When was IELTS 19 released?

IELTS 19 (Academic and General Training) was released by Cambridge University Press & Assessment on July 25, 2024. It is the 19th edition in the Cambridge English IELTS practice tests series, featuring four official practice tests for Academic and General Training modules.

Is Cambridge 19 released?

Cambridge 19 emerges as the newest addition to this prestigious series, released in July 2024 with notable improvements in both design and content relevance.

Is IELTS changing in 2026?

The 2026 IELTS is not harder, but it is stricter. The "hacks" of the past—memorizing essays and skimming for headings—are being phased out. Success in 2026 requires genuine flexibility in listening and critical thinking in reading and writing.

Is IELTS Cambridge 20 published?

For 2025 there will be 6 collections of these practice tests, with IELTS 20 being published in July 2025.

How rare is 7.5 in IELTS?

IELTS band score 7.5 is considered relatively high. With this band score, you can easily apply for a scholarship to study abroad, be admitted directly to top universities in Vietnam and have wide-open job opportunities.

Cambridge 19 Listening Test 4 with answers | HD

Is a 7.5 IELTS score easy?

Getting a 7.5 in IELTS is achievable but not "easy"; it requires strong, advanced English proficiency (like a B2/C1 level) and targeted practice, especially in Writing and Speaking, where many struggle, while aiming high in Reading/Listening can balance the score, so consistent effort, not just luck, is key. 

Is 6.625 rounded to 7 in IELTS?

This average is rounded to the nearest 0.5 or whole number. For example, if your section scores are 6.5 (Listening), 7.0 (Reading), 6.0 (Writing), and 7.0 (Speaking), your total comes to (6.5 + 7.0 + 6.0 + 7.0) ÷ 4 = 6.625, which is rounded up to Band 6.5.

Is IELTS 7.0 B2 or C1?

An IELTS score of 7.0 is generally considered the start of the C1 (Advanced) level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), bridging the gap between the B2 (Upper Intermediate) and C1 levels, with C1 often starting around 6.5-7.0 and extending to 8.0. While 7.0 is a strong C1, it's also at the upper end of what some consider borderline B2/C1, but most sources place it firmly in C1 territory, indicating a "Good User" of English. 

Is getting 6.5 IELTS easy?

The difficulty of achieving IELTS 6.5 depends on factors such as your current level, time investment, learning methods, and focus. With consistent study and a clear plan, achieving a 6.5 is possible for many learners.

Is IELTS changing in 2025?

There has been some changes in listening section of IELTS exam 2025. This IELTS exam section will now include AI-driven adaptive questions that are tailored to the candidate's responses.

How rare is 8.5 in IELTS?

An 8.5 is a rare and prestigious score. With this achievement, your academic and professional prospects become significantly broader. Benefits of an IELTS 8.5: Eligible for study at top universities abroad, even though most only require 5.5–6.5.

Is 7.25 rounded to 7.5 in IELTS?

The IELTS band score scale ranges from 0 to 9 and each band represents a specific level of English proficiency. Remember that your overall score will be rounded to the nearest half or whole band. For example, if you scored 6.75, it will be rounded up to 7 and if you scored 7.25, it will be rounded up to 7.5.

Is 6.25 means 6.5 in IELTS?

If your overall score is an average of 6.25, your score will be increased to 6.5. The score 6.25 is actually precisely between band 6 and 6.5, so in this case IELTS will push it up to the nearest score which is 6.5. If your overall score is an average of 6.75, your score will be increased to 7.

Does Harvard accept 6.5 IELTS?

English Proficiency Requirement

Earning a minimum score of 80 on the internet based test (iBT) of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)* Earning a minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic test.

Can I retake the IELTS if I fail?

You can retake the full test as often as needed, or use the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) within 60 days to improve a single skill. Enquiry on Results (EOR) allows you to request a re-mark if you suspect scoring errors (fees refunded if scores change).

Which is harder IELTS or TOEFL?

TOEFL: Might be challenging due to its multiple-choice format and emphasis on academic English. IELTS: Can be difficult due to the variety of question types and the face-to-face speaking component.

Is IELTS 8.0 good?

On the 1 to 9 scale, an IELTS 8.0 is considered a relatively high band score. Achieving this level is not easy, but with an IELTS 8.0 certificate, you unlock many opportunities for academic and career advancement.

Which is the toughest section in IELTS?

The writng section is generally considered the most challenging part of the IELTS exam, requiring both strong English skills and an understanding of essay structure and vocabulary. Many find Writing the toughest due to task complexity and strict evaluation.

Does IELTS 7 mean C1?

Candidates who have secured a C1 Advanced grade C, having scored between 180 and 192 on the Cambridge English Scale, are at Level C1 of the CEFR and can be expected to be comparable in ability with candidates who have secured 6.5 or 7.0 in IELTS.

Is IELTS 7.5 enough for PhD?

As a rule of thumb you'll need an IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 5.5 in each individual section of the test. However, certain subjects that involve a high degree of literacy (English Literature, for example) might require an IELTS score of 7.5 for entry onto a PhD.

What is the IELTS 5.0 level?

IELTS band 5.0 is considered intermediate—a realistic goal for beginners. With IELTS 5.0, you still have opportunities for studying abroad, applying to multinational companies, exempting the high school English exam, or gaining priority admission to some universities.