What is IELTS and what does it stand for? Let’s get more familiar with IELTS, its formats and modules.
IELTS Exam
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It is mainly administered by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP: IELTS Australia. IELTS corresponds to the highest international standards of language assessment.
IELTS Format
IELTS consists of 4 sub-tests or sections, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing, and you are tested in all of the 4 sections.
The order of sections in the IELTS exam depends on whether you take the paper-based or computer-based test:
- Paper-based test: In the paper-based test, you will take the sections in the following order:
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Computer-based test: In the computer-based test, you will take the sections in the following order:
- Listening (40 minutes)
- Reading (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
Speaking test: The Speaking test can be taken on the same day as the other sections, or up to seven days before or after the main test date. This is arranged by the test center.
IELTS Modules
IELTS has 2 separate modules: Academic and General Training. All the candidates will have the same Listening and Speaking (Oral Tests). However, Reading and Writing sections differ in accordance with your selected module (Academic or General Training).
