IELTS

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test designed to assess the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is widely recognised by educational institutions around the world. The test measures four key language skills: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

Which IELTS test do I need to take?

There are two types of the IELTS test: IELTS Academic and IELTS General.
You must take the IELTS Academic version as this is for anyone who wants to pursue higher education in an English-speaking environment. It focuses on the type of language used in academic contexts.

What is the structure and duration of the IELTS Test?

The IELTS test is marked based on four components: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. Each component is scored individually, and these scores are then averaged to give an overall band score. In total the IELTS test takes 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. The structure and duration of each component is as follows:

1. Listening

The Listening test consists of four sections, each with ten questions, covering a range of listening situations such as conversations and monologues.

Duration – 30 minutes, with 10 minutes extra given a the end of the test to transfer your answers onto an answer sheet.
Number of questions – 40 questions

2. Speaking

The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, consisting of three parts: Part 1 is an introduction and interview; Part 2 is a where the candidate speaks about a given topic; Part 3 is a two-way discussion, between the candidate and the examiner, related to the topic in part 2.

Duration – 11- 14 minutes

Number of questions – 3 parts

3. Reading

The Academic Reading test includes three long passages with a variety of question types.

Duration – 1 hour, which includes the time in which you must also transfer your answers onto an answer sheet

Number of questions – 40 questions

4. Writing

The Academic Writing test is divided into two tasks. Task 1 requires candidates to describe visual information such as graph, pie chart, diagram, picture, flowchart. Task 2 involves writing an essay on a given topic.

Duration – 1 hour (Task 1: 20 minutes, Task 2: 40 minutes)

Number of questions – 2 questions

How is the IELTS test scored?

The test is scored on a band scale from 1 to 9, with each band corresponding to a specific level of English proficiency. The results are used to determine a candidate’s ability to use English effectively in various settings.
These band scores are given for each of the four sections of the test (Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing), and the overall band score is the average of these four scores rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

Band 9 – Expert User:You have full operational command of the language. Your use of English is appropriate, accurate, and fluent, with complete understanding.
Band 8 – Very Good User: You have a fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You handle complex detailed argumentation well.
Band 7 – Good User: You have an operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. You can generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
Band 6 – Competent User: You generally have an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage, and misunderstandings. You can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
Band 5 – Modest User: You have partial command of the language, coping with overall meaning in most situations, though you are likely to make many mistakes. You should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
Band 4 – Limited User: You have basic competence which is limited to familiar situations. You have frequent problems in understanding and expression. You are not able to use complex language.
Band 3 – Extremely Limited User: You convey and understand only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
Band 2 – Intermittent User: You have great difficulty understanding spoken and written English. No real communication is possible except for the most basic information using isolated words in familiar situations and to meet immediate needs.
Band 1 – Non-User: You essentially have no ability to use the language beyond possibly a few isolated words.
Band 0 – Did not attempt the test: You did not answer the questions. You did not provide any information that can be assessed.

How can I prepare for the IELTS test?

Preparing for the IELTS Academic test involves a combination of understanding the test format, improving your English language skills, practicing with relevant materials and learning exam techniques.

At GEL, we offer online IELTS preparation courses, delivered by qualified and experienced IELTS teachers, who will help you to:

Familiarise yourself with the format of the IELTS Academic test.
Improve your English language.
Understand and learn strategies for the different types of questions and tasks you will come across.
Manage your time and approach each section effectively.
Provide plenty of practice for each component of the test and give you feedback.
Take practice tests and review your answers to understand your mistakes and areas for improvement.
Focus on the types of questions or tasks where you struggle the most through assessment of your progress.

How much time will it take me to be ready for the IELTS test?

The amount of time needed to prepare for the IELTS exam is different for every person and depends on several factors such as:

your current level of English proficiency
how familiar you are with the test format
the score you aim to achieve
how much you spend on a daily/weekly basis to for study time to practice

At GEL, we offer the following duration of classes:

4 weeks – 12 hours total
8 weeks – 24 hours total
12 weeks – 36 hours total
16 weeks – 48 hours total

How much does GEL charge for online IELTS classes?

Our fees are competitive. Please contact us for further information on fees.

Where can I take my IELTS Test?

IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) must be taken in person at an official IELTS test centre.
When you book your test make sure that the test centre you book with offers IELTS UKVI (Academic).

What IELTS score do I need to study in a UK University?

The IELTS score requirements for studying in the UK can vary depending on the university and the specific program you intend to study.

Foundation Degree (below undergraduate degree)

A minimum overall IELTS score of band 4.5 is required for international students wishing to study a foundation, with no single component less than band 4.0.

Undergraduate Degree

The standard requirement for an undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BSc) is an overall score of band 6.0 to 6.5, with no individual component having a band mark below 5.5 or 6.0.

Postgraduate Degree

The standard requirement for a postgraduate degree requires an overall IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0, with no individual component having a band mark below 6.0 or 6.5.
However some degrees, such as law, medicine, or engineering, may require higher band scores, often 7.0 or above overall, with specific minimum band scores.

Note: Entry requirements can vary between each university and the degree program. You should check the English Language entry requirement for the university and degree program you are interested in.

What IELTS score do I need to apply for a UKVI Student visa?

The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) provides a standardised way of measuring and describing language proficiency.

For a UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) study visa, the IELTS score required depends on the level of study and the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.

However, there are general guidelines for the IELTS scores needed:

Foundation level (below degree level)

Minimum CEFR level required: B1
Equivalent to IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 4.0 in each of the four components

Degree level or above

Minimum CEFR level required: Equivalent to B2
Equivalent to IELTS or IELTS for UKVI – Must achieve a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four components

Note: The UKVI will only accept tests taken in person at an official IELTS for UKVI test centre. This is because UKVI requires an additional layer of security when taking language tests.