The IELTS exam [academic]

The IELTS exam (academic) is a test of your ability to understand and use academic English language and academic learning skills (like skimming and scanning). It is designed to assess your readiness for academic study.

If you're thinking of doing the IELTS exam, the first thing you need to know is what you have to do and how long you have to do it. See the structure below.

All four skills are tested.

Listening is, for many students, the most difficult test.

• You hear the listening recordings only once

• There are four sections, which get progressively more difficult

• You need to be able to identify keywords in the questions

• You need to know a range of synonyms (e.g. examine/scrutinise)

• You need a very good academic vocabulary range

Reading: Speed is important.

• There are three reading texts

• There are ten different types of reading questions

• You need to complete the answers on each text in under 20 minutes

• You need very good scanning and skimming skills

• Technique is critical - you can't waste time

Writing success is based on having good structure.

• There is one essay of 250+ words

• There is one report of a graphic (e.g. chart, process diagram, map) of 150+ words

• Learn the basic structure for an essay and a report

• Build specific academic vocabulary (e.g. linkers, comparatives, adverbs)

• Practise writing, get feedback, write again

Speaking: You need to be confident

• Part 1: Short answers about everyday topics

• Part 2: Speak for 90-120 seconds on a topic card (a personal experience)

• Part 3: Discussion on a topic - asking for your opinions and speculations

• Practice is the key to success

For more information and activities in each of the four skills, click on the IELTS button in the menu at the top of the page