IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is a test of English language proficiency and one of the world’s most popular and respected forms of English in education and migration The test has four parts; listening, reading, writing and speaking and lasts three hours. Listening takes place first and lasts 40 minutes, then reading and writing (one hour each) and speaking which last up to 15 minutes. There are two versions of IELTS, General and Academic. If applying to a university, a student will need to take Academic lessons. If only taking IELTS for a citizenship application or to study at below degree level, the General test is suitable. If you are unsure, academic IELTS covers both study and immigration needs. The format for both exams is the same, with the reading and writing elements slightly easier in the General test, your IELTS score is valid for two years.