Full name: International English Language Testing System
Exam Board: Cambridge ESOL International English
CEF Level: n/a
The exam is taking worldwide and many universities have now made it a requirement that foreign students should have a specific level before entering study. This is normally placed between bands 5.5 and 7.5
EXAM STRUCTURE
|
Reading 1hr |
3 passages with a total of 1500-2500 words | |
| 40 questions that get progressively more difficult | ||
| At least one of the tests will contain a detailed logical argument | ||
|
Writing 1hr |
Two writing tasks – students are marked on the use of a range of vocabulary and grammar, organization and development and how they respond to the task. Specialist knowledge is not being tested. | |
| Task 1 | Factual description of data – either a graph, table, bar chart or diagram | |
| Using a minimum of 150 words | ||
| This takes about 20 minutes | ||
| Task 2 | Essay discussing an argument, opinion or a point of view | |
| Students may be asked to write about one or more of the following specific aspects of a topic: causes, effects, solutions, problems, measures, proposals, suggestions, advantages/disadvantages, reasons for/against | ||
| Students may be asked to put forward their own opinion and suggestions for causes and solutions | ||
| This takes about 40 minutes and requires around 250 words | ||
|
Listening 30-40 mins approx |
4 sections – 40 questions getting progressively more difficult | |
| Section 1 | Conversation between two people on a general or social theme each section will only be played once | |
| Section 2 | Monologue or interview on a general or social theme | |
| Section 3 | Conversation between up to 4 speakers on an educational or training theme | |
| Section 4 | Talk or lecture on a theme of general academic interest | |
|
Speaking 11-15 mins |
Part 1 (4-5 mins) |
The examiner will introduce themselves and ask questions about the students |
|
Part 2 (3-4 mins) |
Monologue or interview on a general or social theme | |
|
Part 3 (4-5 mins) |
The student and the examiner have a discussion linked to the subject from part 2. | |
Did you know…?
All IELTS answers must be written on the official answers sheet for them to be considered.
Marking
Band scores are awarded between 1 and 9.
