Confused about IELTS?
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the IELTS test, choosing the right test, preparing for Band 7 and each of the four test sections.
If you’re new to IELTS, start with the basics. If you’ve already booked your test, jump to the section you need.
If you’re completely new to IELTS, start with the basics below. If you’re already preparing, jump straight to the section you need.
Looking for official IELTS information?
For the latest information about IELTS test types, test centres, booking, results and official preparation materials, visit the official IELTS website.
Please note: IELTS test requirements and test delivery options can change. Always check the official IELTS website and the organisation you’re applying to for the latest requirements.
1. IELTS Basics
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English language test used by universities, employers, professional organisations and governments to assess your ability to communicate in English.
What are the four parts of IELTS?
IELTS tests four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Listening and Reading each have 40 questions, while Writing and Speaking are assessed using examiner criteria.
How long is the IELTS test?
The Listening, Reading and Writing tests take around 2 hours and 40 minutes in total. The Speaking test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and may be held separately.
Is IELTS difficult?
That depends on your current level of English and the score you need. IELTS itself isn’t simply “easy” or “difficult”, but achieving a higher Band Score requires stronger English and better control of the skills being tested.
How is IELTS scored?
You receive a Band Score from 0 to 9 for each of the four skills. Your overall Band Score is calculated from your four individual scores and reported in whole or half bands.
Is IELTS on paper or computer?
IELTS is available on paper and computer in test centres, although availability depends on your location. The content and scoring are designed to be equivalent.
2. How is IELTS scored?
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
The Listening and Speaking tests are the same, but the Reading and Writing tests are different. Academic is generally used for higher education and professional registration, while General Training is commonly used for migration, work and study below degree level.
Should I take IELTS Academic or General Training?
It depends on why you need IELTS. Check the requirements of your university, employer, professional body or immigration authority before booking your test.
What is IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS for UKVI is an IELTS test approved for certain UK visa and immigration applications. Whether you need it depends on the specific visa or immigration route you’re applying for.
Is IELTS Online the same as IELTS in a test centre?
IELTS Online is currently available for Academic IELTS and has the same test format, timing and scoring as IELTS Academic in a test centre. However, not every organisation accepts IELTS Online, so check before booking.
Which IELTS test should I take for university?
If you need IELTS for undergraduate or postgraduate study, you will usually need IELTS Academic. Always check the exact requirements of your institution before booking.
Preparing for IELTS
How long does it take to prepare for IELTS?
There is no fixed answer. It depends on your current level, your target score, how much time you can study and which skills you need to improve.
How long will it take to improve my IELTS score?
Can I prepare for IELTS by myself?
Yes. Many candidates prepare successfully without a teacher, particularly if they already have a strong level of English. The challenge is knowing what to practise and being able to identify your own weaknesses.
How can I improve my IELTS score?
Start by finding out why you’re losing marks. Then focus your preparation on those specific weaknesses rather than simply doing more practice tests.
See my guide to getting Band 7 (Resource Library)
How many practice tests should I do?
Practice tests are useful, but doing endless tests isn’t necessarily the best way to improve. Spend time analysing your answers and understanding your mistakes.
Should I use IELTS practice tests?
Yes, but use them strategically. Official practice tests are particularly useful for learning the format, checking your current level and practising under timed conditions.
Can I improve my IELTS score quickly?
You may be able to improve your score relatively quickly if you are already close to your target and can identify specific weaknesses. However, improving your underlying English takes longer than learning test strategies.
4. IELTS scores and Band 7
What is a good IELTS score?
There is no single “good” score. The score you need depends on your university, employer, professional body or visa requirements.
Is Band 7 a good IELTS score?
Yes. Band 7 indicates a good level of English, but whether it is sufficient depends on the organisation and purpose for which you are taking IELTS.
How can I get Band 7 in IELTS?
You need to understand the assessment criteria, identify what is preventing you from reaching Band 7 and practise those areas deliberately.
Read: 10 things you need to know to get Band 7 in IELTS.
Why am I stuck at Band 6.5?
If you keep getting 6.5, doing more of exactly the same thing probably won’t solve the problem. Find out which specific skill or assessment criterion is holding you back, then change your preparation accordingly.
Are you stuck on an IELTS plateau?
Can I improve my IELTS score by 0.5?
Yes. A half-band improvement is a realistic target for many candidates, but the time and effort required will vary depending on your current level and where you’re losing marks.
Should I keep taking IELTS until I get the score I need?
Not necessarily. If your score isn’t improving, take some time to identify the reason before booking another test. Repeating the same preparation won’t necessarily produce a different result.
5. IELTS Reading FAQs
How many questions are there in IELTS Reading?
There are 40 questions in the Reading test. You have 60 minutes to complete them, including transferring your answers on the paper test.
How can I improve my IELTS Reading score?
Don’t just read more English. Practise the specific skills IELTS tests, such as locating information, recognising paraphrases and dealing with different question types.
How can I read faster in IELTS?
You don’t need to read every word at the same speed. Learn how to skim, scan and locate relevant information efficiently, and practise managing your time across the test.
What are the different IELTS Reading question types?
IELTS uses a range of question types, including multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given, sentence completion, summary completion and short-answer questions.
Do I need to understand every word in the Reading test?
No. You need to understand enough of the text to answer the questions correctly. Trying to translate every unfamiliar word can waste valuable time.
6. IELTS Writing FAQs
How is IELTS Writing scored?
Writing is assessed using four criteria: Task Achievement or Task Response, Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 carries more weight than Task 1.
How can I improve my IELTS Writing score?
First find out which assessment criteria are limiting your score. Then work specifically on those areas rather than simply writing more essays.
Do I need advanced vocabulary for Band 7?
No. You need vocabulary that is accurate, appropriate and flexible. Using complicated words incorrectly can be worse than using simpler vocabulary accurately.
Can I memorise an IELTS essay?
It’s better to learn how a good essay works than to memorise a complete answer. IELTS questions can vary, and a memorised essay may not actually answer the question you’ve been given.
How many words do I need to write?
For Academic and General Training Writing, Task 1 requires at least 150 words and Task 2 requires at least 250 words.
Is Task 2 more important than Task 1?
Yes. Task 2 contributes twice as much as Task 1 to your overall Writing score.
7. IELTS Listening FAQs
How many questions are there in IELTS Listening?
There are 40 questions, divided into four parts. You hear each recording once only.
How long is the IELTS Listening test?
The Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes. On the paper test, you have an additional 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
Can I use capital letters in IELTS Listening?
Yes. You can use capital letters for your answers. Using capital letters can sometimes make your answers easier to read, particularly on the paper test.
What happens if I miss an answer?
Don’t stop and panic. Move on to the next question. The answers usually follow the order of the recording, so losing one answer doesn’t mean you’ve lost the rest of the section.
How can I improve my IELTS Listening score?
Practise listening actively, especially for paraphrases, distractors, changes of mind and key information. Don’t just listen to more English without analysing what you find difficult.
8. IELTS Speaking FAQs
How long is the IELTS Speaking test?
The Speaking test lasts 11 to 14 minutes and has three parts.
What happens in the IELTS Speaking test?
You have a face-to-face interview with an examiner. Part 1 covers familiar topics, Part 2 involves a longer individual talk, and Part 3 is a more detailed discussion.
Do I need to speak quickly to get Band 7?
No. Fluency isn’t simply about speed. You need to speak naturally, develop your ideas and maintain a reasonably continuous flow of speech.
What happens if I don’t know anything about the Speaking topic?
Don’t panic. IELTS is testing your English, not your specialist knowledge. Use your general knowledge, personal experience or imagination to develop an answer.
Can I practise IELTS Speaking by myself?
Yes. You can practise answering questions, recording yourself and analysing your fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation. However, getting feedback from another person can help you identify problems you may not notice yourself.
Do I need an English accent to get a high score?
No. You don’t need a British, American or other particular accent. Your pronunciation needs to be clear enough for the examiner to understand you easily.
Need more help?
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t try to study everything at once.
Start by finding out what you need to improve, then choose resources that focus on that particular skill.
Want to know what really matters for Band 7?
Download my free guide:
[10 truths I wish every IELTS candidate knew about reaching Band 7]
Or explore my IELTS Resource Library for lessons, practice materials and strategies for all four skills.
