IELTS Life Skills B1 test format
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In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about the IELTS Life Skills B1 test, including: Show
 What is the IELTS Life Skills B1 Test?The IELTS Life Skills B1 test is designed for those who want to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and/or British citizenship. It is on the list of Home Office approved Secure English language tests. The IELTS Life Skills B1 test costs £150. It assesses listening and speaking only and can be booked using this link. Do you have to take the IELTS Life Skills Test?Does everyone have to take the IELTS Life Skills Test? No. Not everyone will be required to sit the test as some applicants (i.e. those applying for a visa) will be exempt. Exemption #1 – Physical or mental disability Those who have a medical condition, either physical or mental, may be exempt from the English language requirement. To be exempt, applicants with a physical or mental disability will need to be professionally diagnosed to persuade the Home Office caseworker that it would not be reasonable for them to sit the English language test. This gives people who are deaf, mute or have a speech impediment a high probability of being granted exemption from the English language requirement. It is important to note that not all medical conditions are automatically exempt – each case is decided on its own merits. Exemption #2 – Age Those who are above 65 years of age (or higher) on the date of application will be exempt from the English language requirement (and therefore will not have to sit the B1 exam). In such a case, all that is required is the submission of a passport or travel document to satisfy the English language requirement. Alternative #1: Being a Majority English-speaking National Taking the IELTS Life Skills B1 test is not the only way to meet the English language requirement. One of the alternatives applies to those who are nationals of a majority English-speaking country, as listed below:
In this situation, the applicant’s passport or other travel document is all that is required to prove exemption. If the applicant is unable to submit this document due to loss, theft, or other reasons, they can still prove their nationality by submitting the following documents:
Alternative #2: Relying on a degree level or above qualification that was taught in English The other alternative to the B1 English language test applies to those who have an English-taught degree qualification (or above). If the applicant’s degree or above level qualification was obtained from a UK university, then the requirement is met, as long as it is an academic (i.e. not vocational) degree. If an academic degree or above level qualification was obtained from an educational institution in one of the following countries, then the applicant will also need to submit a statement from UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK:
If the applicant’s academic degree or above level qualification was obtained from an educational institution that is not featured in one of the above countries, then they will need to submit: i) a statement from UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) that the qualification meets or exceeds the recognised standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK; AND ii) a statement from UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) that the qualification was taught or researched in English at the required CEFR level or above. Should you take the IELTS Life Skills B1 test or should you take another test?If you are in the UK, partners generally choose from one of two tests, the Trinity GESE Grade 5 B1 test or the IELTS Life Skills B1 test. Both tests assess speaking and listening and when passed. Both tests also satisfy the English language requirement for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), British Citizenship, as well as UK partner and parent visas. If you are applying for limited leave to remain as a partner or parent Partners and parents who want to apply for a UK spouse visa or parent visa should consider applying for an English test at B1 standard, rather than the minimum standard (A1 or A2, depending on whether they are applying for an extension or whether it is their first partner or parent visa). This is because, if they take a Home Office approved English language test at B1 level for their partner visa application, they will normally be able to use the same English language certificate that they will get for passing the B1 test up until they apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and British citizenship. This will save both money and time. Obviously, this question is only for those who already can demonstrate a good English language ability. …but what level of English am I or my partner at? The ‘A1’ standard is described as a ‘beginner’ level of speaking and listening whilst the ‘B1’ standard is described as ‘intermediate’. To help things further, it is important to know what is required of you to pass the A1, A2, and B1 exams. In order to pass the A1 Life Skills Test… #1 The applicant must be able to do the following:
#2 In the A1 exam, the activities may include:
You can start watching the mock language exam at 3:50 of the video. This link can also help you prepare for an A1 IELTS Life Skills test. In order to pass the A2 Life Skills Test… #1 The applicant must be able to do the following (in addition to what is required in the A1 test above):
In this link, you can find a practice test document that will help you prepare for the IELTS Life Skills A2 exam. In order to pass the B1 Life Skills Test… #1 The applicant must be able to do the following (in addition to what is required in the A1 & A2 tests above):
Here’s an example video of a B1 Speaking and Listening Test: You can find a practice test document that will help you prepare for the IELTS Life Skills B1 exam here.
What happens in the IELTS Life Skills B1 exam?It will be helpful for you if you already know the IELTS Life Skills B1 exam format before you take the test. The IELTS Life Skills B1 exam lasts around 20 minutes. You will take the exam with one other candidate. Part 1 of the test: introduction In the beginning, the examiner will ask you four questions:
These questions are the same in every exam. You can therefore prepare your answers for these beforehand. The introduction should be used to warm up and to become as relaxed as possible. Throughout the test, it is important to answer the questions using full sentences. The examiner will then ask for you to give them your mark sheets. Part 2 of the test: topic discussion In this task, the examiner will give you a topic. You will then be expected to ask your partner questions about this topic. You will also be expected to answer your partner’s questions about this topic. The following is a typical task: “Now you are going to ask each other some questions. I want you to find out from each other about something you do in your free time, and why you enjoy it. You have two minutes to talk to each other”. Be careful – your job is not to talk about the topic – your job is to ask questions. Therefore, as soon as you answer a question, immediately ask a follow-up question. Example What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I like reading, going to the gym and cooking. What about you? I am a big sports fan. I play football for a local team and I go to watch matches most weekends, too. Do you play any sports? Keep asking and answering questions until the examiner stops you. The examiner will then give you the instructions for the next task. Part 3 of the test – presentation and questions In this part of the test, you and your partner are given two different topics. You have to talk about your topic for one and a half minutes. After this, your partner will ask you three questions about what you said. Once this has been done, your partner will talk about their topic in a similar way that you did. Your job here will be to listen to them and then ask them three questions afterwards. The listening section will be next. Part 4 of the test – listening In this part of the exam, you will listen to two short recordings. After listening to the records, the examiner will ask you a multiple choice question about one of the recordings. There will be three possible answers that you can choose from. Once you have answered, you will then hear the recording again. After hearing the recording, you will again be asked two more questions. Part 5 of the test – planning This is the part that IELTS Life Skills candidates most often have a problem with. The examiner will say something like: “Now you’re going to plan something together. I’d like you to imagine that you are organising a party for your friends. First, talk together about where you should have the party and choose the one you think would be best”. You will be given prompts like this:
Second, you will be asked to plan the event. You will be given prompts like this:
Part 6 of the test – open discussion In the last past of the IELTS Life skills B1 exam, the examiner will give you a more open topic that you will have to discuss for four minutes. Example Sample question “We are going to talk together about food and cooking. Find out from each other what kind of food you like and what you can cook”. There are two things that you should note. Firstly, it is good to ask a lot of questions. Secondly, since you will have much more time in previous activities, this will allow you to discuss your topics in more detail.
How do I book the IELTS Life Skills B1 exam?Booking the IELTS Life Skills B1 exam is easy. All you need to do is follow these steps below:
To use the online booking system, you will then be asked to create an account. Once you have it, process your booking. What ID documents do I need to book the IELTS Life Skills B1 test?Identity Document Can this be used for tests taken in the UK? Can this be used for tests taken outside the UK? Passport Yes Yes Biometric Residence permit
Note: These should only be used for tests taken in the UK if you do not have a valid passport Yes No Valid photographic Government issued identity cards No Yes, but only in the country where the document was issued Identity cards of EEA nationals and Swiss nationals Yes Yes, but only in the country where the document was issued Travel documents, including:
Convention travel document · Stateless person’s travel document · Certificates of Identity · Travel document issued by the United Nations · Travel documents issued by the International Red Cross · Emergency travel documents
Yes Yes Here are some important things that you should remind yourself before submitting these documents:
What document can I use if the Home Office have my passport? If, when you apply for an IELTS Life Skills B1 exam, your passport is in the Home Office’s possession, you can submit a valid EU identity card or a Biometric Residence Permit. An alternative is to request your passport back from the Home Office if you do not have any of the above-mentioned documents. What if there is no availability for the test centre that I want to take the test at? If there are no available slots for your chosen schedule, you can try checking other test centres that are close to you. What does the B1 IELTS test consist of?Life Skills B1 is a secure English-language test (SELT) accepted by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration Department as proof of your English-language proficiency. The test looks at your listening and speaking skills in the 22-minute test with an examiner and one other test taker.
How many modules are there in B1 English test?There are two ISE I exam modules - Reading & Writing and Speaking & Listening. For a Secure English Language Test (SELT), both modules are taken on the same day at a UK Trinity SELT Centre. Candidates must pass both modules for an ISE I (B1) qualification.
What is B1 IELTS equivalent?You can see that an IELTS band score of 7.0 is equivalent to a CEFR level of C1, and an IELTS band score of 4.5 is equivalent to a CEFR level of B1.
What is the difference between IELTS Life Skills A1 and B1?IELTS Life Skills A1 (16-18 minutes) – You should take this test if your English speaking and listening skills need to be evaluated because you are applying for a family, spouse or partner visa from UK Visas and Immigration. IELTS Life Skills B1 (22 minutes) - Tests your English speaking and listening skills.
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