IELTS Exam Guide: Format, Band Scores and Study Tips
Short answer
IELTS tests four skills: Listening (about 30 minutes), Reading (60 minutes), Writing (60 minutes) and Speaking (11 to 14 minutes), about 2 hours 45 minutes in total. Each section gets a band from 0 to 9, and your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most popular English tests in the world. Universities, employers and immigration offices in countries such as Canada, the UK and Australia use it to check your English. This short guide explains how the test works and how to prepare without spending money on extras.
Academic or General Training?
There are two main versions. IELTS Academic is for people who want to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, or who need professional registration (for example doctors and nurses). IELTS General Training is commonly asked for work and migration. Listening and Speaking are the same in both; Reading and Writing are different. Always check which version your university or visa office asks for before you book.
The four sections at a glance
| Section | Time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | About 30 minutes | 40 questions on recordings |
| Reading | 60 minutes | 40 questions on several texts |
| Writing | 60 minutes | Task 1 (at least 150 words) and Task 2 (at least 250 words) |
| Speaking | 11 to 14 minutes | A face-to-face talk with an examiner |
In Academic Writing, Task 1 asks you to describe a graph, table, chart or diagram in about 20 minutes, and Task 2 asks you to discuss an argument or problem in about 40 minutes. Task 2 counts twice as much as Task 1, so do not spend too long on the first task. You must write in full sentences, not bullet points.
How the overall band score is worked out
Add your four section bands and divide by four. Then round to the nearest half band. If the average ends in .25 it goes up to the next half band; if it ends in .75 it goes up to the next whole band.
Worked example: Listening 7.0 + Reading 6.5 + Writing 6.0 + Speaking 6.0 = 25.5. Divide by 4 = 6.375, which is nearest to 6.5. Another person with 6.5, 6.5, 5.5 and 6.0 averages 6.125, which rounds to 6.0. You can check the average with our mean, median and mode guide.
In Listening and Reading, each correct answer earns one mark out of 40, and the marks are turned into a band. The exact number of marks for each band changes a little between test versions.
A simple 4-week study plan
- Week 1, learn the format: do one full practice test from the official IELTS site to find your weakest skill.
- Week 2, Listening and Reading: practise in short focused blocks. A Pomodoro timer (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) keeps you fresh; see our Pomodoro technique guide.
- Week 3, Writing: write one Task 1 and one Task 2 answer a day. Paste them into the word counter to make sure you pass 150 and 250 words. Our words per page guide helps you judge length on paper.
- Week 4, timed mock tests: set the countdown timer to 60 minutes for Writing and Reading so the real time limit feels normal.
If you will take IELTS on a computer, typing speed matters in the Writing section. Try the typing speed test and compare your result with the average typing speed.
Quick tips for test day
- Read every question twice and answer exactly what it asks.
- In Speaking, give full answers with a reason or example, not one-word replies.
- Leave a few minutes at the end of Writing to check spelling and grammar.
Important note
This article is general information only. Test formats, fees, dates, booking rules and score requirements can change and differ by country. Please confirm every detail on the official IELTS website (ielts.org) and with the organisation that will receive your score before you book or apply.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the IELTS exam?
About 2 hours and 45 minutes in total: Listening about 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes, Writing 60 minutes and Speaking 11 to 14 minutes.
What is a good IELTS band score?
It depends on where you apply. Band 7 means a good user and band 6 a competent user, but each university or visa office sets its own minimum, so check their requirement.
How long is an IELTS score valid?
IELTS recommends treating results as valid for two years, though some organisations accept older results. Ask the organisation directly.
Can I write less than 250 words in Task 2?
You should not. 250 words is the minimum, and a short answer may not show enough language to earn a higher band.
Is IELTS Academic harder than General Training?
Listening and Speaking are the same. Academic Reading can use harder texts, so General Training usually needs more correct answers for the same band.