What IELTS is and when you need it

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English test used by universities, employers and immigration authorities to measure how well you can use English in real life and in academic settings. There are two main versions:

  • IELTS Academic – for studying at university (bachelor, master, PhD) or professional registration.
  • IELTS General Training – more often for work, training programs or migration.

Most students who want to study abroad take IELTS Academic. The test is accepted by over 10,000 institutions worldwide, including universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and many European countries. (IELTS)

You usually need IELTS if:

  • Your previous schooling was not fully in English, and
  • The program page says “English test required” or lists IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo English Test.

Typical minimum scores:

  • Many undergraduate programs ask for 6.0 to 6.5 overall.
  • Many postgraduate programs ask for 6.5 to 7.0 overall. (Take IELTS)

Always check the exact requirement for each program.

Test format in simple terms

IELTS has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Total test time is about 2 hours 45 minutes. (IELTS)

  • Listening About 30 minutes, 40 questions. You hear conversations and short talks (for example a student asking a tutor something, or an academic style lecture) and answer multiple choice, matching, note completion and similar questions. (IDP IELTS Italy)
  • Reading 60 minutes, 40 questions. IELTS Academic has three longer passages from books, journals, magazines or newspapers. Question types include multiple choice, matching headings, True/False/Not Given and completing sentences or tables. (theworldgrad.com)
  • Writing 60 minutes, 2 tasks. For Academic: • Task 1: describe or explain a graph, table, chart or diagram in at least 150 words. • Task 2: write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem (at least 250 words). (IDP IELTS Italy)
  • Speaking 11 to 14 minutes, face to face with an examiner. You answer simple personal questions, describe or discuss a topic from a task card, then have a short discussion. (IDP IELTS Italy)

Listening, Reading and Writing are done in one sitting. Speaking can be on the same day, or up to seven days before or after, depending on the test center. (Take IELTS)

You can take IELTS on paper or on computer. The questions, timing and scoring are the same. The only difference is whether you write or type your answers. (Take IELTS)

Scoring and what a band score means

IELTS uses band scores from 0 to 9. You get a band score for each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and an overall band, which is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half band (for example 6.5, 7.0, 7.5). (IELTS)

Very roughly:

  • Band 5 is a modest user
  • Band 6 is a competent user
  • Band 7 is a good user
  • Band 8 is a very good user
  • Band 9 is an expert user (IDP IELTS Italy)

Universities often say something like “overall 6.5, no band below 6.0”. That means your total must be at least 6.5 and each individual skill must be at least 6.0. (AcadFly)

How long to prepare

How long you need depends on your current level and your target band:

  • If you are already around B2 and need something like 6.0 to 6.5, many students manage this with about 4 to 6 weeks of focused practice.
  • If you aim for 7.0 or higher, or your level is closer to B1, it is safer to plan 2 to 3 months of regular work.

A practical approach is to take the test 2 to 3 months before your earliest application or scholarship deadline, so you still have time for a retake if necessary.

Good prep tools and how to use them

Start with official IELTS materials, because they match the real test format and scoring:

  • Free practice tests, sample questions and model answers on the official IELTS and British Council sites. (IDP IELTS Italy)
  • Practice tests from IDP and British Council that show the computer and paper layouts. (IDP IELTS Italy)

Basic plan:

  • Take a full practice test under real timing to see your starting level.
  • Identify your weakest area and work on that first.
  • Do shorter practice sessions for each skill, then repeat full tests to check progress.

You can add other good platforms or books if you want more practice, but always test yourself under real timing, not just slow reading.

Section by section tips

Listening

  • Practise listening with headphones if your test will be on computer.
  • Focus on understanding the situation first: who is speaking, where they are, what they want.
  • Take short notes with keywords, not full sentences.
  • If you miss an answer, do not panic. Move on and focus on the next question.

Reading

  • Do not read every word in detail. First scan the passage for the topic and structure, then read more carefully around the sentences linked to each question.
  • For True / False / Not Given and similar, look for clear evidence in the passage and stop when you find it.
  • Practise under 60 minute timing so you get used to the speed.

Writing

  • Learn a clear structure for each task and reuse it. For example, introduction, overview and two body paragraphs in Task 1, and introduction, two or three body paragraphs and a short conclusion in Task 2.
  • Aim for clear, simple English rather than very complex vocabulary that you cannot control.
  • Leave a few minutes at the end to check basic grammar and punctuation.

Speaking

  • Treat it like a structured conversation, not a perfect performance. The examiner does not expect you to be native level.
  • Practise answering common questions about your life, studies and interests, and practise speaking for one to two minutes on a topic without stopping.
  • Record yourself, listen back and notice if your answers are clear, if you repeat the same phrases, or if you run out of ideas too quickly.

Test day and what happens after

On test day you will:

  • Bring a valid ID and arrive early for check in.
  • Take Listening, Reading and Writing in one session at a test center or on computer, then do your Speaking test either the same day or within a week. (Take IELTS)

Your Test Report Form usually appears online in about 3 to 5 days for computer tests and a bit longer for paper tests, and the score is valid for 2 years. You can send your scores directly from IELTS to universities according to their instructions. (IDP IELTS Italy)

Final thoughts

IELTS is not about sounding perfect. It is about showing that you can understand, speak, read and write well enough to study in English. If you know your target band, practise with official materials, time yourself and give yourself enough weeks to improve, IELTS becomes a clear and manageable step in your study abroad plan.

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