IELTS Exam Syllabus and Pattern

The IELTS exam has two categories:
The candidate can choose between one of these tests depending on the requirement (to study overseas/migrate/work).
The IELTS Academic test is designed for students who intend to study at a university or in an English-speaking setting (higher education). IELTS Academic can also be used for professional registration. The test determines whether or not students are prepared to begin studying in English. It contains language that is commonly used in academic settings.
IELTS General Training The IELTS General Training test is appropriate for people applying to study at a lower level than a bachelor's degree. An English-speaking school or college falls under this category. It can also be used for work experience or other types of training in the workplace. The test covers common English language skills that students need in social and professional settings.
Section | Description | Number of Questions | Duration | Marks |
---|---|---|---|---|
Listening | The module is divided into four sections that increase in difficulty. Each section, which can be a monologue or a dialogue, begins with a brief introduction about the situation and the speakers. | 40 | 30 minutes | 40 |
Reading | The reading test in the academic module is divided into three sections, with three texts typically followed by 13 or 14 questions for a total of 40 questions. The General test is divided into three sections as well. However, because the texts are shorter, there may be up to five to read. | 40 | 60 minutes | 40 |
Writing | There are two tasks in the Academic module: Task 1 requires candidates to describe a diagram, graph, process, or chart, and Task 2 requires them to respond to an argument. There are also two tasks in the General Training module: Task 1 requires candidates to write a letter or explain a situation, and Task 2 requires them to write an essay. | 2 | 60 minutes | Variable |
Speaking | The speaking test is divided into three sections. This final section is more abstract and is generally regarded as the most difficult. | Variable | 11-14 minutes | Variable |
It consists of four aspects each with 10 questions.Â
The first two sections deal with scenarios that happen in everyday social situations.Â
Multiple choice, matching, plan/map/diagram labelling, form/note/table/flow-chart/summary completion, and sentence completion are among the question kinds employed.
As they listen, test takers write their responses on the question paper, and at the end of the test, they have 10 minutes to transfer their answers to an answer sheet.
Recording 1 - consists of a dialogue between two people in an everyday social setting.
Recording 2 - a monologue set in a common social environment, such as a speech about local amenities.
Recording 3 - consists of a dialogue between up to four people in an educational or training situation, such as a university instructor and a student discussing an assignment.
Recording 4 - consists of a monologue about an intellectual subject, such as a university lecture.