Listening
Approximately 30 minutes · 4 parts · 40 questionsFollowing main ideas, factual detail, opinions, attitudes and the development of ideas.
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IELTS Preparation
Preparation for IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training, covering the Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking skills assessed by the official test.
Who it's for
IELTS Academic is intended for people applying for undergraduate or postgraduate study or professional registration. IELTS General Training is designed for migration, work, training or study below degree level.
Cambridge exam snapshot
Know the
qualification.
These details summarise the current official Cambridge English qualification and exam format.
Test typesAcademic or General Training
Skills assessedListening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Total test time2 hours 45 minutes
Score reporting0–9 band scale
Reading
60 minutes · 3 sections · 40 questionsReading for gist, main ideas, detail, inference and the writer’s opinions or purpose.
Writing
60 minutes · 2 tasksProducing two written responses appropriate to the selected Academic or General Training test.
Speaking
11–14 minutes · 3 partsAnswering questions, speaking at length and discussing more abstract ideas with an examiner.
What learners develop
Purposeful skills.
Visible progress.
01Listening for main ideas and detailed information
02Reading for gist, detail and argument
03Writing two task-based responses
04Speaking clearly in an individual interview
05Understanding Academic and General Training task differences
06Working within the official test timings
Inside the qualification
What candidates encounter.
- Listening and Speaking follow the same format in Academic and General Training
- Reading and Writing tasks differ between the two test types
- Listening contains four parts with 40 questions
- Reading contains three sections with 40 questions
- Writing contains two tasks
- Speaking is a three-part face-to-face interview
Skills demonstrated
What the level represents.
- Follow ideas, facts, attitudes and opinions in spoken English
- Understand written information, arguments and viewpoints
- Organise written responses that address each task
- Express and explain ideas during an extended conversation
- Recognise the demands of the selected IELTS test type
Ready for the next step?
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Tell us the learner's age, current level and goals. We'll guide you towards the most suitable starting point.