International English Language Testing System facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
International English Language Testing System

Acronym	IELTS
Type	Standardised test (either computer-delivered or paper-based). Available in 2 modules: "Academic" and "General Training". The IELTS test partners also offer IELTS Life Skills, a speaking and listening test used for UK Visas and Immigration.
Administrator	British Council, IDP Education, Cambridge Assessment English.
Skills tested	Listening, reading, writing, and speaking of the English language.
Purpose	To assess the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers.
Year started	1980; 45 years ago (1980) (as ELTS) 1989; 36 years ago (1989) (as IELTS)
Duration	Listening: 40 minutes (including 10-minute transfer time in paper-based test), Reading: 60 minutes, Writing: 60 minutes, Speaking: 10-15 minutes. Total: 2 hours 45 minutes
Score range	0 to 9, in 0.5 band increments
Score validity	24 Months
Offered	Up to 4 times a month. Up to 48 times a year.
Regions	More than 4,000 test centres in over 140 countries
Languages	English
Annual number of test takers	Over 3.5 million in 2018
Prerequisites	No official prerequisite. Intended for non-native English speakers.
Fee	Around 250 USD
Used by	More than 12,000 colleges, agencies and other institutions in over 140 countries

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a special test. It checks how well people who don't speak English as their first language can use English. This test is used all over the world. It helps schools, universities, and even countries decide if someone's English is good enough.

IELTS started in 1989. It is managed by three big organizations: the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English. It's one of the most popular English tests globally. There are two main types of IELTS tests: "Academic" and "General Training." In 2023, a new option called "IELTS One Skill Retake" was added. This lets you retake just one part of the test if you want to improve that specific score.

Many universities in countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States accept IELTS scores. It's also used by many professional groups worldwide. Some countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, use IELTS to help people who want to move there.

You don't "pass" or "fail" the IELTS test. Instead, you get a score from "Band 1" (meaning you're new to English) to "Band 9" (meaning you're an expert). Different schools or organizations ask for different minimum scores. Your test results are usually valid for two years.

In 2017, over 3 million IELTS tests were taken in more than 140 countries. This shows how many people use this test to achieve their goals.

The Story of IELTS: A Brief History

The IELTS test has been around for a while. It first started in 1980. Back then, it was called the English Language Testing Service (ELTS). It was created by Cambridge English Language Assessment and the British Council.

The first version of the test was quite new and different. It tried to test English in ways that felt like real-life situations. This was important because language learning was changing. More people wanted to learn English for specific reasons, like for work or study.

In the 1980s, not many people took the test. There were also some challenges in running it. So, a project was started to make the test better. An Australian organization, IDP, joined Cambridge English and the British Council. Together, they formed the international IELTS partnership. This partnership still runs the test today. They also gave the test its new name: The International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

IELTS officially launched in 1989. Over the years, the test has been updated several times. These updates made sure the test stayed fair and useful. For example, in 1995, they made the reading and writing parts more consistent. Later, in 2001 and 2005, they improved the speaking test and how writing was scored.

How the IELTS Test Works

IELTS has two main versions: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. These versions are designed to test English skills for all levels. From beginners to expert users.

The Academic version is for students. It's for those who want to study at a university or college in an English-speaking country. It's also for professionals like doctors or engineers. They might need to register their skills in an English-speaking country.

The General Training version is for other purposes. It's for people who want to work, train, or study at a high school level. It's also used by people who plan to move to an English-speaking country.

The main difference between these two versions is the content. The topics and tasks are different. However, things like the test time and how scores are reported are the same.

Both IELTS Academic and General Training tests check four key English skills:

• Listening: How well you understand spoken English.
• Reading: How well you understand written English.
• Writing: How well you write in English.
• Speaking: How well you talk in English.

The speaking part is a special feature of IELTS. You have a one-on-one chat with an examiner. This can be in person or through a video call. The examiner listens to you and gives you a score. Your conversation is also recorded. This helps if there are any questions about your score later.

The test uses different English accents and writing styles. This makes sure the test is fair for everyone. For example, in the listening part, you'll hear British, Australian, New Zealander, and American accents.

IELTS Test Modules

There are two main types of IELTS tests:

• IELTS Academic Module: This is for students. It's for those who want to go to universities or other higher education schools. It's also for professionals who need to work in an English-speaking country.
• IELTS General Training Module: This is for people who want to work or train. It's also for those planning to move to an English-speaking country.

There's also a separate test called IELTS Life Skills. This test checks your English speaking and listening skills. It's used for certain visa applications in the UK. For example, for family visas or citizenship.

The Four Parts of the IELTS Test

The IELTS test has four main parts. They check your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are done together. The Speaking test can be on the same day. Or it can be up to seven days before or after the other tests.

Everyone takes the same Listening and Speaking tests. But the Reading and Writing tests are different. They depend on if you are taking the Academic or General Training version.

Listening Skills

The listening test has four sections. Each section has ten questions. The whole test takes about 30 minutes. If you take the paper test, you get 10 extra minutes. This is to write your answers on a special sheet. If it's a computer test, you get 2 minutes to check your answers.

• Sections 1 and 2 are about everyday situations. For example, a chat about travel plans. Or a speech about local places.
• Sections 3 and 4 are about school or training. For example, students discussing a project. Or someone talking about an academic topic.

You hear each section only once. You'll lose points for wrong spelling or grammar.

Reading Comprehension

The reading test has three sections. The texts are about 2,150 to 3,250 words long in total. You'll answer different types of questions. These include multiple-choice, short answers, and matching information. You must be careful with spelling and grammar.

• IELTS Academic Reading: The texts come from books, magazines, and newspapers. They are about topics that students might find interesting.
• IELTS General Training Reading:
  • Section 1 has short texts about everyday topics. Like timetables or notices.
  • Section 2 has texts about work. Like job descriptions.
  • Section 3 has one longer text about a general topic. It's usually from a newspaper or magazine.

Writing Skills

The writing test has two tasks. You have 60 minutes to complete them.

• IELTS Academic Writing:
  • Task 1: You describe a graph, chart, or diagram in your own words.
  • Task 2: You write an essay. You discuss a point of view or a problem. You might need to offer solutions or give your opinion.

• IELTS General Training Writing:
  • Task 1: You write a letter. It's in response to an everyday situation. For example, writing about a problem with your housing.
  • Task 2: You write an essay about a general topic. For example, if smoking should be banned in public places.

Speaking Skills

The speaking test is a face-to-face interview. It's between you and an examiner. It has three sections and lasts 10-15 minutes.

• Section 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes). The examiner asks about you. Topics might include your home, family, hobbies, or why you're taking IELTS.
• Section 2: Long Turn (3–4 minutes). You get a card with a topic. You have one minute to prepare. Then you talk about the topic for one to two minutes. The card tells you what to include.
• Section 3: Discussions (4–5 minutes). You and the examiner discuss ideas related to the topic from Section 2. These questions usually go deeper into the subject.

IELTS Scores: The Band Scale

You get a score for each part of the test. These are Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Then, these individual scores are averaged. This gives you an Overall Band Score.

IELTS uses a nine-band scale. Each band shows a different level of English ability. There is no "pass" or "fail." Your Overall Band Score is rounded to the nearest half band.

Here's what each band score generally means:

IELTS Bands and CEFR Levels

The IELTS band scores can be compared to another system. This system is called the CEFR. It helps describe language ability.

Getting Your IELTS Results

If you take the computer-delivered test, your results are ready in 3–5 days. For a paper-based test, you get your results 13 days after the test.

Your Test Report Form shows:

• Your Overall Band Score (from 1–9).
• A score for each part of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Your estimated CEFR level in English.
• Which test you took (Academic or General Training).
• The test date and when the certificate was signed.
• A special test report form number.
• Your photo and other personal details.

Most people get one copy of their results. But if you're applying to certain immigration departments, you might get two copies. Remember, your Test Report Form is valid for two years.

Where and When You Can Take IELTS

You can take the IELTS test in many places. There are over 4,000 test centers in more than 140 countries.

Tests are offered often. There can be up to 48 test dates each year. Most test centers offer tests up to four times a month. The Academic version is available on all 48 dates. The General Training version is available on 24 dates.

There used to be a waiting period before you could retake the test. But now, you can retake the test whenever you want.

IELTS for Studying Abroad

Many students take IELTS to study in another country. In fact, just over half of all test takers do this. The minimum IELTS scores needed vary. Different universities and courses have different requirements.

Generally, top universities might ask for a higher score, like 7.0. Most universities accept scores between 6.0 and 7.0 for undergraduate studies. You can find detailed information about specific university requirements on the IELTS website.

IELTS for Moving to a New Country

Many countries use IELTS scores. They help check if people who want to move there can speak English well. This is important for living and working in a new country.

Australia

Australia has used IELTS since 1998. It helps them check the English skills of people who want to move there. Different types of visas need different IELTS scores.

New Zealand

New Zealand has used the IELTS test since 1995. Like Australia, different visas and applicants need different scores.

Canada

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) uses IELTS. It helps them check English skills for people moving to Canada. The CELPIP test is another option.

Canada uses something called Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB). These are national standards for English ability. Here's how IELTS scores match up to CLB levels:

Different immigration programs in Canada need different CLB levels:

You can also use your IELTS scores to prove your English skills when applying for Canadian citizenship. You usually need at least CLB level 4.

United Kingdom

Since April 6, 2015, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has specific English language rules. These are for UK visa and immigration applications.

IELTS checks all four English skills. UKVI accepts it for different CEFR levels (B1 to C2).

There's also IELTS Life Skills. This test checks only speaking and listening. It's used for some visa applications. For example, for family visas or citizenship in the UK.

To use IELTS for UK visa purposes, you must take the test at a UKVI-approved center. The test itself is the same. But the report form looks a bit different. It shows you took it at a UKVI session.

Other English Tests

IELTS is not the only English test out there. Here are some other tests that check English skills:

• AAPPL
• Cambridge English Language Assessment
• CAE
• Cambridge English: First
• CPE
• CAEL
• CELPIP
• CU-TEP
• Duolingo English Test
• EF Standard English Test
• ITEP
• MUET
• OET
• OPI
• Oxford Test of English
• PTE Academic
• STEP
• STEP Eiken
• TELC
• TOEFL
• TOEIC
• TrackTest
• Trinity College London ESOL
• TSE
• UBELT

See also

• English as a Foreign or Second Language (EFSL)
• International Student Admissions Test (ISAT)
• National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
• Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL)
• List of admissions tests