IELTS (Academic)
IELTS (General Training)
The IELTS (GT) is different in reading and writing. All students take same listening and speaking
test. Usually listening, reading and writing are on the same day however, speaking test can be
before or after the same day as other skills. As it is an international test, most of the examiners
speak with British or Australian accents. For spellings, students are supposed to take either US
or UK, but you cannot mix both.
IELTS Listening Information
IELTS listening has four sections for testing. First two sections are based on social topics
whereas, section two has academic topics. Same listening test is usually given to everyone. It
has 40 questions, and all are compulsory to attempt. This test lasts for 40 minutes. Every
section has 10 questions in it and you listen every recording for once to answer. You will be
given 10 minutes extra to transfer your answers on the answer sheet.
Listening band score can be easily calculated like this:
If you have 23/40 correct answers: 6 bands
If you have 30/40 correct answers: 7 bands
If you have 35/40 correct answers: 8 bands
Never leave an empty space as there is no negative marking in IELTS. You will be given extra
time before and after listening test to see your questions and answers. Moreover, you can write
on your question paper. Your answer sheet will be marked for your result. It is a useful way to
keep notes for your listening on your question paper.
IELTS Reading Information
Reading test comes right after your listening test and no extra time is given to transfer your
answers on answer sheet. Three reading passages are given in academic and general training
reading tests. Each passage is long and usually taken from authentic sources like books,
magazines and newspapers. Language of these passages is complex academic vocabulary, a
variety of sentence structures and some diagrams, maps and illustrations are there to unravel.
GT reading also contains three passages, each one getting complex and difficult in terms of
language, vocabulary and topics. Both test types have 40 reading questions. You get one point
for every correct answer and there is no negative marking in this section too. Many students fail
this test due top their poor time management skills. It is strongly recommended to spend almost
20 minutes on each passage to successfully complete the test on time.
There are many issues in non-native students’ reading test which can be discussed with you.
Please feel free to talk to us on the tips/suggestions to improve your reading test score. You can
use our page Improving your Listening to get better scores in IELTS listening.
IELTS Writing Information
This test has two parts: Task one is about a report for the academic test
Task two is mostly an essay for both tests. This test is also of one hour and no extra time is
given to read your answers. Task one is of 20 minutes whereas task two is of 40 minutes. Task
one is of 150 words and task two is of maximum 250 words. To have better advice on Essay
types and word limit, use our page IELTS Essay Advice
IELTS general training test is usually taken from immigrant who want to get their permanent
residence in native countries. In this paper, students are asked to write a letter for task one. You
can find different types of letters in IELTS GT Writing Task 1page.
IELTS Academic is for those who want to enter in college and universities. Most people take this
test before getting admission in any English-speaking country.
IELTS Speaking Information
There are three parts in speaking test. In first round, you have an interview with your examiner
about yourself. The second round consists of a talk and the last round is a discussion on a topic
with your examiner.
The total length of this test is around 11-14 minutes which can be 4-5 minutes for part one, part
two 2-3 minutes and part three 4-5 minutes. Speaking test will be face to face with your
examiner and examiner will record your response in a recorder for transparency purposes. The
test is usually marked on your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. All of these
categories are accounted for 25% each. For the common topics in speaking, you can find this
link IELTS Common Topics. Part one will consist of 12 questions and in part three you are
supposed to answer five more questions. Also, try to answer in detail and expand the
information for section three in speaking. Please note that examiner is only interested in your
speech production and language. There is no need to intentionally use body language in your
speaking test until you possess it naturally with you. ielts christchurch
Level 1/6 Washington Way
Sydenham, Christchurch 8011
infoiptchch@gmail.com
+64 0211 942 030