IELTS difficulty level 2023 | Everything you need to know!

Introduction

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely accepted English proficiency test for non-native English speakers seeking to study or work abroad. The IELTS exam assesses your ability to read, write, speak, and listen in English and is recognized by over 10,000 organizations in 140 countries.

The IELTS difficulty level varies depending on the test format and the test taker’s proficiency. The exam is available in two formats, Academic and General Training. The IELTS test is scored on a band scale of 0-9, and the scores are determined by your proficiency level in four sections of the exam: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 

IELTS difficulty level | A deeper dive 

Let’s delve deeper into each exam section to understand the IELTS difficulty level better. 

Listening section 

The Listening section consists of 40 questions spread across four sections, each with a different context and speakers. The audio clips played are not repeated, which is one of the reasons why acing this section is difficult for some students. The IELTS difficulty level is particularly high in this section due to the various accents used, including British, Australian, New Zealand, and North American accents.

Reading section 

The Reading section also comprises 40 questions, but the content varies between the Academic and General Training versions. The IELTS reading difficulty level is often considered high due to the complexity of the texts, which can be due to descriptive and factual to discursive and analytical reasons. The texts are authentic and taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers. 

Writing section 

The Writing section consists of two tasks. In Task 1 of the Academic version, test-takers are required to describe a graph, chart, or diagram, while in the General Training version, they are asked to write a letter. Task 2 in both versions requires writing an essay on a given topic. Due to the need for precision, coherence, and grammatical accuracy, this section of the IELTS exam is frequently rated as complex. 

Speaking section 

The Speaking section is a face-to-face interview with an examiner and consists of three parts. The IELTS difficulty level in this section can be high for those uncomfortable speaking English fluently or need more practice speaking on various  topics. 

IELTS difficulty level | By the numbers 

While providing exact numbers for the IELTS difficulty level in 2023 is challenging, we can look at some statistics from previous years for a rough idea. 

Every year, approximately 3.5 million tests are taken worldwide. The average band scores for the Academic version were as follows:

Exam Section	Average Band
Listening	8
Reading	7.5
Writing	7
Speaking	7.5

These averages suggest that many test-takers find the Writing section to be the most challenging, followed by the Reading section. However, individual experiences may vary significantly based on personal strengths and weaknesses. 

Comparing IELTS with other English proficiency tests 

When considering the IELTS difficulty level, it’s helpful to compare it with other English proficiency tests. For instance, the difficulty level of TOEFL and IELTS is often debated. While TOEFL is entirely multiple-choice, IELTS includes a variety of question types, which some test-takers may find more challenging. 

The difficulty of PTE and IELTS is another common comparison. PTE is entirely computer-based and uses automated scoring, which some candidates may find less subjective. However, others may find the IELTS exam format more familiar and comfortable. 

IELTS difficulty level | Impact of preparation 

Preparation plays a crucial role in managing the IELTS exam difficulty level. A high score is significantly influenced by proper preparation. Practising sample questions, familiarizing oneself with the test format, and improving one’s language abilities through extensive reading and listening are all necessary components of adequate preparation.

Additionally, utilizing IELTS-specific study aids or attending preparatory courses can offer helpful strategies and direction. Candidates’ ability to demonstrate their language skills to their fullest potential on test day can be significantly enhanced by dedication and consistent practice, which also helps to reduce anxiety. 

Key takeaways 

• The IELTS difficulty level depends on the test format and the test taker’s proficiency.
• The IELTS listening, writing, and speaking sections are designed to assess your overall English proficiency. 
• To improve your IELTS preparation, familiarize yourself with the exam format, develop your English language skills, take practice tests, build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, manage your time effectively, and get feedback from an experienced teacher or tutor. 

We hope this blog gave you a clear understanding of the difficulty level in each section of the IELTS exam and how preparing thoroughly can help you manage the difficulty level. If you have any doubts or questions regarding the IELTS exam or preparation, please feel free to reach out to us or drop your queries in the comment section below. We would be happy to assist you!

Like this article? Read more:  How to prepare for IELTS exam | 5 expert tips 

FAQs 

Q1) Is it possible to retake the IELTS if I am not satisfied with my scores? 

Ans- Yes, you can retake the IELTS test if you are not happy with your scores. There are no limitations on the times you can step through the examination. However, before retaking the exam, it is best to thoroughly evaluate your performance and identify areas for growth.

Q2) Is achieving a band score of 7 on the IELTS hard? 

Ans- Achieving a band score of 7 on the IELTS exam requires a high English proficiency level, but it is achievable with proper preparation. 

Q3) Can I improve my IELTS scores by practicing sample questions and taking mock tests?

Ans- Indeed, taking mock tests is fundamental to scoring well on the IELTS test. They help you get used to the format of the test, learn how to effectively manage your time, build your vocabulary, improve your grammar, and figure out where you need to improve.