IELTS Test Structure (Study English Today)

IELTS is available in two versions - Academic and General Training.

· The Academic Module is intended for those wishing to enrol in universities and other institutions of higher education.

· The General Training Module is suitable for those planning to complete their secondary education, to undertake non-academic training, or to gain work experience. The General Training Module is also used for immigration purposes.

If you wish to emigrate to Australia, New Zealand or Canada opt for the General Training Module.

It is the responsibility of the candidate to inform the test centre whether they wish to take the Academic or General Training Modules. The General Training module is not offered at all test administrations.

IELTS Test Structure

The total test time is 2 hours and 45 minutes. Candidates are tested in listening, reading, writing and speaking. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking Modules. There is a choice between Academic and General Training in the Reading and Writing Modules. The General Training Reading and Writing Modules emphasise basic survival skills in a broad social and educational context.

· Listening module (4 sections, 40 questions) ---> duration 30 minutes

· Academic reading/general training reading module (3 sections, 40 questions) ---> duration 60 minutes

· Academic writing/general training writing (2 tasks, 150 and 250 words) ---> duration 60 minutes

· Speaking module (a face-to-face interview) ---> duration 11 - 14 minutes

The first three modules - Listening, Reading and Writing - must be completed in one day. There is no break between the modules. The Speaking Module may be taken, at the discretion of the test centre, in the period seven days before or after the other modules.

A computerised version of IELTS Listening, Reading and Writing Modules (CBIELTS) is available at selected centres, but all centres will continue to offer paper-based IELTS and candidates will be given the choice of the medium in which they wish to take the test.

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Useful Links:

Visit the official IELTS website http://www.ielts.org/default.aspx for more information on IELTS Test.

IELTS Test in Bulgaria
http://www.britishcouncil.org/bg/bulgaria-exams-ielts.htm