Question 1

What happens during the test?

Accepted Answer

IELTS Life Skills test format
There are two main parts to IELTS Life Skills.

In the first part, you are expected to ask and answer questions on familiar topics.

The second part is a combined listening and speaking task.

At level A and level B, you will listen to a task played on a CD. Completing the task allows you to show your ability to listen for both the general meaning and detail.

You will say your answers, although you can make notes on paper while you listen to the CD.

There will then be a discussion on a theme related to what you have listened to on the CD.

Additionally at B1 level, there is also a task where you plan an activity with the other test taker.

Question 2

How long is the IELTS Life Skills test?

Accepted Answer

Test times for IELTS Life Skills
For IELTS Life Skills you only need to attend one short session to complete the test. The times allowed for each level are:

IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening 16 –18 minutes

IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening 20 minutes

IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening 22 minutes

Question 3

How will I be assessed in the test?

Accepted Answer

Assessment of IELTS Life Skills
You will be assessed on your ability in four key areas:

obtaining information

conveying information

speaking to communicate

engaging in discussion

At times during the test, you will be allowed to take notes to prepare your answers. The examiner will not mark your notes – only your speaking and listening skills are marked during the test.

Question 4

Results for IELTS Life Skills tests

Accepted Answer

Test results are normally available within seven days of your test.
You will get one of two results:

Pass

Fail

A fail result means that you have not been successful and your test cannot be used for your visa application.

Question 5

What are the IELTS Life Skills topics?

Accepted Answer

You will take the test face-to-face with an examiner, and with one other test taker. You will participate in a structured conversation listening and responding to a selection of tasks.
The tasks in IELTS Life Skills are designed to reflect the everyday experience of communicating in an English-speaking country. You will be expected to take part in short discussions on everyday subjects including:

personal details/experiences

family and friends

buying goods

work

health

leisure

education/training

transport

housing

weather

Question 6

IELTS Life Skills - A1 Speaking and Listening

Accepted Answer

A1 Speaking and Listening
You will be expected to:

Listen and respond to spoken language, including simple narratives, statements, questions and single-step instructions

Communicate basic information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics

Talk with another person in a familiar situation about familiar topics.
Tasks may include:

describing

giving opinions

giving personal information

stating preferences

commenting

asking for information or descriptions

agreeing and disagreeing

explaining, giving reasons or justifying

deciding

suggesting

selecting

Question 7

IELTS Life Skills - B1 Speaking and Listening

Accepted Answer

B1 Speaking and Listening
You will be expected to:

Listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives and follow straightforward explanations

Communicate information, feelings and opinions on familiar topics, using appropriate formality

Talk with one or more people in a familiar situation, making relevant points and responding to what others say to reach a shared understanding about familiar topics.
In addition to the A1 tasks, the B1 tasks may include:

comparing

showing contrast, cause, reason or purpose

prioritising

planning

persuading

narrating

asking about past or future events

expressing future certainty or possibility

IELTS Life Skills for the UK

Format of the Speaking and Listening test

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IELTS Life Skills for the UK

Format of the Speaking and Listening test