For Online test-takers, a 5-minute bathroom break is allowed, but it must be taken between sections, not in the middle of a section.

Pro tip: Remember to bring a working watch to keep track of time!

The Two Exams: Academic and General Training

The IELTS offers two types of exams: Academic and General Training. While both exams take the same Listening and Speaking sections, the Reading and Writing sections differ a bit depending on which exam you take.  

The Academic exam is required for those applying to undergraduate or postgraduate levels of education or seeking professional registration in fields like law or medicine.

The General Training exam is designed for individuals planning to migrate to English-speaking countries or pursue training or studies below the degree level.

It is crucial to know which exam you need to achieve your goals. You should consult with your target institution or organization before selecting your exam.

Who accepts IELTS?

IELTS scores are widely accepted by numerous prestigious institutions and organizations worldwide.

•    All US universities, including Harvard University, Columbia University, The George Washington University, and Stanford, to name a few.
•    All UK universities, including the Russell Group + all universities in Australia and New Zealand
•    Canadian universities, except those whose language of instruction is in French

Moreover, the exam is accepted for immigration purposes in many countries. Additionally, many professional bodies and international organizations also accept IELTS scores.

Remember to check which test you need depending on what you are applying to do! You can use this handy search tool by IDP to find out if your institution or organization accepts IELTS scores.

There you have it! The format and who accepts the IELTS worldwide, but we are not finished yet. I have Part II for you where I tell you exactly how you will be assessed in each section of the IELTS, whether you are taking the Academic or General Training Test. See you there!

Categories: : Assessment, Exam Format, IELTS