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The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most recognised English tests in the world, for studying, working or immigrating to an English-speaking country. Discover its two versions, its tests, its scoring and our tips to prepare well.

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01

What is the IELTS?

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardised test co-managed by the British Council, the University of Cambridge and IDP Education Australia. It is aimed at anyone who wishes to have their level of English recognised in order to study, work or immigrate to an English-speaking country (United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, etc.).

Considered one of the most respected tests in the world, the IELTS is recognised in more than 140 countries and accepted by more than 12,500 organisations (universities, companies and government institutions).

Once obtained, the IELTS is valid for two years.

02

The 2 versions of the IELTS

The IELTS test comes in two versions:

IELTS Academic

For students planning a university course in English (from bachelor's to doctorate) and professionals wishing to work in an English-speaking country.

IELTS General Training

For professionals and people undertaking immigration procedures to an English-speaking country, as well as candidates for pre-university courses.

03

The IELTS tests

The IELTS comprises four tests assessing four skills, in this order: listening, reading, writing and speaking. The format is identical for both versions, except for Reading and Writing.

Listening
30 min · common to both versions

Four audio recordings (conversations and monologues, everyday and academic contexts), then questions in various formats (multiple choice, sentence completion, matching). Assesses your ability to understand ideas, specific information and opinions.

Reading
60 min · 40 questions

The format differs depending on the version:

  • Academic— 3 long texts (newspapers, magazines, books) for a non-specialist audience
  • General Training— 4 or 5 short texts (factual or work-related) and one long text of general interest
Writing
60 min · 2 tasks

The first task differs depending on the version:

  • Academic— describe a diagram or a table, min. 150 words
  • General Training— write a letter, min. 150 words
  • Common— an argumentative essay, min. 250 words
Speaking
10 to 14 min · common to both versions

A face-to-face interview with an examiner, in 3 stages: personal questions (4-5 min), a talk on a set topic (1 min of preparation, 2 min of speaking, then questions), then a deeper discussion of the topic (4-5 min).

04

Understanding the scoring

For both versions, each IELTS test is graded on a scale of 1 to 9 (band score). An average of the four tests gives the final score, also from 1 to 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

Depending on the university or company you are aiming for, a minimum overall score may be required: check the score required by your organisation before committing to your project.

05

How to prepare for the IELTS?

Like any certification, the IELTS requires regular training to get familiar with the test format and learn to manage your time. Train with exam topics and mock tests across the four skills assessed.

For both versions, the PrepMyFuture IELTS training includes a mini-test, 4 mock tests, lesson sheets and more than 1,700 exercises, in French and English. Choose your version: IELTS Academic preparation or IELTS General Training preparation.

06

How to register for the exam?

Registration for the IELTS is done with an exam centre approved by the British Council, on the IELTS website or on the British Council website.

You must provide a copy of an ID document, which must be the same 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.

07

Where can you take the test?

You can take the IELTS 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 exam takes place on a computer or on paper.

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

08

Why take the IELTS?

Studying at an English-speaking university: the best universities (United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) often require a minimum score of 6 or 7 for admission.

Working abroad: the IELTS is recognised by many companies around the world; a good score supports your application and sets you apart.

Immigrating to an English-speaking country: the authorities require a certain score depending on the type of visa, which is why being well prepared matters.

09

Tips to succeed in the IELTS

Beyond your level of English, success depends on your command of the test format and your time management. Plan a revision schedule over several weeks, with targeted training and timed mock tests.

01

Listening: regularly listen to programmes and podcasts in English with different accents, and practise taking notes.

02

Reading: read press articles or novel extracts in English every day.

03

Writing: practise writing while respecting the required word count.

04

Speaking: talk as often as possible with native speakers or trainers; only regular practice improves fluency and pronunciation.

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