IELTS Test Tips

Listening

• The recording is heard once.
• You will be given time to read through the questions before you listen.
• As you listen, write your answers on the question paper. At the end of the test, you will have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to the answer sheet.
• You must write your answers in pencil.
• 'Completion' question types 

-Pay attention to word limit. e.g. NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
-Transfer only the missing word(s) to the answer sheet.
-You will hear the word(s) you need to use in the recording.
-Pay attention to spelling and grammar: you will lose marks for mistakes.
-You may write your answers in lower case or capitals.

Reading

• You will not be given extra time to transfer answers at the end of the test.
• You must write in pencil.
• 'Completion' question types

Pay attention to word limit. e.g. NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS.
-Transfer only the missing word(s) to the answer sheet.
-Pay attention to spelling and grammar: you will lose marks for mistakes.
-The word(s) you use must be taken from the Reading text. You will not need to change the form of the word(s) in the text.
-You may write your answers in lower case or capitals.

Writing

• You many write your answers in pencil or pen
• Pay attention to the number of words required for each task. You will lose marks if you do not write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
• You should spend approximately 20 minutes on Task 1 and approximately 40 minutes on Task 2.
• You must write your answers in full; answers written in note form or in bullet points will lose marks.
• Pay attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation; you will lose marks for mistakes.
• You may write your answers entirely in capitals if you wish.
• You may make notes on the question paper but nothing you write on the question paper will be marked.

Information for Candidates: Introducing IELTS to test takers p.6