What is IELTS exam? Test Overview
IELTS stands for “International English Language Testing System” and is an international test for measuring English proficiency.
What is IELTS?
IELTS is a test taken by people whose native language is not English to prove their English proficiency, and is mainly used for purposes such as studying abroad, relocating, and finding a job.
The test is jointly administered by Cambridge English Assessment, the British Council, and IDP Australia, and is currently administered in over 140 countries and regions around the world, with over 3 million people taking the test every year.
Exam format
1. Listening (30 minutes)
4 sections, 40 questions. Listen to a conversation or lecture and answer questions.
2. Reading (60 minutes)
3 sections, 40 questions. Read a passage and answer questions.
3. Writing (60 minutes)
Create two tasks (an essay and a report or letter, etc.).
4. Speaking (11-14 minutes)
Evaluate the candidate’s speaking ability in an interview format.
Exam modules
Academic module
For university entrance and professional jobs.
General Training Module
For migration and general workplaces.
Explanation of IELTS Scores
IELTS scores are graded on a Band Score scale from 0 to 9, reflecting the test taker’s proficiency level. Both an Overall Band Score and individual scores for each of the four sections (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking) are provided.
Score Range and Description
0 Did not attempt the test or no ability to use English.
1 Essentially unable to use English.
2 Can understand only isolated words or simple phrases.
3 Can convey and understand messages in very limited contexts.
4 Basic competence, with frequent misunderstandings.
5 Modest user; can handle basic communication.
6 Competent user; can deal with complex situations.
7 Good user; can engage in detailed discussions.
8 Very good user; few misunderstandings in communication.
9 Expert user; fully operational command of English.
Scoring Method
Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored in 0.5 increments (e.g., 6.5, 7.0).
The Overall Band Score is calculated as the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
Example
Target Scores by Purpose
Study (University/Graduate School)
6.5–7.0 or higher
Immigration (Canada/Australia, etc.)
5.0–6.5
Professional Fields (e.g., Medical)
7.0 or higher
Section-Wise Evaluation
Listening/Reading
Scores are based on the number of correct answers using a conversion chart.
Writing/Speaking
Evaluated on criteria like coherence, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and structure.
