IELTS Foundation Course

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses the English language proficiency of people who want to study or work in English-speaking environments.

There are two main tests. Test takers can choose either Academic or General Training tests. Both tests consist of and assessing the four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Test takers can choose between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, depending on their academic or professional aspirations, or visa requirements. The difference between the two tests is that the Reading and Writing sections of IELTS Academic have subject matter and tasks suitable for the test takers entering undergraduate or postgraduate studies. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same.

Speaking 11–14 minutes The Speaking test is carried out face-to-face with a trained IELTS examiner, as we believe this is the most effective way of assessing a test taker’s speaking skills. This section takes between 11 and 14 minutes to complete. Every test is digitally recorded and consists of three parts:

Part 1 Test takers answer general questions about themselves and a range of familiar topics, such as their home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.

Part 2 Test takers are given a booklet which asks them to talk about a particular topic. They have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner may ask one or two questions on the same topic to finish this part of the test.

Part 3 Test takers are asked further questions which are connected to the topic in Part 2. These questions give the test taker an opportunity to discuss more abstract issues and ideas. This part lasts between four and five minutes.

The format of the Speaking test is common across both the Academic and General Training tests. It is structured in such a way that does not allow test takers to rehearse set responses beforehand.