IELTS Test Introduction

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test of English for study and training purposes, taken by over 100,000 candidates per annum, particularly by students intending to study in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the United Kingdom. IELTS was developed jointly by the British Council, IDP Education Australia, and the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate.

IELTS consists of four separate tests (or "subtests", or "modules") which assess students' ability in the four "macro-skills" in English, i.e. Listening, Reading ,Writing and Speaking. Candidates receive a result in the form of a "band score" (on a scale of 1 to 9) for each module. These four band scores are also averaged to give a single "overall band score". General descriptions of the bands are included on the next page.

A band score of 1 indicates that a candidate has essentially no ability to use English, whereas a band score of 9 indicates that a candidate is an expert user of English, with a proficiency equivalent to that of an educated "native speaker". Universities generally require a band score of at least 6, which indicates that a student has a generally effective command of English, despite limitations in some areas. Requirements vary: higher overall band scores may be set for some courses, and in some cases minimum band scores may also be specified for particular macro-skills.

The IELTS Listening and Speaking tests are general, with the same test being taken by all candidates. In the Speaking test general speaking skills in English are assessed; while the Listening test covers listening skills in both a social and a study environment. The IELTS Reading and Writing tests contain two options, depending on the intended level and general type of study. Students going on to university studies take the "Academic" Reading and Writing module, whereas students going on to other types of non-degree training may take a "General Training" Reading and Writing module.

The "Academic" Reading test assesses students' ability to read English for university study purposes, including general comprehension, ability to understand and assess arguments, and ability to identify specific information. The "Academic" Writing test assesses students' ability to write in English for university study purposes, including describing or comparing data, and presenting arguments or a point of view, supported by relevant ideas and evidence.

From 1989 to April 1995 IELTS included three Academic Reading/Writing modules, designated A, B and C, which  were designed for candidates intending to study in different disciplines (based on Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences and Social Sciences respectively). From April 1995 this distinction between broad discipline areas was dropped and a single Academic Reading and Writing test was introduced for all students.