What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS /ˈaɪ.ɛlts/), is a globally recognised standardised test of English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers. Candidates are normally those applying for immigration status or students seeking admission to a place of learning in a country where English is the main language of communication.

While no pass or fail is issued, candidates are required to achieve a score according to immigration, university or college requirements. This varies according to the country, as well as the educational institution applied to. For students, the test format itself can differ according to their field of study.

IELTS demands a higher than average grasp of all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. The first three tests are taken in a 2 hour and 44 minute sitting (with no breaks) and often the speaking section will take place on a separate day.

The Ace English IELTS program is carefully designed to support test candidates to optimise their IELTS scores. Aside from the skills training, tips and tools on how to tackle the sections of the exam itself are provided.

• What are the most common topics covered in the test?

  • Art

  • Education

  • Food and Restaurants

  • Friends

  • Hobbies

  • Holidays and Vacations

  • News and Media

  • Nature and environment

  • Technology

• Table showing frequency of topics

  Topic	Frequency
  Hometown/Accommodation/Country	High
  Friends/Family/Housework/Children	High
  TV/Reading/Music/Newspapers & Magazines/Films	High
  Technology/Computers/Internet	High
  Work/Jobs/Career Planning/Volunteer Work	High
  School Majors/High School	Medium
  Sports/Outdoor Activities/Indoor Activities	Medium
  Travel/Lifestyle	Medium
  Season/Rain/Sunny Days/Weather	Medium
  Fashion/Shoes/Bags/Clothes	Medium
  Transportation/Boats/Buses/Taxis	Medium
  Celebrities/Advertisements/Media	Medium
  Photos/Photography/Colors/Art	Low
  Noise/Patience/Politeness	Low
  Mirrors/Gifts	Low

• Do I have to use British spelling?

  The answer is no.

  Both British and North American spelling are accepted, so long as it is consistent. Use one or the other, not a mixture of both

• Free IELTS app.⇒

  Download the app to practise the tests.

• How are scores allocated?⇒

• Test Schedule - Canada ⇒

• Learn more about the format. ⇒

• The IELTS official website ⇒