IELTS Academic Test Overview

IELTS Academic

• Validity: 2 years
• Scoring ranges from 0.0 to 9.0, rounded to the nearest 0.5.
• The overall is the average of all four skills.
• Results are available within 3-5 days for the Computer-based test, and 13 days for the paper-based test
• Designed for those who wish to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate level, or work in a professional environment.

Listening (40 minutes)

• Section 1: Conversation between two people in an everyday situation
• Section 2: Monologue on a general topic
• Section 3: Conversation between 2-4 people in an academic or training context
• Section 4: Monologue on an academic topic

Reading (60 minutes)

• Contains 3 long passages taken from books, journals, newspapers, or academic materials.
• Contains 40 questions in various formats (multiple-choice, gap-fill, matching information, etc.).

Writing (60 minutes)

• Task 1: Write a 150-word report describing a graph, table, chart, diagram, or process.
• Task 2: Write a 250-word essay expressing and analyzing an opinion or issue.

Speaking (11-14 minutes)

• Part 1: Answer personal questions.
• Part 2: Speaks for 1-2 minutes on a given topic.
• Part 3: Discusses the topic in more depth with the examiner.

TOEIC 4 Skills

• Validity: 2 years
• Designed for those seeking jobs, career advancement, or university requirements in a professional setting.
• Scores and digital reports are available online 7 days after the test, with notification via email.

Listening (45 minutes)

• Divided into four parts; contains 100 questions
• Part 1: Photographs (6 questions); listen to four descriptions and choose the correct one.
• Part 2: Question-Response (25 questions); listen to a question and choose the best response.
• Part 3: Conversations (39 questions); listen to a conversation between two or three people and answer three questions per conversation.
• Part 4: Talks (30 questions); listen to a short talk or announcement and answer three questions per talk.
• Scoring:
  • Listening & Reading: 5-495
  • Speaking & Writing: 0-200
  • 905-990: International Professional Proficiency
  • 785-900: Working Proficiency Plus
  • 605-780: Limited Working Proficiency
  • 405-600: Basic Working Proficiency
  • 255-400: Elementary Proficiency
  • Below 255: Novice

Reading (75 minutes)

• Divided into three parts; contains 100 questions
• Part 5: Incomplete Sentences (30 questions); fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase.
• Part 6: Text Completion (16 questions); choose the correct words to complete a passage.
• Part 7: Reading Comprehension (54 questions); read single and multiple passages, then answer comprehension questions.

Speaking (20 minutes)

• Contains 11 tasks; divided into six parts
• Part 1: Read a text aloud (2 tasks); read a passage aloud for pronunciation and intonation evaluation.
• Part 2: Describe a picture (1 task); describe an image using appropriate vocabulary and grammar.
• Part 3: Respond to questions (3 tasks); answer questions on familiar topics without preparation.
• Part 4: Respond to questions using provided information (3 tasks); answer questions based on a given set of facts or a schedule.
• Part 5: Propose a solution (1 task); listen to a problem and suggest a solution with reasoning.
• Part 6: Express an opinion (1 task); give and justify an opinion on a general topic.

Writing (60 minutes)

• 8 tasks; divided into three parts
• Part 1: Write a sentence based on a picture (5 tasks); write a sentence using two provided words in the correct form.
• Part 2: Respond to a written request (2 tasks); write an email responding to a specific request.
• Part 3: Write an opinion essay (1 task).

TOEFL iBT

• Validity: 2 years
• Measures academic English proficiency for non-native speakers, often required for university admissions.
• Results are available in 5-7 business days.
• Each section is scored from 0 to 30.
  • Total score: 0 to 120.
• Scoring scale:
  • 100-120: Advanced
  • 80-99: High Intermediate
  • 60-79: Low Intermediate
  • 42-59: Basic
  • Below 42: Limited

Reading (35 minutes)

• Number of passages: 2
• Each passage is about 700 words long.
• Number of questions: 10 per passage
• Questions assess comprehension, vocabulary, sentence simplification, and inference.
• Question types:
  • Multiple choice (choosing one correct answer)
  • Multiple answer (choosing two correct answers)
  • Inserting a sentence into the passage
  • Summarizing information
• Write an essay expressing and supporting an opinion on a general topic (300+ words).

Listening (36 minutes)

• Number of audio recordings: 3-4 lectures and 2-3 conversations
• Lectures are 3-5 minutes long, conversations are 2-3 minutes.
• Number of questions: 6 per lecture, 5 per conversation
• Question types:
  • Multiple choice (choosing one correct answer)
  • Multiple answer (choosing two correct answers)
  • Ordering events or steps in a process
  • Categorizing information

Speaking (16 minutes)

• Number of tasks: 4
• Task 1: Independent Speaking Task
  • Answer a personal opinion question (prep: 15 sec, speak: 45 sec).
• Task 2: Integrated Reading + Listening + Speaking Task
  • Read a short passage, listen to a conversation/lecture, then respond (prep: 30 sec, speak: 60 sec).
• Task 3: Integrated Listening + Speaking Task
  • Listen to a conversation or lecture, then respond.
• Task 4: Integrated Listening + Speaking Task
  • Listen to an academic lecture, then respond (prep: 20 sec, speak: 60 sec).

Writing (29 minutes)

• Number of tasks: 2
• Task 1: Integrated Writing (20 minutes)
  • Read a passage, listen to a lecture, and write a summary (150–225 words).
• Task 2: Writing for an Academic Discussion (10 minutes)
  • Respond to an online academic discussion with at least 100 words.

FCE (First Certificate in English)

• Digital exam results are available in 2-3 weeks.
• Paper-based exam results are normally available in 4-6 weeks.
• FCE does not expire.
• Designed to assess whether a learner can use English effectively in academic, professional, and everyday situations.
• Scored from 160 to 190.
  • 180-190: Grade A (C1 Level)
  • 173-179: Grade B (B2 Level)
  • 160-172: Grade C (B2 Level)
  • Below 160: Not a B2 First pass

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 15 minutes)

• Part 1: Multiple-choice cloze (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps where candidates choose the correct word (A, B, C, or D) to complete each gap.
• Part 2: Open cloze (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps, but no options.
  • Candidates must fill in the blanks with one word each.
• Part 3: Word formation (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps, where candidates must change the given base word to fit grammatically.
• Part 4: Key word transformation (6 questions)
  • Each question has a sentence and a second sentence with a gap. Candidates must complete it using a given key word (without changing it) in 2 to 5 words.
• Part 5: Multiple-choice reading (6 questions)
  • A long text followed by 6 comprehension questions, each with four options (A, B, C, D).
• Part 6: Gapped text (6 questions)
  • A text with 6 removed sentences. Candidates must insert the correct sentences into the right gaps.
• Part 7: Multiple matching (10 questions)
  • Several short texts or one long text divided into sections. Candidates match statements to the correct section.

Writing (1 hour 20 minutes)

• Part 1: Essay (mandatory)
  • Candidates must write an essay (140–190 words), based on two given points and an additional point of their choice.
• Part 2: Choice of one task (article, email/letter, report, or review)
  • Candidates choose one out of four tasks and write 140-190 words.

Listening (40 minutes)

• Part 1: Multiple-choice (8 questions)
  • Eight short dialogues or monologues with one question each (A, B, or C).
• Part 2: Sentence completion (10 questions)
  • A long monologue where candidates fill in missing words/phrases.
• Part 3: Multiple matching (5 questions)
  • Five short monologues where candidates match speakers to statements.
• Part 4: Multiple-choice (7 questions)
  • A long interview/conversation with seven A, B, or C questions.

Speaking (14 minutes, in pairs)

• Part 1: Interview (2 minutes)
  • The examiner asks personal questions (hobbies, interests, studies, travel, etc.).
• Part 2: Individual long turn (1 minute speaking + 30 seconds response)
  • Candidates compare two pictures and answer a related question.
• Part 3: Collaborative task (3 minutes)
  • Candidates discuss a set of prompts, giving opinions and negotiating.
• Part 4: Discussion (4 minutes)
  • The examiner leads a broader discussion based on Part 3 topics.

CAE (Cambridge Advanced English)

• Does not expire.
• Digital exams: 5-10 working days
• Paper-based exams: 4-6
• Designed to assess whether a learner can use English with confidence and fluency in demanding academic, professional, and social contexts.
• Scored from 180 to 210:
  • 200-210: Grade A (C2 level)
  • 193–199: Grade B (C1 level)
  • 180-192: Grade C (C1 level)
  • Below 180: Not a C1 Advanced pass

Reading and Use of English (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Part 1: Multiple-choice cloze (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps where candidates choose the correct word (A, B, C, or D) to complete each gap.
• Part 2: Open cloze (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps, but no options.
  • Candidates must fill in the blanks with one word each.
• Part 3: Word formation (8 questions)
  • A text with 8 gaps, where candidates must change the given base word to fit grammatically.
• Part 4: Key word transformation (6 questions)
  • Each question has a sentence and a second sentence with a gap. Candidates must complete it using a given key word (without changing it) in 3 to 6 words.
• Part 5: Multiple-choice reading (6 questions)
  • A long text followed by 6 comprehension questions, each with four options (A, B, C, D).
• Part 6: Cross-text multiple matching (4 questions)
  • Four short texts followed by questions testing understanding of opinions and attitudes across them.
• Part 7: Gapped text (6 questions)
• A text with 6 removed sentences. Candidates must insert the correct sentences into the right gaps.
• Part 8: Multiple matching (10 questions)
  • Several short texts or one long text divided into sections. Candidates match statements to the correct section.

Writing (1 hour 30 minutes)

• Part 1: Essay (mandatory)
  • Candidates must write an essay (220–260 words), based on two given points and an additional point of their choice.
• Part 2: Choice of one task (letter/email, proposal, report, or review)
  • Candidates choose one out of three tasks and write 220-260 words.

Listening (40 minutes)

• Part 1: Multiple-choice (6 questions)
  • Three short extracts from conversations, each with two multiple-choice questions (A, B, or C).
• Part 2: Sentence completion (8 questions)
  • A long monologue where candidates fill in missing words/phrases.
• Part 3: Multiple-choice (6 questions)
  • A long interview or discussion with six multiple-choice questions (A, B, C, or D).
• Part 4: Multiple matching (10 questions)
  • Five short monologues where candidates match speakers to statements.

Speaking (15 minutes, in pairs)

• Part 1: Interview (2 minutes)
  • The examiner asks personal questions (hobbies, interests, studies, work, etc.).
• Part 2: Individual long turn (1 minute speaking + 30 seconds response)
  • Candidates compare two pictures and answer a related question.
• Part 3: Collaborative task (3 minutes)
  • Candidates discuss a set of prompts, giving opinions and negotiating.
• Part 4: Discussion (5 minutes)
  • The examiner leads a broader discussion based on Part 3 topics.

APTIS C

• Does not Expire.
• Aptis C (Core) is a general test.
• Each skill is scored separately on a 0-50 scale and mapped to CEFR levels (A1-C).
• Final score: Average of all skill scores.
• CEFR Level: Assigned based on performance.

Grammar and Vocabulary

• Grammar (25 questions): Multiple-choice
• Vocabulary (25 questions)
  • Focus: Tense consistency (e.g., present simple vs. past simple).
  • Sentence structure.
  • Prepositions, articles, conjunctions.
    • Three question types:
      • 1: Word Definitions - choosing the correct synonym/definition.
      • 2: Word Combinations - matching words that frequently go together (collocations).
      • 3: Word Usage - choosing the correct word to complete a sentence.

Speaking (12 minutes)

• Task 1: Personal Information
  • Answer 3 simple personal questions (30 seconds per question) - asking about name, hobbies, and daily activities.
• Task 2: Describe and Compare
  • Compare two academic-related pictures, and describe them (45 seconds).
• Task 3: Discuss and Explain
  • Answer a question requiring academic reasoning (45 seconds).
• Task 4: Express Opinions
  • Respond to three academic discussion questions (60 seconds per question).

Writing (50 minutes)

• Task 1: Word-Level Responses
  • Fill in an academic form-based response (1-5 words, 3 minutes).
• Task 2: Short Text
  • Write a short response related to academic topics (20-30 words, 7 minutes).
• Task 3: Formal Email
  • Write a formal academic email, such as to a professor (40-50 words, 10 minutes).

Reading (35 minutes)

• Task 1: Choose the word that best completes a sentence (5 questions)
• Task 2: Reorder jumbled sentences into an academic passage (5 questions).
• Task 3: Read an academic passage and answer questions (7 questions).
• Task 4: Read multiple academic texts and analyze information (8 questions).

Listening (40 minutes)

• Task 1: Word Recognition
  • Identify a word in an academic context (4-6 questions).
• Task 2: Sentence Understanding
  • Choose the correct response in a academic sentence (5-7 questions).
• Task 3: Short Conversations
  • Listen to a short academic discussion and answer questions (6-8 questions).
• Task 4: Long Conversations/Monologues
  • Listen to a longer academic lecture or discussion and answer questions (8-10 questions).

APTIS Academic

• Does not Expire.
• Aptis Academic is an English proficiency test designed for students and academic environments.
• It assesses formal and academic English skills across CEFR levels A1 to C.
• The test is commonly used for university admissions and academic settings.

Grammar and Vocabulary

• Grammar (25 questions): Multiple-choice
• Vocabulary (25 questions)
  • Focus: Complex sentence structures and formal grammar structures used in academic writing.
  • Articles, prepositions, and logical connectors.
    • Three question types:
      • 1: Academic Word Definitions - choosing the correct synonym/definition.
      • 2: Academic Collocations - matching words that frequently appear together in academic texts
      • 3- Word Usage - choose the correct word for an academic sentence

Speaking (12 minutes)

• Task 1: Personal Information
  • Answer 3 simple academic-related personal questions (30 seconds per question)
• Task 2: Describe and Compare
  • Compare two academic-related pictures, and describe them (45 seconds).
• Task 3: Discuss and Explain
  • Answer a question requiring academic reasoning (45 seconds).
• Task 4: Express Opinions
  • Respond to three academic discussion questions (60 seconds per question).

Writing (50 minutes)

• Task 1: Word-Level Responses
  • Fill in an academic form-based response (1-5 words, 3 minutes).
• Task 2: Short Text
  • Write a short response related to academic topics (20-30 words, 7 minutes).

Reading (35 minutes)

• Task 1: Choose the word that best completes a sentence (5 questions)
• Task 2: Reorder jumbled sentences into an academic passage (5 questions).
• Task 3: Read an academic passage and answer questions (7 questions).
• Task 4: Read multiple academic texts and analyze information (8 questions).

Listening (40 minutes)

• Task 1: Word Recognition
  • Identify a word in an academic context (4-6 questions).
• Task 2: Sentence Understanding
  • Choose the correct response in a academic sentence (5-7 questions).
• Task 3: Short Conversations
  • Listen to a short academic discussion and answer questions (6-8 questions).
• Task 4: Long Conversations/Monologues
  • Listen to a longer academic lecture or discussion and answer questions (8-10 questions).

Linguaskill

• Language skill is an online English proficiency test developed by the Cambridge English Assessment.
• it does not expire
• Results are usually available within 48 hours
• Cambridge English Scale are used
• Results are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
  • C1-C2 (180-200): Advanced Level
  • B2 (160-179) Upper-Intermediate level
• Reading and Listening Section provides instant results upon completion

Reading and Listening (60-85 minutes)

• This is an adaptive test- meaning the difficulty of questions changes based on the test taker's responses
• Tests continues until the system determines the candidate's level of accuracy
  • Question types:
• Reading comprehension (selecting the correct answer)
• Sentence gap-fill (choosing the right word)
• Multiple matching (matching paragraphs to headings)
• Listening to conversations or monologues and answering multiple-choice questions

Writing (45 minutes)

• This section includes two tasks
• Task 1 - Email Writing: Write a short email of at least 50 words
• Task 2- Extended Writing: Write a response of at least 180 words on a given topic
• A detailed report includes assessment based on grammar, vocabulary, coherence, and task achievement
• B1 (140-159) Intermediate level
  • A2 (120-139) Elementary level
  • Below 120: Beginner level

Speaking (15 minutes)

• The speaking section consists of five parts
  • Part 1: Interview (8 questions)
• Simple personal questions, such as name, hobbies and daily activities
  • Part 2: Reading aloud (8 sentences)
• Candidate reads sentences aloud to assess pronunciation and fluency
  • Part 3: Long turn (1 question, 1 minute speaking time)
• Candidates speak about a given topic for one minute
  • Part 4: Information exchange (5 questions) Performance feedback for improvement

VSTEP (Vietnamese Standardized Test of English Proficiency)

• Exam does not expire
• After 2 weeks results are developed
• VSTEP results correspond to CEFR levels
  • VSTEP level 3= B1 Equivalent
  • VSTEP level 4= B2 Equivalent
  • VSTEP level 5= C1 Equivalent
  • Scores indicate proficiency levels used for university graduation requirements, job applications, and English certification
• Assesses listening skills for details, gist, attitudes and making inferences

Reading (60 minutes)

• Number of passages 4 (totaling 1,900-2,500)
• Each passage is followed by 10 multiple-choice questions, amounting to 40 questions in total
• Questions evaluate:
• Understanding details and main ideas
• Recognizing the authors attitude
• Making inferences
• Understanding vocabulary in context

Listening (~40 minutes)

• comprises of 3 sections and contains 35 multiple-choice questions
• Includes various audio materials:
  • Short announcements
  • Extended dialogues
  • Lectures and talks

Writing (60 minutes)

• Includes 2 Tasks:
  • Task 1: Write a letter or email (minimum 120 words)
  • Task 2 Compose an essay (minimum 250) words on a given topic
  • evaluates interactive and productive writing abilities

Speaking (12 minutes)

• divided into 3 parts
• Part 1: Social interaction (2-3 minutes)
• Answer 3-6 questions on familiar topics
• Part 2 Solution discussion (3 minutes )
• Discuss a situation with three suggested solutions and provide opinions
• Part 3: Topic development (4 minutes )
• Deliver a talk on a given topic, followed by related questions assess abilities to interact, discuss, and present topics effectively.