IELTS Life Skills A1

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Course Description

IELTS Life Skills A1 is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) approved by UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI). It evaluates only Speaking and Listening skills at the A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). It’s intended for those applying for UK visas—specifically visas in the “family of a settled person” category—who need to show basic competence in English in everyday situations.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is right for you if you:

• Need to prove your English speaking & listening ability at A1 level for UK visa requirements.
• Are a beginner in English and want to build confidence communicating in everyday settings.
• Want structured preparation focused only on speaking & listening, without reading & writing.
• Prefer practising with realistic test-type speaking and listening tasks rather than full IELTS tests.

Test Format & Duration

IELTS Life Skills A1 is relatively short and focused. Here’s what to expect:

Component	What Happens
Duration	~16-18 minutes total for the exam.
Participants	You’ll take the test face-to-face, with an examiner and one other test taker. Your performance is assessed individually; the other person’s performance does not affect your score.

What Is Assessed / What Tasks You’ll Do

In this test you will be assessed on two main skills: Listening and Speaking. The tasks are based on everyday topics and require you to respond in English, to interact with both the examiner and the other candidate.

Here are the main tasks or parts:

Part 1 – Introduction & Short Questions

• You will be asked simple questions by the examiner. Example: “What is your name?”, “Where are you from?”, “What do you like to do in your free time?”
• You may have a short discussion on familiar topics.

Part 2 – Combined Listening & Speaking Task

• You will listen to a recording (on CD or similar) which includes simple narratives, statements, questions or instructions. You’ll need to listen for both general meaning and details.
• You may be asked to answer questions based on what you heard. You may be allowed to take notes during listening.
• After listening, there is a discussion based on the topic in the recording.

Topics You’ll Encounter

The topics are everyday, familiar ones. You will practice speaking and listening about subjects like:

• Personal information / background (home, family, etc.)
• Daily routines, hobbies, free time, friends & family
• Buying goods, shopping, describing things
• Health, housing, transport, leisure
• Preferences, feelings, simple opinions, agreeing/disagreeing on familiar topics

Assessment & Results

• There are no numeric band scores in Life Skills A1. You will receive a Pass or Fail result.
• Your performance is assessed in several areas:
  1. Obtaining information
  2. Conveying information
  3. Speaking to communicate
  4. Engaging in discussion
• Results are usually provided within 6 to 7 days of taking the test.

Why This Course Helps You Prepare

By following this course, you will:

• Become familiar with the exact format and timing of the test so you’re not surprised on test day.
• Practice listening to simple spoken English: stories, instructions, questions, and be able to pick out detail.
• Improve speaking confidence: answering personal questions, giving simple opinions or descriptions.
• Learn how to interact with another speaker (the other candidate) and take turns in conversation.
• Build ability to express yourself in basic everyday situations clearly and understandably.