IELTS Life Skills
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Test Format
IELTS Life Skills exam tests listening and speaking only. There is no reading or writing component.
During the test, you are paired with another test taker. You will each receive a separate grade.
The exam is split into four sections or phases, named 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b. These will last different amounts of time depending on the level, with the whole test lasting between 16 and 22 minutes.
| Level | 1A | 1B | 2A | 2B | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Familiar questions |
Asking partner about topics |
Listen and answer |
Discussion with partner |
|
|
A1 |
4-5 minutes |
5 minutes |
4 minutes |
3-4 minutes |
16-18 minutes |
|
A2 |
4-5 minutes |
6 minutes |
4 minutes |
4-5 minutes |
18-20 minutes |
|
B1 |
3 minutes |
7 minutes |
5 minutes |
7 minutes |
22 minutes |
Question Types
During each part of the test you will be expected to communicate in different ways.
| Phase | A1 | A2 | B1 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
The examiner will ask your name, how to spell it and where you come from. |
||
|
1A |
The examiner will ask about familiar topics (e.g. food, hobbies, music). |
You ask your partner questions about a topic provided by the examiner. |
|
|
1B |
You will ask your partner questions on a topic decided by the examiner. You have 90 seconds to write questions if you wish. |
You will talk about a topic given by the examiner for 60 seconds. After, your partner will ask 2 questions. You will also listen to your partner and ask 2 questions. You have 60 seconds to plan what you will say. |
You will talk about a topic given by the examiner for 90 seconds. After, your partner will ask 3 questions. You will also listen to your partner and ask 3 questions.
You have 60 seconds to plan what you will say. |
|
2A |
You will listen to two recordings twice. Each time you will answer questions about one of the recordings. You are allowed to take notes. |
||
|
2B |
You will be given a topic to discuss with your partner. |
In the first part, you will be asked to imagine a scenario. You should discuss plans based on this information.
In the second part, you be given a related topic to discuss with your partner. |
|
Test Guides
Click on the buttons below to see a guide to each of the IELTS Life Skills exams:
Scoring
Your grade for the IELTS life skills exam is communicated to you within 7 days of taking the exam. There are only two possible grades: pass or fail.
There are four criteria which are considered in the IELTS Life Skills exam:
- obtaining information;
- conveying information;
- speaking to communicate;
- engaging in discussion.
If you pass the test, you cannot take the test at the same level for two years. If you fail, you may re-take the test as many times as you wish.
