IELTS ACADEMIC · GENERAL TRAINING
IELTS preparation,
step by step.
In short: IELTS tests Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking in about 2 hours 45 minutes and reports a band score from 0 to 9 for each skill and overall. Prepare by learning the format, practising each question type with feedback, writing timed Task 1 and Task 2 responses, and reviewing your mistakes on a schedule until test day.
Updated 26 October 2026 · Sources below
The IELTS at a glance
| Section | What you do | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 parts: conversations and monologues, everyday and academic | 40 questions | About 30 minutes |
| Reading | 3 sections of texts (Academic: long academic texts; General Training: everyday and workplace texts) | 40 questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | Task 1 (Academic: describe a chart, table or diagram; General Training: a letter), at least 150 words. Task 2: an essay, at least 250 words | 2 tasks | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | Face-to-face with an examiner: interview, a 2-minute long turn, discussion | 3 parts | 11–14 minutes |
Listening and Speaking are the same for Academic and General Training. Reading and Writing differ. Speaking may be on a different day.
Academic or General Training?
Choose IELTS Academic for university study or professional registration. Choose IELTS General Training for work experience, training programmes, secondary education or migration. Check the version your university, employer or immigration authority asks for before you book.
How IELTS band scores work
Each skill gets a band from 0 to 9 in half-band steps. Your overall band is the average of the four, rounded to the nearest half or whole band: an average ending in .25 rounds up to the next half band, and one ending in .75 rounds up to the next whole band.
Writing is assessed on Task Achievement (Task 1) or Task Response (Task 2), Coherence and Cohesion, Lexical Resource, and Grammatical Range and Accuracy. Task 2 counts for more than Task 1. Speaking is assessed on Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation.
Question types to master
- Reading: multiple choice, True / False / Not Given, Yes / No / Not Given, matching headings, matching information and features, sentence endings, summary, note, table and flow-chart completion, diagram labels, short answers.
- Listening: form, note and table completion, multiple choice, matching, map and plan labelling, sentence completion and short answers. Spelling counts.
- Writing: Task 1 overviews and key comparisons; Task 2 opinion, discussion, problem–solution and two-part questions.
- Speaking: answer, extend with a reason or example, and keep going without long pauses.
How to prepare for the IELTS
- Set the targetFind the band your institution needs for each skill, not only overall, and book a date that leaves enough weeks to improve.
- DiagnoseDo one practice set per skill. Note which question types cost you the most points.
- Practise dailyShort sessions every day beat long sessions once a week. Rotate skills, with extra time on your weakest one.
- Learn from every answerFor each mistake, find the evidence in the text or audio and the reason the distractor looked right.
- Review on a scheduleBring missed questions and words back after a few days, then again a week later, until they stick.
- Go timedIn the final weeks, practise full sections under time, including Writing Task 1 and Task 2 in 60 minutes.
IELTS questions
How long is the IELTS test?
About 2 hours 45 minutes. Listening takes about 30 minutes, Reading 60 minutes and Writing 60 minutes, usually in one sitting. Speaking takes 11 to 14 minutes and may be on the same day or within a few days.
How is the IELTS overall band score calculated?
It is the average of your Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking bands, rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example, an average of 6.25 becomes 6.5 and an average of 6.75 becomes 7.
What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training?
Listening and Speaking are the same. Academic Reading uses longer academic texts and Academic Writing Task 1 asks you to describe visual information. General Training Reading uses everyday and workplace texts and Writing Task 1 is a letter.
How long should I prepare for IELTS?
It depends on the gap between your current level and your target band. Many learners plan several weeks to a few months of regular daily practice. A diagnostic test per skill shows where to start.
Can I prepare for IELTS on my phone?
Yes. Reading, Listening, vocabulary and grammar practice work well in short daily sessions on a phone. Trestle gives you a personal IELTS plan with exam-style questions and explanations on iPhone and iPad. Practise full timed Writing tasks on paper or a computer too.
Sources
Formats and scores can change. Always confirm the details for your test date with the test maker before you book.
Other guides: TOEFL iBT preparation guide · TOEFL ITP preparation guide
Trestle is independent practice by Qoodly. It is not affiliated with, endorsed or approved by ETS or the IELTS partners. TOEFL, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL ITP are registered trademarks of ETS. IELTS is a registered trademark of the British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge University Press & Assessment.