Choose the best answer from options (one or several)

Match items in the recording to a list of options

Form/note/table/flow-chart completion

Fill gaps in a form, notes, table, or flow-chart

Complete sentences within the stated word limit

Summarise each paragraph's main idea, then match the heading to the whole idea

Read the item first so you know exactly what to scan for

Sentence/summary completion

Predict the part of speech and meaning of the missing word

Diagram/flow-chart labelling

Find the relevant section, then fill labels in logical order

How many sections does IELTS have?

Four: Listening (40 questions, about 30 minutes), Reading (40 questions, 60 minutes), Writing (two tasks, 60 minutes), and Speaking (three parts, 11–14 minutes). Listening, Reading, and Writing are taken in one sitting of about 2 hours 45 minutes; Speaking is the same day or up to 7 days before or after.

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?

The Listening and Speaking sections are identical in both versions; only Reading and Writing differ. Academic uses academic passages and a Task 1 that describes a graph, chart, or process. General Training uses everyday and workplace texts and a Task 1 letter. Academic is for university and professional registration; General Training is for migration, work, and training.

Each of the four sections is scored on a band from 0 to 9, and your overall band score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. There is no pass or fail — institutions and visa authorities set their own minimum band requirement, commonly an overall 6.0 to 7.0.

What is a good IELTS band score?

It depends on what you need. Band 6 is a 'Competent user,' Band 7 a 'Good user,' and Band 8 a 'Very good user.' Many universities require an overall 6.0–7.0 with a minimum in each section, while some immigration routes require a specific band. Always check the exact requirement for your institution or visa.

How long are IELTS results valid?

IELTS results are typically valid for two years from the test date. Many institutions and immigration authorities will not accept a Test Report Form older than two years, so plan to take the test reasonably close to when you will need the result.

Can I take IELTS on a computer?

Yes. IELTS is offered both on paper and computer-delivered, with the same content, format, scoring, and difficulty. The Speaking test is always a live, face-to-face interview with a certified examiner in both formats. Computer-delivered tests usually return results faster.

Who makes the IELTS, and is this study guide free?

IELTS is jointly owned and produced by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. This study guide, plus our practice test and flashcards, are 100% free with no account required.

What is a good IELTS band score?

There is no universal pass mark — a 'good' score is whatever your institution requires. IELTS reports a band from 0 to 9: Band 6 is a Competent user, Band 7 a Good user, and Band 8 a Very good user. Many universities ask for an overall 6.0–7.0, with a minimum in each section. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored 0–9, and the overall band is their average. Always check both the overall requirement and any per-section minimum your institution or visa sets.

How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?

The overall band is the mean of your four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band. If the average ends in .25 it rounds up to the next half band, and .75 rounds up to the next whole band, but .125 or .375 rounds down. So 6.25 becomes 6.5, while 6.125 becomes 6.0. Example: Listening 6.5, Reading 6.5, Writing 5.0, Speaking 7.0 averages 6.25, reported as 6.5. Half-band results like 6.5 or 7.5 are possible; scores such as 6.3 or 6.7 are never reported.

What does each IELTS band descriptor mean?

Each band has a named descriptor: 9 Expert user, 8 Very good user, 7 Good user, 6 Competent user, 5 Modest user, 4 Limited user, 3 Extremely limited user, 2 Intermittent user, 1 Non-user, and 0 Did not attempt. The descriptors describe how much operational command of English a score reflects. Band 7 (Good user) means operational command with only occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Band 6 (Competent user) means generally effective command despite some inaccuracies.

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?

The Listening and Speaking sections are identical in both versions; only Reading and Writing differ. Academic uses academic passages and a Task 1 that describes a graph or process, while General Training uses everyday/workplace texts and a Task 1 letter. Academic is for university and professional registration; General Training is for migration, work, and training. Pick the version your institution or visa requires before booking — the Reading and Writing papers are not interchangeable. Both versions share the same Listening, Speaking, and the same Task 2 essay format.

How do you label a map or plan from a recording?

Orient yourself first: find the starting point, the entrance, or a labelled landmark on the map. Then follow the speaker's directional language — 'turn left,' 'opposite,' 'beyond,' 'at the far end' — moving step by step as they describe it. Tracking position relative to fixed reference points is the core skill these labelling tasks test. Listen for prepositions of place and direction; they carry the answer in map and plan tasks. Note the compass or 'you are here' marker before the audio starts so you can keep your bearings.

How do you take notes during IELTS Listening?

Read the questions before each part to predict the answer type (a date, a name, a number) and underline keywords. Listen for paraphrase rather than the exact words on the page, and write answers as you hear them. Always check spelling and the word limit when you transfer answers, since the recording is not repeated. Speakers often correct themselves — the final figure they give is usually the answer, not the first. Distractors are deliberate: a wrong option is mentioned, then ruled out by what follows.

What is the difference between skimming and scanning?

Skimming means reading quickly to grasp the general idea — e.g. reading the first sentence of each paragraph to build a mental map of the passage. Scanning means searching the text for a specific detail, like a name, date, or keyword. IELTS Reading rewards both: skim first for structure, then scan to locate each answer. With 60 minutes for 3 passages and 40 questions, you have about 20 minutes per passage — don't read every word. Skimming the topic sentences tells you where to scan when a question targets a specific paragraph.

How do you answer matching-headings questions?

Match each heading to the paragraph whose main idea it best captures. Read the paragraph, summarise its central point in your own words, then find the heading that matches that whole idea — not just one detail. A heading that describes only part of a paragraph (for example, effects but not causes) is the wrong heading. There are always more headings than paragraphs, so some headings are never used. Don't be fooled by a heading that repeats a word from the paragraph; match the meaning, not a keyword.

How do you describe a graph in IELTS Writing Task 1?

Paraphrase the question, write an overview stating the two or three biggest features or trends, then report the key data — the highest and lowest points and the most significant changes — using trend language (rose sharply, plateaued) and comparisons. Don't list every number, and give no personal opinion. Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes. The overview is the single most important sentence for Task Achievement — never skip it. For a map, describe what changed between the periods; for a process, describe the stages in order.

How do you structure an IELTS Task 2 essay?

Use four paragraphs: an introduction that paraphrases the prompt and states your position, two body paragraphs that each develop one main idea with explanation and an example, and a conclusion that restates your position. First identify the prompt type — opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, problem-solution — and answer exactly what it asks. Write at least 250 words in about 40 minutes; Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1. An off-topic or one-sided essay is penalised under Task Response, however good the English is.

What are the four IELTS Writing marking criteria?

Writing is marked on four equally weighted criteria: Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. They reward answering the task fully, organising ideas logically, using a precise range of vocabulary, and controlling a variety of grammatical structures. Coherence and Cohesion covers paragraphing and linking words — used appropriately, not over-used. Lexical Resource rewards less common words, collocations, and accurate spelling.

How does the IELTS Speaking long turn (Part 2) work?

In Part 2 the examiner gives you a cue card with a topic and bullet points, plus one minute to prepare and make notes. You then speak on the topic for one to two minutes without interruption. Cover all the bullet points, but keep developing the topic with detail and examples until the examiner signals you to stop. Write brief key-word notes, not full sentences, so your speech sounds natural rather than read aloud. If you finish the bullet points early, extend with reasons or examples — don't stop and wait.

What are the four IELTS Speaking marking criteria?

Speaking is assessed on four equally weighted criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. They reward speaking at a natural pace with logical links, using a precise range of vocabulary and grammar, and speaking clearly and understandably. Pronunciation judges how clearly you speak, not whether you have a particular accent. Repeating simple words like 'good,' 'nice,' or 'thing' lowers Lexical Resource — vary your vocabulary.

Does a regional accent lower your IELTS Speaking score?

No. The Pronunciation criterion assesses how clearly and understandably you speak — your control of individual sounds, word stress, and intonation — not whether you have a 'standard' accent. A noticeable regional accent does not reduce your band as long as a listener can understand you easily without strain. Focus on clear word stress and sentence intonation rather than on imitating a particular accent. Mumbling, flat intonation, or mis-stressing words are what actually cost marks on Pronunciation.

The IELTS score scale from 0 to 9, reported for each section and as an overall band. There is no pass/fail.

A 0.5 increment (e.g. 6.5, 7.5) — the smallest step IELTS reports; scores like 6.3 are never given.

The IELTS version for university study and professional registration; its Reading and Writing use academic content.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS version for migration, work, and training; its Reading and Writing use everyday and workplace content.

The Band 6 descriptor — generally effective command of English despite some inaccuracies.

A recording in which a single person speaks, as in IELTS Listening Parts 2 and 4.

An answer option or detail mentioned in a recording or passage that is deliberately misleading.

Restating an idea in different words; IELTS answers usually paraphrase the recording or passage, not repeat it.

Reading quickly to grasp the general idea or gist of a passage, such as reading topic sentences.

Searching a text quickly for a specific detail like a name, date, or keyword.

A reading task: decide whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or is absent from the facts in the text.

A reading task applying True/False/Not Given logic to the writer's opinions or claims rather than facts.

A reading task where you match a heading to the paragraph whose main idea it best captures.

The maximum number of words allowed in a completion or short-answer response (e.g. 'no more than two words').

The first IELTS Writing task — describe a visual (Academic) or write a letter (General Training); ≥150 words.

The second IELTS Writing task — an essay of at least 250 words, worth twice as much as Task 1.

FREE IELTS Study Guide 2026 + Quizzes & Readiness Score

This free IELTS study guide covers everything the IELTS tests across all four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — plus how the band score works and how Academic and General Training differ, organized to the official test format from the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge.^[2]

It’s interactive, not a wall of text: every section module has built-in checkpoint quizzes, flashcards, and practice questions, so you learn by doing — not just reading.

IELTS reports a band score from 0 to 9, not a pass/fail result.^[1] Each section is scored 0–9, and your is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band.

Listening and Speaking are identical for and ; only Reading and Writing differ.

Read a module, test yourself at each checkpoint, then drill gaps with our free practice test and flashcards. This guide is a high-yield overview of what each section measures and how to attack it — not a full English course.

IELTS Exam Snapshot

The IELTS at a glance
Detail	IELTS
Owners	British Council · IDP: IELTS Australia · Cambridge Assessment English
Versions	IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training (Reading & Writing differ)
Sections	Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
Questions / tasks	Listening 40 Q · Reading 40 Q · Writing 2 tasks · Speaking 3 parts
Total time	About 2 hours 45 minutes (Listening + Reading + Writing in one sitting)
Speaking	11–14 minutes, face-to-face; same day or up to 7 days before/after
Scoring	Band 0–9 per section + an overall band (the average, rounded to the nearest half band)
Passing score	None — institutions set their own minimum (commonly overall 6.0–7.0)
Formats	Paper-based or computer-delivered (Speaking is always face-to-face)
Validity	Typically 2 years from the test date

The four IELTS sections (Listening, Reading and Writing run back-to-back)

1 · Listening

40 Q · ~30 min

4 recorded parts (social conversation → academic lecture), played once. Identical for Academic & General Training.

2 · Reading

40 Q · 60 min

3 long passages, 40 questions. Academic uses academic texts; General Training uses everyday/workplace texts.

3 · Writing

2 tasks · 60 min

Task 1 (≥150 words) + Task 2 essay (≥250 words). Academic Task 1 describes a visual; GT Task 1 is a letter.

4 · Speaking

3 parts · 11–14 min

Face-to-face interview with a certified examiner: interview, long-turn cue card, two-way discussion. Same for both versions.

Listening, Reading and Writing are taken in one sitting (about 2 hours 45 minutes total). Speaking is the same day or up to 7 days before or after.

The 4 IELTS sections — each scored equally toward your overall band

Listening25% · 40 questions · 4 recorded parts, played once

Reading25% · 40 questions · 3 passages in 60 minutes

Writing25% · 2 tasks · Task 2 essay weighted double

Speaking25% · 3 parts · 11–14 min, face-to-face

Module 1 · Band Scores & Versions

Before you study any section, get the scoring right — it’s the single most-searched thing about IELTS, and it shapes your whole study plan. IELTS reports a from 0 to 9 for each section and an that is their average.^[1] You also need to know which versionyou’re taking.

1.1 The 0–9 Band Scale

Each band has a named descriptor that describes how much operational command of English it reflects.^[1] A has operational command with occasional inaccuracies; a has generally effective command despite some mistakes. Band 0 means you did not attempt the test.

IELTS band scale (0–9) — no pass/fail; institutions set the minimum

Expert user
Fully operational command — appropriate, accurate and fluent with complete understanding.
Very good user
Fully operational with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage.
Good user
Operational command, though with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings in some situations.
Competent user
Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
Modest user
Partial command; copes with overall meaning in most situations, though likely to make many mistakes.
Limited user
Basic competence limited to familiar situations; frequent problems in understanding and expression.
Extremely limited user
Conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations.
Non-user / Intermittent
No real ability beyond a few isolated words (1); great difficulty understanding spoken and written English (2).

Band 0 = did not attempt the test. Each section is scored 0–9; the Overall Band Score is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.

IELTS band descriptors (most common target range in bold)
Band	Descriptor	What it means
9	Expert user	Full, fluent, accurate command with complete understanding
8	Very good user	Fully operational; only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies
7	Good user	Operational command with occasional inaccuracies (common university target)
6	Competent user	Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies (common minimum)
5	Modest user	Partial command; copes with overall meaning but makes many mistakes
4	Limited user	Basic competence limited to familiar situations
1–3	Non-user to Extremely limited	Little to no ability to use English beyond very familiar contexts

1.2 Calculating Your Overall Band

Your overall band is the average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole or .^[1] The rounding rule has a quirk worth memorising: an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band and .75 rounds up to the next whole band, but .125 or .375 rounds down.

How the Overall Band Score is calculated

Overall Band = (Listening + Reading + Writing + Speaking) ÷ 4, rounded to the nearest half band.

Rounding rule: an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band and .75 rounds up to the next whole band; .125 or .375 rounds down.

L 6.5 · R 6.5 · W 5.0 · S 7.0

average 6.25 → rounds UP to 6.5

L 4.0 · R 3.5 · W 4.0 · S 4.0

average 3.875 → rounds UP to 4.0

L 6.5 · R 6.5 · W 6.0 · S 6.0

average 6.25 → rounds UP to 6.5

L 6.5 · R 6.0 · W 6.0 · S 6.0

average 6.125 → rounds DOWN to 6.0

Half-band results such as 6.5 or 7.5 are possible; scores like 6.3 or 6.7 are never reported.

1.3 Academic vs General Training

IELTS comes in two versions, and choosing correctly matters because the papers are not interchangeable.^[3] is for university study and professional registration; is for migration, work, and secondary/training programmes. The Listening and Speaking sections are identical; only Reading and Writing differ.

IELTS Academic vs. General Training — what differs

FeatureAcademicGeneral Training

Who it's forUniversity study & professional registrationMigration, work, secondary school, training

ListeningIdentical for both versionsIdentical for both versions

SpeakingIdentical for both versionsIdentical for both versions

Reading3 long, academic passages (books, journals, newspapers)Everyday & workplace texts: notices, ads, handbooks, articles

Writing Task 1Describe a graph, chart, table, map or process (≥150 words)Write a letter — formal, semi-formal or personal (≥150 words)

Writing Task 2Formal academic essay (≥250 words)Essay, slightly less formal (≥250 words)

Reading band scaleStricter — fewer correct needed per bandMore lenient — more correct needed for the same band

Choose the version your institution or visa requires before you book — the Reading and Writing papers are not interchangeable.

Checkpoint · Band Scores & Versions

Question 1 of 5

On the band score scale used to report IELTS results, what is the highest band a candidate can be awarded?

Module 2 · Listening

40 questions · ~30 minutes. IELTS Listening has four parts of 10 questions each, and the recording is played once only.^[2] The parts move from social to academic content, and the same Listening test is used for both Academic and General Training.

2.1 The Four Parts

Each part has a distinct speaker setup and context, getting steadily more demanding. Part 1 is an everyday conversation between two people; Part 4 is an academic such as a lecture.

IELTS Listening — 4 parts, social → academic (played once)

1
Part 1
2 speakers · social
An everyday conversation in a social context — e.g. booking accommodation or enquiring about a service.
2
Part 2
1 speaker · social
A monologue in an everyday context — e.g. a speech about local facilities or arrangements for an event.
3
Part 3
up to 4 speakers · educational
A conversation in an educational or training context — e.g. students discussing an assignment with a tutor.
4
Part 4
1 speaker · academic
A monologue on an academic subject — e.g. a university lecture. Usually the most demanding part.

10 questions per part (40 total). You hear each recording once, so read the questions ahead and answer as you listen.

The four IELTS Listening parts
Part	Speakers	Context
Part 1	2 people	Everyday social conversation (e.g. booking a service)
Part 2	1 speaker (monologue)	Everyday social monologue (e.g. a talk about local facilities)
Part 3	Up to 4 people	Educational/training discussion (e.g. students and a tutor)
Part 4	1 speaker (monologue)	Academic monologue or lecture — usually the hardest part

2.2 Question Types

Listening uses a fixed set of task types: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, and form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, plus sentence completion.^[2] Completion tasks have a strict , so obey instructions like “no more than two words and/or a number.”

IELTS Listening question types
Type	What you do
Multiple choice	Choose the best answer from options (one or several)
Matching	Match items in the recording to a list of options
Plan/map/diagram labelling	Label a map, plan, or diagram from what you hear
Form/note/table/flow-chart completion	Fill gaps in a form, notes, table, or flow-chart
Sentence completion	Complete sentences within the stated word limit

2.3 Listening Strategy

Because the audio plays once, preparation and prediction win marks. Use the time before each part to read and underline keywords, predict the answer type, and listen for and — options that are mentioned and then ruled out.

Checkpoint · Listening

Question 1 of 4

How many separate sections make up the IELTS Listening test?

Module 3 · Reading

40 questions · 60 minutes. IELTS Reading gives you three long passages and 40 questions with no extra transfer time.^[4] Academic Reading uses academic passages from books, journals, and newspapers; General Training Reading uses everyday and workplace texts. The question types are the same in both, so the skills you build here transfer.

3.1 Skimming & Scanning

With 60 minutes for three passages, you have about 20 minutes per passage — you cannot read every word.^[4] (reading for the gist) and (hunting for a specific detail) are the two core reading skills the test rewards.

Skimming vs scanning
Skill	What it is	When to use it
Skimming	Read quickly for the general idea (e.g. topic sentences)	First pass — build a mental map of the passage
Scanning	Search for a specific word, name, date, or figure	When a question targets one detail
Close reading	Read a short section carefully, word by word	Once you've located the relevant lines

3.2 True/False/Not Given & Yes/No/Not Given

These are the highest-yield — and trickiest — IELTS Reading tasks. questions test facts: questions test the writer’s views or claims. In both, Not Given means the text neither confirms nor contradicts the statement.

True/False/Not Given vs Yes/No/Not Given
Answer	True/False/Not Given (facts)	Yes/No/Not Given (opinions)
True / Yes	The statement agrees with the facts in the text	The statement agrees with the writer's view
False / No	The statement contradicts the facts in the text	The statement contradicts the writer's view
Not Given	The information is not in the text	The writer's view on it is not stated

3.3 Matching & Completion Tasks

The rest of IELTS Reading is matching and completion: , matching information to paragraphs, matching features, sentence completion, and summary/note/table/flow-chart/diagram completion, plus short-answer questions.^[4] Each completion task has a strict .

IELTS Reading question types (40 questions across 3 passages)

True / False / Not Given

Decide whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or is simply absent from the factual information in the text.

Yes / No / Not Given

The same logic, applied to the writer's views or claims rather than facts. 'Not Given' means the writer never states it.

Matching headings / information

Match a heading to each paragraph, or locate which paragraph contains a specific piece of information.

Completion tasks

Sentence, summary, note, table, flow-chart and diagram-label completion — fill gaps using words from the passage within a word limit.

Multiple choice & matching features

Choose the best answer, or match statements/features to options (e.g. researchers, dates, categories).

Short-answer questions

Answer a question about the text in a few words, obeying the stated word limit.

No extra transfer time — write answers straight onto the answer sheet. Watch every word limit ("no more than two words").

Matching & completion tasks — how to approach them
Task	Strategy
Matching headings	Summarise each paragraph's main idea, then match the heading to the whole idea
Matching information	Read the item first so you know exactly what to scan for
Sentence/summary completion	Predict the part of speech and meaning of the missing word
Short-answer questions	Answer in the fewest words; obey the word limit exactly
Diagram/flow-chart labelling	Find the relevant section, then fill labels in logical order

Checkpoint · Reading

Question 1 of 6

A Yes/No/Not Given statement reads 'The writer believes the policy was introduced too quickly.' The passage records the date the policy began but offers no comment from the writer on its timing. What is the correct answer?

Module 4 · Writing

2 tasks · 60 minutes. IELTS Writing has two tasks marked on four criteria.^[5] asks for at least 150 words; asks for at least 250 words and is worth twice as much. Academic and General Training share the same Task 2 essay but differ on Task 1 (a visual vs a letter).

4.1 The Four Marking Criteria

Both tasks are scored on four equally weighted criteria.^[5] Knowing them turns vague advice (“write better”) into a checklist: /, , , and .

The 4 IELTS Writing marking criteria (each ≈ 25% of the Writing score)

Task Achievement / Task Response
Task 1 (Achievement): cover the key features accurately and meet the word count. Task 2 (Response): fully address every part of the prompt with a clear position and developed ideas.
Coherence & Cohesion
Logical organisation, clear paragraphing, and smooth linking of ideas with appropriate cohesive devices (without overusing them).
Lexical Resource
Range and accuracy of vocabulary — less common words, collocations, paraphrasing, and correct spelling.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
A mix of sentence structures used accurately, with control of grammar and punctuation.

Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the Writing band — so do Task 1 in ~20 minutes and give Task 2 the full ~40.

4.2 Task 1 (Graph / Letter)

In Academic Task 1 you describe a visual — a graph, chart, table, map, or process — in at least 150 words.^[5] In General Training Task 1 you write a letter instead. The single most important move is the : a sentence stating the two or three biggest features or trends.

Academic Writing Task 1 — how to attack any visual (≥150 words)

1
Identify the visual
Decide what you're describing: a line graph, bar chart, table, pie chart, map, or a process/cycle diagram. Each needs a different approach.
2
Write an overview
Paraphrase the question, then state the 2–3 biggest features or overall trends — the overview is the single most important sentence for Task Achievement.
3
Select key features
Report only the most significant data: the highest and lowest points, the biggest changes, clear comparisons — not every number on the chart.
4
Use the right language
Trends (rose sharply, plateaued); comparisons (twice as many as); for a process, sequencing words (first, next, finally) in the passive.
5
Check length & accuracy
Aim for at least 150 words in about 20 minutes, with accurate data and no personal opinion — Task 1 reports, it doesn't argue.

General Training candidates write a letter for Task 1 instead — but the same discipline applies: cover all bullet points, hit 150 words, match the tone.

Academic Task 1 — language by visual type
Visual	What to focus on	Useful language
Line graph	Trends and changes over time	rose sharply, fell steadily, levelled off, peaked
Bar chart / table	Comparisons between categories	twice as many, the highest, compared with, whereas
Pie chart	Proportions of a whole	the majority, a third, the smallest share, accounts for
Map	What changed between two periods	was replaced by, relocated, extended, demolished
Process diagram	Stages in order (often the passive)	first, next, then, finally, the resulting

4.3 Task 2 — The Essay

is an essay of at least 250 words in about 40 minutes.^[5] Success starts with reading the prompt type — opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, problem-solution, or two-part — and answering exactly what it asks. A clear four-paragraph structure does the rest.

Writing Task 2 — a reliable 4-paragraph essay skeleton (≥250 words)

1
Introduction
Paraphrase the prompt, then state your thesis — your direct answer/position. 2–3 sentences.
2
Body paragraph 1
One main idea, stated in a topic sentence, then explained and supported with an example or reason.
3
Body paragraph 2
A second main idea, developed the same way. Two well-developed paragraphs beat four thin ones.
4
Conclusion
Restate your position and summarise your main points — add no new ideas. 1–2 sentences.

First, read the prompt type (opinion, discussion, advantages/disadvantages, problem-solution, two-part) and answer exactly what it asks — off-topic essays are capped on Task Response.

Common IELTS Task 2 prompt types
Prompt type	What it asks	How to answer
Opinion (agree/disagree)	State and defend a position	Take a clear side; support it across body paragraphs
Discussion (both views)	Discuss two views, then give your own	Cover both sides fairly, then state your opinion
Advantages/disadvantages	Weigh benefits and drawbacks	Give balanced coverage of both
Problem/solution (cause-solution)	Explain causes and propose solutions	Identify the reasons, then suggest realistic measures
Two-part (direct question)	Answer two distinct questions	Address each part clearly and fully

Checkpoint · Writing

Question 1 of 6

One of the four IELTS Writing marking criteria assesses the range and accuracy of a candidate's vocabulary, including the ability to use less common words, collocations, and precise word choice with correct spelling. Which criterion is this?

Module 5 · Speaking

3 parts · 11–14 minutes. IELTS Speaking is a live, face-to-face interview with a certified examiner, recorded for quality monitoring.^[6] It’s the same for both versions, and it’s marked on four criteria.

5.1 The Three Parts

The interview builds from familiar to abstract: a warm-up interview, a from a , then a two-way discussion.

IELTS Speaking — 3 parts, face-to-face (11–14 min total)

1
Part 1 · Interview
4–5 min
The examiner asks questions about familiar topics — home, work, studies, hobbies, your routine. Warm-up; answer in a sentence or two.
2
Part 2 · Long turn
3–4 min
You get a cue card and 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes on the topic. The examiner asks one or two rounding-off questions.
3
Part 3 · Discussion
4–5 min
A two-way discussion of more abstract ideas linked to the Part 2 topic. Extend each answer with reasons, examples and your opinion.

Speaking is always a live, face-to-face interview with a certified examiner (even for computer-delivered IELTS), and it is recorded for quality monitoring.

The three IELTS Speaking parts
Part	Time	What happens
Part 1 · Interview	4–5 min	Questions on familiar topics (home, work, studies, hobbies)
Part 2 · Long turn	3–4 min	Cue card + 1 min prep, then speak 1–2 min; brief rounding-off questions
Part 3 · Discussion	4–5 min	Two-way discussion of abstract ideas linked to the Part 2 topic

5.2 The Four Marking Criteria

Speaking is scored on four equally weighted criteria: , , , and .^[6] Pronunciation judges how clearly you speak — not whether you have a particular accent.

The 4 IELTS Speaking marking criteria (each = 25% of the Speaking band)

Fluency & Coherence
Speaking at a natural pace and length without too much hesitation, and linking ideas logically with connectors.
Lexical Resource
Range and precision of vocabulary, including paraphrasing and topic-specific words — avoiding repetition of simple words like 'good' or 'thing'.
Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Using a mix of simple and complex structures accurately, with control of tenses.
Pronunciation
How clearly and understandably you speak — individual sounds, word stress, and intonation. A regional accent does not lower the score if you are clear.

The same four criteria shape Writing too (with Task Response in place of Pronunciation) — they are the blueprint for what a high band looks like.

5.3 Speaking Strategy

The fastest gains come in Part 2 and Part 3, where many candidates answer too briefly. Use the one-minute prep to write key-word notes (not full sentences), then keep extending your answers with reasons and examples.

Checkpoint · Speaking

Question 1 of 6

At the start of the IELTS Speaking test, before the Part 1 questions about familiar topics begin, the examiner asks the candidate to state their full name and to show an identity document. What is the main reason for this opening step?

How to Use This IELTS Study Guide

IELTS rewards technique as much as English level — knowing exactly how each task works is worth a band on its own. The smartest plan:

Pin your target band first. Find the overall AND per-section minimum your university or visa requires, then aim a half band higher.
Confirm your version. Academic or General Training — it changes your Reading and Writing study.
Read a module, then check yourself. Take the end-of-module checkpoint to see exactly which sub-topics need another pass.
Lift your weakest section. Because the overall band is an average, your lowest section is usually where points come fastest.
Check off as you go. Mark each section done in the Study Guide Contents — it raises your exam-readiness score.
Drill weak spots. Send shaky topics into the flashcards and a practice test until you’re comfortable.
Practise Writing & Speaking out loud. Write timed essays and speak full answers — these two sections improve only with production, not reading.

IELTS Concept Questions

Common IELTS concepts students search while studying — each answered briefly and backed by an official source. Test yourself, then drill them as flashcards.

IELTS Glossary

The high-yield IELTS terms across all four sections in one place — hover any dotted term in the guide, or flip the whole deck here as a self-grading flashcard set.

Band score: The IELTS score scale from 0 to 9, reported for each section and as an overall band. There is no pass/fail.
Coherence and Cohesion: A Writing/Speaking criterion — logical organisation and the smooth linking of ideas.
Competent user: The Band 6 descriptor — generally effective command of English despite some inaccuracies.
Cue card: The card in Speaking Part 2 giving a topic and bullet points to address during the long turn.
Distractor: An answer option or detail mentioned in a recording or passage that is deliberately misleading.
Fluency and Coherence: The Speaking criterion covering speaking rate, flow, and logical linking of ideas.
Good user: The Band 7 descriptor — operational command with occasional inaccuracies and misunderstandings.
Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A marking criterion assessing the variety and correctness of grammatical structures.
Half band: A 0.5 increment (e.g. 6.5, 7.5) — the smallest step IELTS reports; scores like 6.3 are never given.
IELTS Academic: The IELTS version for university study and professional registration; its Reading and Writing use academic content.
IELTS General Training: The IELTS version for migration, work, and training; its Reading and Writing use everyday and workplace content.
Lexical Resource: A marking criterion assessing the range, precision, and accuracy of vocabulary.
Long turn: Part 2 of Speaking — speak for 1–2 minutes on a cue-card topic after one minute of preparation.
Matching headings: A reading task where you match a heading to the paragraph whose main idea it best captures.
Monologue: A recording in which a single person speaks, as in IELTS Listening Parts 2 and 4.
Overall Band Score: The average of the four section scores, rounded to the nearest whole or half band.
Overview: In Writing Task 1, the sentence(s) summarising the two or three biggest features or trends of the visual.
Paraphrase: Restating an idea in different words; IELTS answers usually paraphrase the recording or passage, not repeat it.
Pronunciation: The Speaking criterion assessing how clearly and understandably you speak — sounds, stress, and intonation.
Scanning: Searching a text quickly for a specific detail like a name, date, or keyword.
Skimming: Reading quickly to grasp the general idea or gist of a passage, such as reading topic sentences.
Task 1: The first IELTS Writing task — describe a visual (Academic) or write a letter (General Training); ≥150 words.
Task 2: The second IELTS Writing task — an essay of at least 250 words, worth twice as much as Task 1.
Task Achievement: The Task 1 marking criterion — how fully and accurately the response covers the key features and word count.
Task Response: The Task 2 marking criterion — how fully the essay addresses every part of the prompt with a clear position.
True/False/Not Given: A reading task: decide whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or is absent from the facts in the text.
Word limit: The maximum number of words allowed in a completion or short-answer response (e.g. 'no more than two words').
Yes/No/Not Given: A reading task applying True/False/Not Given logic to the writer's opinions or claims rather than facts.

IELTS Study Guide FAQ

IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world's most widely used English-language proficiency test, jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. It has four sections — Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking — and reports a band score from 0 to 9. It is accepted by universities, employers, and immigration authorities worldwide.

References

1.IELTS.org (British Council, IDP & Cambridge). “How IELTS is scored.” ielts.org. ↑
2.British Council (Take IELTS). “IELTS test format.” takeielts.britishcouncil.org. ↑
3.British Council (Take IELTS). “IELTS Academic or General Training.” takeielts.britishcouncil.org. ↑
4.British Council (Take IELTS). “IELTS Academic Reading.” takeielts.britishcouncil.org. ↑
5.British Council (Take IELTS). “IELTS Academic Writing.” takeielts.britishcouncil.org. ↑
6.British Council (Take IELTS). “IELTS Speaking.” takeielts.britishcouncil.org. ↑
7.IELTS.org (British Council, IDP & Cambridge). “IELTS test format and timing.” ielts.org. ↑

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