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IELTS Academic training

The IELTS Academic is the version of the IELTS intended for higher education abroad and international careers. Co-managed by the British Council, Cambridge and IDP, it assesses your four English skills on a scale of 1 to 9.

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IELTS Academic

01

What is the IELTS Academic?

The IELTS Academic is one of the tests offered by the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), jointly administered by the British Council, the University of Cambridge and IDP Education Australia. Recognised in more than 140 countries and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations, it is among the most respected tests in the world.

This version is specifically suited to people wishing to pursue higher education abroad (in particular in English-speaking countries) or to work within an international professional organisation.

IELTS Academic results are valid for 2 years.

03

The IELTS Academic tests

The exam lasts about 2 h 45 and comprises four tests: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

Listening

30 min

Four audio documents (dialogues and monologues, everyday and academic contexts), followed by a variety of questions (multiple choice, sentence completion, matching, diagram labelling).

Reading

60 min · 40 questions

Three long texts (extracts from newspapers, magazines, books) chosen for a general readership. Assesses your ability to identify key ideas, specific information, opinions and the author's intentions.

Writing

60 min · 2 tasks

Two writing tasks:

Task 1— present and analyse graphic data, min. 150 words
Task 2— an argumentative essay, min. 250 words

Speaking

10 to 14 min

A face-to-face exchange with an examiner in 3 parts: personal questions (4-5 min), a talk on a set topic (1 min of preparation, 2 min, then questions), in-depth discussion (4-5 min).

04

Understanding the scoring

The four sections of the IELTS Academic are graded on a scale of 1 to 9 (band score). The final result is the average of the four scores, also out of 9.

Each score corresponds to a level of proficiency, from band 1 (Non user) to band 9 (Expert user):

Band score

CEFR level

0 Did not attempt the test

1 Non user

2 Intermittent user

3 Extremely limited user

4 Limited user

5 Modest user

6 Competent user

7 Good user

8 Very good user

9 Expert user

Universities and employers may set a minimum required score: find out the requirements of your target organisation before starting your application.

05

How to prepare for the IELTS Academic?

Like any certifying assessment, the IELTS Academic requires regular training to get familiar with the test format and learn to manage your time. Practise with past topics and exam simulations across the four skills.

The PrepMyFuture programme offers 4 mock tests, lesson sheets and more than 1,700 practice questions, in French and English. For an immigration project, see instead the IELTS General Training preparation; for an overview, see the IELTS overview.

06

How to register for the exam?

To register for the IELTS Academic, there are three options: with an exam centre approved by the British Council, on the IELTS platform or on the British Council website.

Registration requires a copy of a valid ID document, identical to the one presented on the day of the exam (any change must be reported to the British Council at least 72 hours beforehand). As places are limited, register 2 to 3 months in advance. Results are sent within 13 days (paper) or 1 to 5 working days (computer).

07

Where can you take the test?

You can take the IELTS Academic at an approved exam centre. In France, the British Council recognises 9 cities: Bordeaux, Nantes, Lyon, Nice, Lille, Paris, Marseille, Strasbourg and Toulouse. Depending on the centre, the format is computer-based or paper-based.

Some cities (Lyon, Marseille, Nantes) organise all the tests on the same day, while others (such as Paris) spread them over several days. The IELTS Academic can also be taken remotely, but this option is not accepted for immigration procedures.

08

Why take the IELTS Academic?

Studying abroad: the majority of English-speaking universities (United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) require a minimum IELTS Academic score, generally between 6.0 and 7.0.

Boosting your international career: the test is accepted by many companies and organisations; a good score strengthens your CV and gives you a competitive edge.

Taking on a personal challenge: the IELTS Academic also lets you find out your level of English and track your progress.

09

Tips to succeed in the IELTS Academic

Performance does not rely only on your language skills, but also on your knowledge of the exam format and your time management. Build a revision programme over several weeks, with targeted exercises and timed simulations.

01

Listening: listen to a variety of English-language programmes and practise taking notes.

02

Reading: read articles or works in English every day.

03

Writing: practise regularly while respecting the exam's length constraints.

04

Speaking: talk frequently with English speakers or teachers; only diligent practice brings fluency and accurate pronunciation.

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