IELTS Life Skills - Speaking and Listening
IELTS Life Skills is for people who need to show that their English speaking and listening skills at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1.
IELTS Life Skills – Speaking and Listening
Before you register for your test you should check the English language requirements for your visa category.
Please visit Guidance on Applying for UK Visa – approved English language tests for more information.
What’s in the test?
Overview
IELTS Life Skills is available at two levels:
- IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening
- IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening
Face-to-face Speaking and Listening test
You will take the test with an examiner, and with one other test taker.
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
The focus of IELTS Life Skills
At each level, the test is designed to assess whether you can listen and respond, make your meaning clear, and talk with other people.
A1 | |
Focus: | You will be expected to:
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Tasks may include: |
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B1 | |
Focus: | You will be expected to:
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In addition to the A1 tasks shown above, the B1 tasks may include: |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How will I be assessed in the test?
At what level is IELTS Life Skills?
What happen during the test?
- 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 A1 and B1 level, 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.
- Why do I take the test with another candidate?
- IELTS Life Skills tests how well you can communicate with other people in everyday English. The best way to test these skills is to pair test takers at a similar level of ability, so you can show
- how well you can speak English to communicate and engage in discussion with others.
How long is the test?
- IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening – 16–18 minutes
- IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening – 22 minutes.
Free support materials
Test dates for IELTS Life Skills
Results for IELTS Life Skills tests
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.