IELTS
Four papers, two modules, two formats and one nine-band scale. What the test is, before you decide anything else.
Learning about the IELTS test before you book saves money, because the two most expensive mistakes are booking the wrong module and booking before you are ready. IELTS is an English language test used by universities, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities in more than 140 countries.
It has four papers, taken in one day for listening, reading and writing, with speaking on the same day or within a week either side. The whole test takes under three hours plus the speaking interview.
The four papers
Same order every time, and no break between the first three.
Four sections, forty questions, played once only. Identical in both modules. You type your answers in as you go, then get two minutes at the end to check them.
Forty questions and no extra transfer time. This is the paper that differs most between the modules.
Two tasks. Task 1 is 150 words and Task 2 is 250 words, and Task 2 carries twice the marks. Task 1 differs between the modules.
A conversation with a real examiner in three parts. Identical in both modules, and often on a different day.
Academic for university and professional registration. General Training for migration and work or training below degree level. Only reading and writing differ.
IELTS is now delivered on computer in most markets, with paper being retired from mid-2026. Same questions, same marking, same band scale, and results in three to five days. Some centres offer a Writing on Paper option, which affects the writing paper only.
Method
Six things worth understanding before you set a target.
Each paper is scored from 0 to 9, in whole and half bands. There is no pass or fail: an institution sets the band it requires.
Add the four and divide by four. An average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
Forty questions each, converted to a band with a table. General Training reading needs more correct answers than Academic for the same band, because the texts are easier.
An examiner scores each against four criteria and averages them. There is no raw score, which is why no calculator can predict them.
An overall 7.0 with a 6.0 in writing fails a great many requirements. Check whether yours sets both.
Most institutions accept a result up to two years old. Some immigration programmes are stricter, so check before you book rather than after.
Practice
Five questions about how the test works.
Four papers, two modules, two formats, one nine-band scale.
Listening and speaking are the same in both modules. Reading and writing are not.
1Which papers are identical in both modules?
Listening and speaking. Only reading and writing differ, which is why most preparation applies whichever module you sit.
2How long is the whole test?
Under three hours plus speaking. Listening, reading and writing run back to back with no break, and speaking may be on another day.
3Your four scores average 6.375. What is reported?
6.5. An average ending above .25 rounds up to the next half band. Bands are never reported as decimals other than .5.
4Which module do you need for a university degree?
Academic. Universities and professional registration bodies require it. A General Training result will not be accepted.
5What is the main practical difference between paper and computer IELTS?
Results arrive faster. Three to five days on computer against thirteen on paper. The questions, marking and band scale are identical, and speaking is face to face in both.
Ask the organisation you are applying to before you book. They set the requirement, the two modules are not interchangeable, and a wrong booking means paying again.
The complete IELTS course on IELTStestONLINE has video lessons on every question type, many more exercises like this one, and your own support tutor you can ask when an answer does not make sense. Take a look at the complete course
Knowing how the test works is the first hour of preparation. Knowing what band you would currently get is a different question.
IELTStestONLINE keeps every score you get in one place, gives you an estimated band as you work, and assesses your writing and speaking against the four criteria so you can see where you stand before test day. See what full membership includes
An English language test used by universities, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities in more than 140 countries. It has four papers: listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Listening, reading and writing take under three hours in one sitting with no break. Speaking is eleven to fourteen minutes, and may be on a different day.
Only reading and writing. Academic uses long journal-style passages and a data description task; General Training uses everyday texts and a letter. Listening and speaking are identical.
No. You receive a band from 0 to 9 for each paper and an overall band. The organisation you are applying to sets the band it requires.
Two years for most purposes. Some immigration programmes apply their own rules, so confirm with them before booking.
Full membership
You can learn how the test works in an hour. Finding out what band your writing and speaking would receive is the part that decides when you should book.
IELTStestONLINE assesses your writing and speaking against the four IELTS criteria, instantly and as often as you like, using a system built by a former IELTS examiner and examiner trainer. It keeps every score in one place with an estimated band, and it carries no advertising.
See what membership includes