The IELTS incorporates the following features:

• A variety of accents and writing styles presented in text materials in order to minimize linguistic bias.
• IELTS tests the ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.
• Band scores used for each language sub-skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). The Band Scale ranges from 0 ("Did not attempt the test") to 9 ("Expert User").
• The speaking module - a key component of IELTS. This is conducted in the form of a one-to-one interview with an examiner. The examiner assesses the candidate as he or she is speaking, but the speaking session is also recorded for monitoring as well as re-marking in case of an appeal against the banding given.