A plain guide to the IELTS test
What each part of IELTS looks like, how it is scored, and how to practise for it for free.
The four parts of IELTS
IELTS gives you a band from 0 to 9 for each part and an overall band, which is the average rounded to the nearest half band.
Listening
About 30 minutes, 4 parts, 40 questions. Everyone takes the same Listening test.
Practise ListeningReading
60 minutes, 3 passages, 40 questions. Academic and General Training use different texts.
Practise ReadingWriting
60 minutes, 2 tasks. Task 2 counts for more of your Writing band than Task 1.
Practise WritingAcademic or General Training?
Academic is usually for university study. General Training is usually for work or migration. Listening and Speaking are the same in both; Reading and Writing differ.
Check which test your university or visa route asks for before you book. Official information is on the IELTS website: ielts.org.
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