The IELTS Life Skills Test explained

Every few weeks I get an email from a student who would like to know how to prepare for the IELTS Life Skills test. Sadly, I know nothing about the test, so I usually just point them in the direction of the official website and wish them luck. However, this week Nick discovered that one of his friend's had recently taken the test, so today he is going to explain to me exactly what the test is, who needs to take it, and how it is marked. Even if you don't need to take the test, this is an in...