IELTS book Information

Speaking

The Speaking module is a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills. It assesses whether candidates have the necessary knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English.

There are five sections, including an introduction; extended discourse on some familiar topic; a phase where candidates are given a task card and encouraged to take the initiative and ask questions to elicit information; speculation and discussion about future plans; and a conclusion.

Weighting of components

All four modules are equally weighted.

Results

IELTS provides a Test Report Form giving a profile of ability to use English as assessed by the Test. A score in each of the four modules, and an overall score, are recorded as levels of ability, called Bands. These Band Scores are recorded on the candidate's Test Report Form. Each Band corresponds to a generalised descriptive statement of a candidate's English at that level. The profile provided on an IELTS Test Report Form is normally valid for a period of two years.

Issuing of results

Marking in centres ensures that results are normally issued within two weeks of a candidate taking the test.

Examination dates

Each of the test centres schedules their administrations to suit local needs. Individual centres should be contacted for their programmes.