IELTS Life Skills

Zuhana

3 min read

Updated On Aug 14, 2024

Who needs to write this test?

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IELTS LIFE SKILLS Test was started in April 2015 for specific Visa requirements to immigrate to the United Kingdom. Out of all the English Tests, the IELTS and the IELTS Life Skills are the only tests available when applying for visas both outside and inside the UK.

The IELTS Life Skills test assesses the candidate on their Listening and Speaking skills alone according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level, A1, A2 or B1. The fee for IELTS Life Skills is Rs. 10,950.

Who needs to write this test?

The IELTS Skills Test is written by the specific candidates who apply for the UK Visa Immigration. They are:

Sportsperson
Representative of an Overseas Business
Partner
Parent
Settler (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
Person applying for Citizenship

Test format

There are three types of tests available:

IELTS Life Skills – A1 Speaking and Listening: 16-18 minutes
IELTS Life Skills – A2 Speaking and Listening (Offered in the UK only): 20 minutes
IELTS Life Skills – B1 Speaking and Listening: 22 minutes

As you can see, the test consists of two parts. In the first part, you will have to answer the questions asked, and in the second, you will have to do a combined Listening and Speaking task. It is to be noted that you will be taking up the test with one another candidate.

These tasks are related to everyday life in an English-speaking country. Thus, the questions, conversations among the examiner, another candidate, and you would be related to everyday subjects such as:

personal details/experiences
family and friends
buying goods
work
health
leisure
education/training
transport
housing
weather

Detailed format of the tasks

Similar to the first part of a normal IELTS Speaking Test, you are expected to ask and answer questions on a few topics.
The second part is a combined listening and speaking task.
In the Listening task, you will listen to a task played on a CD and answer the questions given by the examiner.
After the listening task, you will be asked to discuss a topic relating to the theme on the CD.
At the B1 level, you will additionally be asked to plan an activity with the other candidate.

Assessment

You will be assessed on your ability in four key areas:

obtaining information
conveying information
speaking to communicate
engaging in discussion

Here is a detailed explanation of the factors that you will be assessed upon:

A1
Focus	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
B1
Focus:	You will be expected to: listen and respond to spoken language, including straightforward information and narratives, and follow straightforward explanations and instructions. 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.
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

Results

Unlike the IELTS Test, you will receive only two results for this exam:

Pass
Fail

“FAIL” means that you have not been successful, and your test cannot be used for your visa application. Test results are available within 6 days of your test.

Thinking to migrate to the UK? If yes, with our IELTS online classes, you can get your doubts cleared and issues resolved pertaining to IELTS life skills.

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Zuhana

Nafia Zuhana is an experienced content writer and IELTS Trainer. Currently, she is guiding students who are appearing for IELTS General and Academic exams through ieltsmaterial.com. With an 8.5 score herself, she trains and provides test takers with strategies, tips, and nuances on how to crack the IELTS Exam. She holds a degree in Master of Arts – Creative Writing, Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked with The Hindu for over a year as an English language trainer.

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