Welcome to Easy IELTS. We offer free IELTS preparation material that helps you prepare for this test on your own. We have got writing and speaking tips, grammar and vocabulary lessons and band 9 essays, letters and reports.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) tests a person’s ability to communicate in English. This test is taken by students and professionals who aspire to study or work in countries where English is the first language.

IELTS is administered through a partnership of three organizations – The University of Cambridge ESOL examinations, British Council and IDP Education Australia. Currently there are over 500 test centres in more than 100 countries.

How often are the tests administered?

Most test centres conduct the tests up to 4 times a month. The results are usually published within two weeks. Students who fail to get the desired score can retake the test as many times as they want.

IELTS has two versions – Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS. The Academic IELTS is for students who wish to pursue their undergraduate and postgraduate studies in an English speaking country. The General Training IELTS is for those who are planning to emigrate to countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

Difference between Academic and General Training IELTS

The speaking and listening modules are the same for all candidates. The reading and writing modules are different for Academic and General Training tests.

Academic Reading Module Overview

  • Three reading passages
  • The passages may contain visual information such as graphs or diagrams.

General Training Reading Module

  • The passages may be taken from books, advertisements, instruction manuals and newspapers.
  • The passages test your ability to understand and use information.

Academic Writing Module Overview

The first task is to write a report of at least 150 words based on information given in a chart, graph, diagram or table. The second task is to write an essay of at least 250 words.

General Training Writing Module Overview

The first task is to write a letter of at least 150 words. The second task is to write an essay of at least 250 words.

How the IELTS is scored?

Your performance in the exam is rated on the IELTS nine band scale. You receive separate band scores for each module. These scores are then averaged and rounded to calculate the final overall band score. Note that you can receive whole or half bands and they reflect your proficiency in English.