What does an IELTS-style exam actually test?
IELTS is the world's most widely accepted English test for study, work, and immigration. Here's exactly what each of its 4 skills covers, with real sample items so you can test yourself.
Try the first unit freeLerniyo's exam is built in the style of IELTS — it is not an official IELTS registration and does not produce an official IELTS score. The Lerniyo certificate is a completion certificate for our own curriculum.
What is IELTS?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is an English test accepted by universities, employers and immigration authorities in many countries. It is run jointly by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. It tests four skills — Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking — and reports a band score from 0 to 9 for each skill and overall. There are two versions: Academic, usually for university study, and General Training, usually for work, training and migration.
This page explains the format, how band scores relate to CEFR levels, how to prepare, and what Lerniyo’s IELTS-style mock exam is and is not. Lerniyo is not an exam center: it prepares you, and you register for the real IELTS with an official center.
Last updated:
IELTS Academic vs General Training
| Part | Academic | General Training |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | University study and some professional registration. | Work experience, training programs and migration to some countries. |
| Listening | The same test for both versions. | The same test for both versions. |
| Reading | Long texts from books, journals and newspapers, written for a general reader. | Everyday texts such as notices, advertisements and work-related documents, then longer texts. |
| Writing | Task 1: describe a graph, table, chart or diagram. Task 2: an essay. | Task 1: write a letter. Task 2: an essay. |
| Speaking | The same face-to-face interview for both versions. | The same face-to-face interview for both versions. |
Who needs IELTS?
You need it when an institution wants proof of your English. Always check which test and which score your own target asks for.
University admission abroad
Many universities in English-speaking countries, and some English-taught programs elsewhere, ask for IELTS or an equivalent. Each sets its own minimum overall band and, often, a minimum per skill.
Migration
Some countries ask for IELTS, Academic or General Training, as part of a visa or immigration process. Rules differ and change, so check with the immigration authority.
Work and professional registration
Some employers and professional bodies, for example in health care, ask for specific bands. Check with the employer or the professional body.
Not always required
Many institutions also accept TOEFL iBT, Cambridge exams, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. See our comparison of the main English exams.
The four parts of IELTS
The test is about 2 hours 45 minutes in total, and the Speaking part can be on a different day from the other three. Durations and format can change, so check the official IELTS website before you register.
Listening (about 30 minutes)
You listen to recordings, such as conversations and talks, and answer questions. The recordings are played once.
Reading (60 minutes)
You read texts and answer questions about main ideas, details and the writer’s opinion. The texts differ between Academic and General Training.
Writing (60 minutes)
Two tasks: Task 1 asks for at least 150 words and Task 2, an essay, for at least 250 words.
Speaking (11 to 14 minutes)
A face-to-face interview with an examiner in three parts: personal questions, a short talk on a topic, and a discussion.
Lerniyo’s IELTS-style mock exam follows the format of the real test. It is not an official IELTS registration and does not produce an official IELTS score.
IELTS band scores and CEFR levels
Band scores are often compared with CEFR levels. The comparison is approximate, and institutions set their own minimums, so always check the score you actually need.
- Band 4.0 to 5.0
- Roughly CEFR B1: you handle familiar situations and simple texts, with frequent mistakes.
- Band 5.5 to 6.5
- Roughly CEFR B2: you communicate effectively on a wide range of topics, with some mistakes.
- Band 7.0 to 8.0
- Roughly CEFR C1: you use English fluently and flexibly, with only occasional errors.
- Band 8.5 to 9.0
- Roughly CEFR C2: you use English with full command and very few mistakes.
Common IELTS mistakes
- Memorising a template answer for Writing Task 2 instead of answering the exact question you are given.
- Writing fewer than the minimum words (150 for Task 1, 250 for Task 2) or running out of time before you finish.
- Not practising with a timer, although every part of the exam is timed.
- Leaving Speaking until the end. Practise answering out loud, in full sentences.
- Giving very short Speaking answers instead of extending them with a reason or an example.
- Booking the test before your level is close to the score you need.
A realistic IELTS preparation plan
How long it takes depends on your starting level and the score you need. First reach the level, then practise the format:
- 1
Find your level and your target
Take the free level test and check the minimum score your university or employer asks for.
- 2
Build the level first
Study English up to the CEFR level your target band corresponds to, using the table above.
- 3
Practise each part with a timer
Short timed tasks for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- 4
Get feedback on Writing and Speaking
These two parts are marked on set criteria, so have your answers corrected and practise speaking out loud with Nour.
- 5
Take full mock exams
Once a month, do a full-length mock under exam conditions. Lerniyo’s IELTS-style mock is one, but it does not give an official score.
- 6
Book the official test
Register with an official IELTS test center, for example the British Council or IDP, when your mock results are close to your target.
Exam format
- 100 points total, you need 60 to pass
- 3 attempts — fail all three and you'll need to wait 7 days before retrying
- Pass, and you get a PDF completion certificate from Lerniyo, ready to share on WhatsApp
Listening
You listen to a short recording and answer questions about it.
You hear: "The library closes at 8pm on weekdays and 5pm on weekends." — Question: What time does the library close on Saturday?
Answer: At 5pm.
Reading
You read a short text (a notice, an email, an article) and show you understood it.
You read: "The store is open from 9am to 9pm, except on public holidays." — Question: Is the store open on a public holiday?
Answer: No.
Writing
You write a short response to a prompt or describe information in a chart or letter.
Write: describe a change you'd like to see in your city, in 3-4 sentences.
Example: I'd like to see more public parks in my city. Right now there are very few green spaces, and families have nowhere nearby to relax outdoors.
Speaking
You answer questions about yourself and familiar topics, or have a short conversation with Nour.
Question: Can you describe your hometown?
Example: My hometown is Fez. It's known for its old medina and its history, and I like that it's small enough to walk everywhere.
Which English level actually opens the door?
A job interview, a university application, a work or study visa — each one has a real English threshold behind it. Here's what each level realistically unlocks, and the scores that go with it.
Work & study abroadHow to prepare for an IELTS-style exam
- 1
Complete the lessons for your target level (A0 through C1, at your own pace)
- 2
Take the mock exams — the first one is free, no pressure
- 3
Focus on the points you get wrong most often (Nour will flag them for you)
- 4
Add real English media (news, podcasts, shows) once you're comfortable at B1+
- 5
Once you feel ready, book the official IELTS test directly through the British Council or IDP
IELTS: frequently asked questions
What is IELTS?
IELTS is an English test for study, work and migration. It reports a band score from 0 to 9 for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking and an overall band.
What is a good IELTS score?
It depends on the requirement. Many universities ask for an overall band between about 6.0 and 7.5, often with a minimum per skill, but each program decides. Check yours.
Should I take IELTS Academic or General Training?
Academic is usually for university study and professional registration; General Training is usually for work, training and migration. Take the version your institution asks for.
How long is the IELTS test?
About 2 hours 45 minutes in total. The Speaking part is 11 to 14 minutes and can be on a different day. Check the official website for the current format.
How long is an IELTS result valid?
Many institutions accept a result for two years, but each sets its own rule, so check with the institution.
Does Lerniyo give an official IELTS score?
No. Lerniyo’s IELTS-style mock exam prepares you, but it is not an official IELTS registration and does not produce an official score. You must register with an official test center.
Can I prepare for IELTS in Arabic or Darija?
Lerniyo explains grammar and vocabulary in your own language, which helps up to the level you need. The exam itself is in English, so you also practise with English texts and recordings.
Is IELTS or TOEFL better?
Neither is better in general. Institutions accept different tests, so choose the one your target accepts. See our comparison of the main English exams.