IELTS

IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).

IELTS is available in: Academic – for people applying for higher education or professional registration, and General Training for those migrating to Australia, Canada and the UK, or applying for secondary education, training programmes and work experience in an English-speaking environment. Both versions provide a valid and accurate assessment of the four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

IELTS Exam Pattern

Section Wise Test Pattern/Format

IELTS Test Pattern

IELTS Syllabus includes different sections, Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

The complete test duration is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening: The total length of this section is 30 minutes and it is divided into four parts candidates have to answer different types of 40 questions.
• Reading: The reading section comprises of three texts of general interest that deals with issues which are suitable for candidates going to pursue post-graduate or undergraduate program. The total time for this section is 30 minutes and it comprises almost 40 questions.
• Writing: The duration of this section is 60 minutes and comprises of two questions where candidates are expected to write a short essay of a minimum of 250 words. In addition to this, students are given data, table, or diagram which the candidates have to explain in their own words.
• Speaking: The total time of this section varies from 11 to 14 minutes and candidates also have to give a face-to-face interview. With the help of this section, the candidates are checked whether they can communicate effectively in the country where they have applied.

IELTS Syllabus

Section-wise Syllabus

IELTS Writing Section

Writing: Candidates take academic writing module. Responses to the academic writing module are short essays or general reports, addressed to an educated non-specialist audience. There are two compulsory tasks. Task 1 requires 150 words, and candidates are asked to look at a diagram, table or data and to present the information in their own words. Task 2 requires at least 250 words, and all candidates are presented with a point of view, argument or problem and asked to provide general factual information, present a solution, justify an opinion, evaluate ideas and evidence, etc.

Total time: 60 minutes

Writing- IELTS Academic

• It includes two tasks wherein the topics are of general interest and relatable for candidates applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate program.
• For your first task, you will be handed a paper which would contain either a diagram, table or graph. You will be required to recapitulate and define the given data in your own words. You may be asked to explain a certain data entry, process the given information or a flowchart to logically arrive at a conclusion.
• In the next task, you need to write an essay as a response to your deduction from the given data and support your argument with relevant examples, through the given data. Please note that the writing style should be strictly formal.

Writing- IELTS General Training

• It also includes two tasks, yet, it is much easier than that of the academic format.
• You will be asked to write a letter as per the given situation. The letter can be formal, semi-formal or personal depending upon the situation presented. You will be asked to explain, request for something or support your argument to a certain authority.
• Based on the above viewpoint, you will be asked to draft an essay on the same. The arguments and opinions mentioned here should be supported by relevant instances and the writing style can be a bit personal.

IELTS Reading Section

Reading: The reading module consists of three texts of general interest dealing with issues which are appropriate for candidates entering postgraduate or undergraduate courses. Both reading modules consist of three passages or sections with forty questions. Question types include multiple-choice, sentence or summary completion, identifying data for short-answer questions, matching lists or phrases and identifying writers’ views/attitudes.

Reading- IELTS Academic

This includes three long paragraphs which can be either descriptive, factual or analytical. These paragraphs are basically excerpts taken from newspapers, research works, journals, books, or even magazines. Targeting a non-specialist audience, the texts are ideal for testing higher education aspirants or for professionals seeking work abroad.

Reading- IELTS General Training

Similar to the academic format, here the excerpts can be passages from advertisements, company guidelines, brochures, and so on. This is relatively easier than the academic format as the selected text is generally something that one encounters on a day-to-day basis.

IELTS Listening Section

Listening: The Listening module is divided into four sections. The first two conversations are concerned with social needs, while the last two are concerned with situations more closely related to education. They will all be around three minutes long. The conversations could be both monologues and dialogues. These conversations can be heard once only. A variety of question types are asked, like multiple-choice, short-answer questions, note completion, sentence completion, labelling a diagram,etc.
Total no. of questions: 40+
Total time: 30 minutes

Sections 1 and 2 are about every day, social situations.

• Recording 1: The first recording would have a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 – The second recording would happen to be a monologue set in an everyday social context.

Sections 3 and 4 are about educational and training situations

• Recording 3 – The following recording would be a conversation between four people set in an educational or training context.
• Recording 4 – And the final recording would be a monologue on an academic subject

IELTS Speaking Section

Speaking: The Speaking section is like a structured interview with an emphasis on general speaking skills. It assesses whether candidates have the required knowledge and skills to communicate effectively with native speakers of English.
Total no. of questions: 3 parts – Personal Interview, Little Speech, and a Discussion
Total time: 11 to 14 minutes

Part 1 introduction and interview (4–5 minutes)

For the first five minutes, you will be asked some mundane questions about yourself such as family, home, studies, hobbies and interests, and so on.

Part 2 long turn (2–3 minutes)

Next, the examiner will hand you a flashcard that would contain a certain topic. You will be given a minute or two to familiarize yourself with the topic as you would need to speak on that topic for about two minutes. Post your speech, the examiner might ask a few questions based on your understanding of the topic.

Part 3 discussions (5–6 minutes)

Deeper questions and abstract discussions would take place based on the given topic and your speech. You will get the opportunity to explore your given topic and delve into deeper issues. You can expect this part to last for five-six minutes