IELTS by British Council

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IELTS by British Council | Recognised worldwide: IELTS opens doors to study, work, and immigration

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most trusted english proficiency test, accepted by over 12,000 institutions in more than 140 countries. Developed by global experts in language assessment, IELTS opens doors to academic, professional, and immigration success.

Whether you’re applying to study, work, or migrate, IELTS is a globally recognized qualification. Both Academic and General Training versions are available, and for UK visa applications, specific IELTS for UKVI tests are approved by the UK Home Office. Always confirm the required test type, format, and score with your chosen institution or organization.

Taking IELTS in the UAE offers the perfect opportunity to strengthen your English skills and take the first step toward a successful future. At MontRoyal Elevate exam center with modern, fully equipped exam facility in Abu Dhabi, you can move forward with confidence – empowered by knowledge and ready to pursue your academic, career, or migration goals.

Choose excellence. Choose IELTS – when you’re ready.

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IELTS Academic test structure

The IELTS Academic test has four sections. You will be assessed in four skills and receive a band score for each test section. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 for each skill and your test report form will show an overall score reflecting a summary of the level of your english proficiency. 

IELTS Listening Test Section

Format You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions:
  • Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
  • Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g., a speech about local facilities.
  • Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g., a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
  • Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g., a university lecture.
Duration The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you are allowed an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.
Number of Questions 40 questions.
Task Types A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Marks Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free listening practice test

IELTS Academic Reading Test section

Format Three long texts which range from the descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration.
Duration The IELTS Reading test takes approximately 60 minutes, including the time it takes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.
Number of questions 40 questions.
Task types Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions.
Marks Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free reading practice test

IELTS Academic Writing Test section

Format Write in a formal style in the IELTS Academic Writing test. In Task 1 you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram. You will be asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. This might involve describing and explaining data, describing the stages of a process or how something works, or describing an object or event. In Task 2 you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You should find the issues interesting and easy to understand.
Duration The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will need to manage your own time, so make sure you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes.
Number of questions 2 questions.
Task types Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
Marks Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free writing practice test

IELTS Speaking Test Section

Format Part 1: The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. You'll be asked general questions on familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This section is designed to help you relax and speak naturally.

Part 2: You'll receive a task card asking you to speak on a particular topic, including points to cover in your talk. You'll have one minute to prepare and make notes. Then, you'll speak for 1–2 minutes without interruption. Afterward, the examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.

Part 3: The examiner will ask more questions related to the topic in Part 2. These are intended to explore more abstract ideas and allow for in-depth discussion.
Duration 11–14 minutes.
Marks You will be assessed throughout the test by certified IELTS examiners. Evaluation is based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free speaking practice test

IELTS General test structure

The IELTS General test has four sections. You will be assessed in four skills and receive a band score for each test section. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9 for each skill and your test report form will show an overall score reflecting a summary of the level of your english proficiency. 

IELTS Listening Test Section

Format You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions:
  • Recording 1: A conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
  • Recording 2: A monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g., a speech about local facilities.
  • Recording 3: A conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g., a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
  • Recording 4: A monologue on an academic subject, e.g., a university lecture.
Duration The IELTS Listening test takes approximately 30 minutes, and you are allowed an extra 10 minutes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.
Number of Questions 40 questions.
Task Types A variety of question types are used, chosen from the following: multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, sentence completion.
Marks Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free listening practice test

IELTS General Training Reading Test section

Format Extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, company handbooks and guidelines. These are materials you are likely to encounter on a daily basis in an English-speaking environment.
Duration The IELTS Reading test takes approximately 60 minutes, including the time it takes to transfer your answers from your question booklet to your answer sheet.
Number of questions 40 questions.
Task types Fill gaps in a passage of written text or in a table, match headings to written text to diagrams or charts, complete sentences, give short answers to open questions, answer multiple choice questions.
Marks Each correct answer receives one mark. Scores out of 40 are converted to the IELTS 9-band scale. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free reading practice test

IELTS General Training Writing Test section

Format The topics used in the IELTS General Training Writing test are of general interest. In Task 1 you will be presented with a situation and asked to write a letter requesting information or explaining the situation. You can write the letter in a personal, semi-formal or formal style. In Task 2 you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. You can use a fairly personal style.
Duration The IELTS Writing test takes 60 minutes. Spend 20 minutes on Task 1, and 40 minutes on Task 2. You will need to manage your own time, so make sure you move on to Task 2 after 20 minutes.
Number of questions 2 questions.
Task types Two tasks: Task 1 and Task 2. You will be asked to write at least 150 words for Task 1 and at least 250 words for Task 2.
Marks Your Writing test will be marked by a certificated IELTS examiner. Task 2 is worth twice as much as Task 1 in the IELTS Writing test. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free writing practice test

IELTS Speaking Test Section

Format Part 1: The examiner will introduce themselves and ask you to introduce yourself and confirm your identity. You'll be asked general questions on familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies, and interests. This section is designed to help you relax and speak naturally.

Part 2: You'll receive a task card asking you to speak on a particular topic, including points to cover in your talk. You'll have one minute to prepare and make notes. Then, you'll speak for 1–2 minutes without interruption. Afterward, the examiner may ask one or two follow-up questions.

Part 3: The examiner will ask more questions related to the topic in Part 2. These are intended to explore more abstract ideas and allow for in-depth discussion.
Duration 11–14 minutes.
Marks You will be assessed throughout the test by certified IELTS examiners. Evaluation is based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Scores are reported in whole and half bands.

Take a free speaking practice test

Which IELTS format suits you best – paper, computer, or online?

In the UAE, you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of test dates and formats: paper-based, computer-based, or IELTS Online.

Here’s how you can take your IELTS test:

  • At a test centre: Opt for either the paper-based or computer-based version.

  • From home or any location with a stable internet connection: Choose IELTS Online (available for IELTS Academic only).

If you take the IELTS Online or computer-based test, your results will be available in a digital format (e-TRF) within eight working days.

Which IELTS test is right for me? 

IELTS opens the pathway for you to discover the world, get the job you want, and demonstrate your English language abilities. The test you choose depends on your goal. 

There are two types of the IELTS test available – 

IELTS Academic 

It measures if your English language proficiency level is suitable for an academic environment. The test reflects aspects of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin training or a course of study in English. 

IELTS General Training 

It measures English language knowledge in a practical, everyday context. The test tasks reflect real-life situations in social or workplace settings.

Why you should take IELTS with British Council?

IELTS open doors to global study, work, and migration opportunities with the world’s most trusted English language test.

IELTS test day with the British Council 

Wondering what to expect on your IELTS test day? Watch the video to find out what happens when you take IELTS with the British Council. 

Register at MontRoyal Elevate for a Premier IELTS Exam Experience

At MontRoyal Elevate, we provide an outstanding British Council IELTS exam experience tailored to support your success. From expert guidance and official preparation materials to a quiet, modern testing environment equipped with the latest technology, we ensure every candidate is well-prepared and confident on exam day. This is your opportunity to take the IELTS exam in the UAE with the quality and professionalism you deserve.

IELTS preparation resources: 

IELTS Ready Premium: Access 40 practice tests per skill, timed mock exams, live and on-demand lessons, personalized study plans, expert-designed response templates, and an “Ask the Teacher” feature for direct support from professionals. 

It is free when you book your test with the British Council. 

Practice test simulations to familiarise yourself with the exam format. 

Join free webinars to learn more about the test structure and see question types. 

IELTS Exam in the UAE: Distinct Advantages at MontRoyal Elevate

MontRoyal Elevate Exam Centre in Abu Dhabi offers a premium IELTS testing experience designed to meet international standards. Our facilities provide a professional, comfortable, and supportive environment to help candidates perform at their best.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance your academic profile, improve your career prospects, or pursue opportunities abroad, taking your IELTS exam with MontRoyal Elevate is a valuable and strategic step.

Check out below the advantages of taking our IELTS by British Council Exam.

  • Seamless Registration & Exam Experience
    Registering for IELTS in the UAE is fast and straightforward. With modern, well-equipped test facilities at MontRoyal Elevate Exam Centre, candidates benefit from a smooth, professional testing experience – ensuring confidence on exam day from start to finish. 
  • Strong Communication for Life Abroad
    Fluent English is essential for studying, working, or settling abroad. IELTS helps you meet language requirements for visas, universities, and jobs – supporting every stage of your international journey, whether you’re just beginning or already advancing your career.
  • Global Access to Education & Career
    A strong IELTS score is recognized by universities and employers worldwide. It proves your ability to communicate in English effectively, giving you a competitive edge in applications and opening doors to academic and professional opportunities across the globe.
  • Confidence While Traveling Internationally
    English is the most widely spoken language globally. With IELTS, you gain the skills to travel with ease, communicate confidently, and adapt to new cultures – whether you’re moving abroad or exploring the world as a tourist or professional.

Get your IELTS test booking now

At MontRoyal, you’ll receive the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about taking the IELTS exam in Abu Dhabi. From understanding the IELTS exam fee to knowing the exam date and completing the test booking, we support you every step of the way. Our IELTS booking in UAE is the perfect starting point for launching an exceptional career.

Additionally, you can take advantage of valuable consultations from our experienced mentors, ensuring you receive expert guidance after completing your IELTS exam booking.

FAQ’s

1. Where can I take the IELTS exam in the UAE?
You can take the IELTS test at authorised test centres across the UAE, including cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain. Both paper-based and computer-delivered formats are available at selected locations.

2. What types of IELTS tests are available in the UAE?
There are two main types: IELTS Academic (for university or professional registration) and IELTS General Training (for migration or work purposes). Both types assess listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

3. How much does the IELTS test cost in the UAE?
The test fee depends on the format (Academic or General Training) and test provider as well. It is best to check the IELTS fee, dates, locations at the official British Council website. 

4. How soon will I receive my IELTS results?
For computer-delivered tests, results are usually available within 3 – 5 days. For paper-based tests, results are released 13 calendar days after the test date.

5. Can I retake the IELTS test if I’m not satisfied with my score?
Yes, you can retake the IELTS test as many times as you wish. There is no mandatory waiting period. However, it is advisable to prepare thoroughly before reappearing to improve your score.

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Why choose us?

Experience the IELTS by British Council Exam with MontRoyal – Where Excellence is Standard. MontRoyal is the proud IELTS by British Council exam venue, bringing an unmatched level of quality and support. Our IELTS by British Council exam facility in Abu Dhabi offers wonderful, peaceful and friendly exam experience. Now is the time to register and take the next step toward excellence!