Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is for people who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1.

Test format

IELTS Life Skills is available at two levels:
• IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening
• IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening
• IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening
You will take the test with an examiner, and with one other candidate.

What does it include?

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

Results for IELTS Life Skills tests

Test results are normally available within 7 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.

How will I be assessed in the test?

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.

What happens during the test?

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. 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 makes 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 candidate.

How long is the test?

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