IELTS test format, section by section

Listening (about 30 minutes)

Four recordings with 40 questions: two in everyday settings (a conversation and a monologue) and two in study settings (a discussion and a lecture). You hear each recording once. Questions include multiple choice, matching, labelling maps and diagrams, and completing notes or sentences. On paper you get extra time to transfer your answers; on computer you type them as you go.

Watch out for: spelling (wrong spelling is a wrong answer) and word limits such as "NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS".

Reading (60 minutes)

Three sections with 40 questions.

• Academic: three long texts from books, journals and newspapers.
• General Training: shorter everyday and workplace texts (notices, advertisements, handbooks) and one longer text.

Question types include True / False / Not Given, matching headings, and sentence completion. There's no extra transfer time, so manage the clock carefully.

Writing (60 minutes)

Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1. Writing under the minimum length costs marks. Our word counter has IELTS settings. See the full IELTS writing guide.

Speaking (11–14 minutes)

A recorded, face-to-face conversation with an examiner (in person or by video call at a test centre):

1. Introduction and interview (4–5 minutes): questions about familiar topics such as home, work or study.
2. Long turn (3–4 minutes): you get a task card, 1 minute to prepare, then speak for up to 2 minutes.
3. Discussion (4–5 minutes): deeper, more abstract questions linked to Part 2.

See our IELTS speaking guide for tips and sample questions.

Ways to take the test

IELTS is offered on paper or on computer at a test centre, and as IELTS Online at home. Not every organisation accepts IELTS Online, so check before you book. For Australian visas, Home Affairs doesn't accept IELTS Online, but it does accept results that include an IELTS One Skill Retake for eligible visas. Check the official IELTS website for current details.