Understanding IELTS – test preparation for IELTS - Strategies for Success

Understanding IELTS – test preparation for IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a widely recognized English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. It assesses the language ability of non-native English speakers in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

If you are planning to study or work in an English-speaking country, or if you need to prove your English language skills for other purposes, then you may be required to take the IELTS test. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of the test format, scoring system, and some tips for test preparation.

Test Format

The IELTS test has two versions: the Academic version and the General Training version. The Academic version is intended for those who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and the General Training version is for those who want to work, train, or migrate to an English-speaking country.

Both versions consist of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are completed on the same day, while the Speaking section can be taken up to a week before or after the other sections.

Listening: The Listening section consists of four recordings of native English speakers, followed by 40 questions. The recordings may include a conversation between two people, a monologue, or a lecture. The questions are a mixture of multiple choice, sentence completion, and short answer questions. You will have 30 minutes to complete this section.

Reading: The Reading section consists of three reading passages, followed by 40 questions. The passages are taken from books, magazines, newspapers, and other authentic sources. The questions are a mixture of multiple choice, sentence completion, short answer, and summary completion questions. You will have 60 minutes to complete this section.


Writing: The Writing section consists of two tasks. In Task 1, you will be presented with a graph, table, chart, or diagram, and you will be asked to describe, summarize, or explain the information in your own words. You should write at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. In Task 2, you will be given a prompt on a general topic, and you will be asked to write an essay in response. You should write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.

Speaking: The Speaking section consists of a face-to-face interview with an examinator. You will be asked questions about yourself, your family, your work, your studies, and your interests, as well as more general topics such as current affairs and the media. You will also be asked to give a short talk on a given topic, and to answer questions on that topic. The entire Speaking section takes about 11 to 14 minutes.

Scoring System

The IELTS test is scored on a 9-band scale, with 0.5 band increments. The overall band score is an average of the four individual scores in the Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking sections.

Here is a description of the 9 bands:

Band 9: Expert user
Band 8: Very good user
Band 7: Good user
Band 6: Competent user
Band 5: Modest user
Band 4: Limited user
Band 3: Extremely limited user
Band 2: Intermittent user
Band 1: Non-user

The exact band scores required for different purposes vary depending on the institution or organization.
For example, some universities may require an overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 for admission, while some countries may require an overall band score of 7.0 or 8.0
Now that we have covered the test format and scoring system of the IELTS,
let's discuss some strategies that can help you succeed on the test.
1. Familiarize yourself with the test format: As we discussed earlier, the IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each section has a specific format and question types. It is important to familiarize yourself with the test format so that you know what to expect on the test day.
2. Practice, practice, practice: The best way to improve your performance on the IELTS test is to practice. There are many resources available online and in print that offer practice materials and mock tests. Use these materials to get a feel for the test format and to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Time management: The IELTS test is timed, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Make sure to allocate enough time for each section, and try to pace yourself so that you can finish all the questions within the time limit. It is better to leave some questions unanswered than to run out of time.
4. Read and listen to authentic materials: To improve your reading and listening skills, it is important to expose yourself to authentic materials, such as news articles, academic texts, and podcasts. This will help you get used to the style and vocabulary used in these materials, and it will also improve your comprehension skills.
5. Use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary: In the Writing and Speaking sections, it is important to use a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary to demonstrate your English language ability. Avoid repeating the same words and phrases, and try to use a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences.
6. Follow the instructions: Make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully in the Writing and Speaking sections. Each task has specific requirements and criteria, and it is important to address all of them in your response.
7. Check your work: Before you submit your work, make sure to check it for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. A well-written and error-free response can make a big difference in your overall score.

In conclusion, the IELTS test is a challenging but rewarding experience. By familiarizing yourself with the test format, practicing, managing your time effectively, exposing yourself to authentic materials, using a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary, following the instructions, and checking your work, you can increase your chances of success on the test. Good luck!