What is the IELTS?
IELTS is an English proficiency test jointly owned by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. IELTS Academic is used for university study; IELTS General Training is used for work and migration. Both have Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, scored on a 0–9 band scale.
Who takes it
- Students applying to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and beyond
- Professionals applying for work abroad
- Applicants for migration that requires English proof
Official information: British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press and Assessment website.
IELTS format at a glance
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 30 min | 40 questions | Conversations and monologues in four parts |
| Reading | 60 min | 40 questions | Three long texts (Academic) or everyday texts (General) |
| Writing | 60 min | 2 tasks | Describe data or write a letter, then an essay |
| Speaking | 14 min | 3 parts | Face-to-face interview, 11–14 minutes |
How IELTS scoring works
Each section and the overall score are reported in half bands
How to prepare for the IELTS
Pick the right version
Academic and General Training differ in Reading and Writing. Confirm which one your university or authority needs.
Learn the band descriptors
Writing and Speaking are marked against public criteria. Knowing them tells you exactly what to improve.
Practise spelling in Listening
Answers must be spelled correctly. Practise names, numbers and dates.
Manage Reading time
You have 60 minutes for 40 questions with no extra transfer time on computer. Practise to the clock.
A sample IELTS study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Weeks 1–2Diagnostic and question types for all four sections
- Weeks 3–5Writing task feedback and weekly mock speaking
- Weeks 6–8Full timed practice tests and band-score targets
How we coach the IELTS
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the IELTS skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
IELTS FAQs
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Listening and Speaking are the same. Reading and Writing differ: Academic uses academic texts and a data-description task, General Training uses everyday texts and a letter.
How is IELTS scored?
Each section gets a band from 0 to 9, and the overall band is the average, rounded to the nearest half band.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Most organisations accept IELTS results for two years, but check with each one.
Is the Speaking test with a real person?
Yes. IELTS Speaking is a face-to-face conversation with an examiner, in person or by video call depending on the test centre.
How much is IELTS coaching at BetterMyScores?
Between $20 and $40 per hour. Message us on WhatsApp for a plan.
IELTS guides
IELTS Academic vs General Training: Which Do You Need?
Listening and Speaking are the same in both versions. Reading and Writing are where they differ.
How to Build a 10-Week GRE Study Plan
Ten weeks is enough for most students to prepare well for the GRE, if each week has a clear job.
Digital SAT Strategy: What Adaptive Modules Mean for You
The digital SAT adapts between modules. Understanding that one fact changes how you should prepare.