All You Need to Know About the IELTS Exam Pattern, Syllabus and Test Format
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Preparing for the IELTS exam can feel overwhelming, but understanding the test format, syllabus, and exam pattern is crucial for success. Whether you're planning to study, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country, the IELTS exam assesses your English proficiency across four key areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
In this blog, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide on the pattern of the IELTS exam, a detailed syllabus, and a test format to help you prepare effectively and confidently for the big day.
What is the IELTS Exam Pattern?
The IELTS Exam Pattern includes 4 sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Candidates are assessed on these 4 skills. The IELTS exam is available in 2 types: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
- Those planning to pursue undergraduate or postgraduate degrees in English-speaking countries should take the IELTS Academic test. Before applying, candidates should review the university's eligibility criteria.
- The IELTS General Training test is suitable for those who want to migrate to English-speaking countries or relocate for work-related reasons.
The table below illustrates an overview of each section of the IELTS exam syllabus:
| Section | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | 4 sections, each containing 10 questions. Candidates listen to 4 recordings and answer questions | 30 minutes |
| Reading | 3 sections with various question types. Candidates read 3 passages and answer corresponding questions | 60 minutes |
| Writing | 2 tasks: write a 150-word and a 250-word essay | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | 1:1 interview with an examiner in 3 parts. Candidates answer questions about themselves and express opinions on a given topic | 12 - 14 minutes |
Now that we have a brief overview, let’s deep dive and understand the IELTS paper pattern section-wise in more detail
IELTS Test Format
The IELTS exam comprises 4 sections, each assessing specific skills of the test takers. It's worth noting that while the IELTS Listening and Speaking sections are consistent for both Academic and General exams, there are slight variations in the IELTS format for the Reading and Writing sections.
Let's delve into these differences and understand the IELTS exam syllabus for each of the 4 sections in detail.
1. IELTS Listening Format
The IELTS Listening section consists of 4 parts, each with a single recording and 10 questions, totaling 40 questions. The section lasts for 30 minutes, plus an additional 10 minutes for transferring answers to the answer sheet in the Paper-based IELTS exam only.
Recording Details
- Section 1: 10 questions - A general conversation between two English speakers
- Section 2: 10 questions - A monologue on a general topic
- Section 3: 10 questions - A conversation involving 2-4 people on an academic subject
- Section 4: 10 questions - A monologue on an academic topic
IELTS Exam Syllabus for Listening
- Multiple choice
- Matching
- Plan, map, diagram labeling
- Form, note, table, flowchart, summary completion
- Sentence completion
- Short-answer questions
Each question type is designed to test different aspects of listening skills and comprehension.
Access 100+ IELTS Listening practice tests here: Free IELTS Listening Practice Tests to Improve Your Score
2. IELTS Reading Format
The reading section of the IELTS exam differs between the Academic and General Training versions. Test takers have 60 minutes to answer 40 questions.
| IELTS Reading Pattern | IELTS Test Format Reading: Academic | IELTS Test Format Reading: General |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 3 long texts that range from factual and descriptive to discursive and analytical. | Section 1: Two or three short texts Section 2: Two texts Section 3: One long text |
| Timing | 60 mins | 60 mins |
| No. of Questions | 40 questions | 40 questions |
| Marks | 40 (1 mark for each answer) | 40 (1 mark for each answer) |
| Question Types (IELTS exam structure) | Multiple choices, matching information, matching headings, matching features, matching sentence endings, identifying information, table completion, diagram label completion, note completion, summary completion, and short answer questions. | Filling gaps in passages or tables, matching headings, charts, diagrams, sentence completion, and multiple-choice questions. |
Access the IELTS Reading practice test here: IELTS Reading Practice Tests - Academic and General
3. IELTS Writing Format
The IELTS Writing section varies for Academic and General Training test takers. The exam includes 2 tasks to be completed in 60 minutes. The duration, word limit, and marking criteria remain the same across both the Academic and General Training versions.
However, Task 1 for General Training involves letter writing, while the Academic version involves describing visual data. Task 2 in both versions requires a personal-style essay.
In the below table, we have given the task breakdown for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General exam format
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task | Time | Word Limit | Academic Description | Syllabus and Criteria |
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | 150 words | Write a report analyzing a graph or table | Candidates must present information clearly and accurately by describing data from graphs or charts. |
| Task 2 | 40 minutes | 250 words | Write an essay responding to a situation | Candidates must provide a well-structured essay and discuss a topic related to their field of study. |
In IELTS General test format Writing, here is a table that illustrates the breakdown of tasks
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Task | Time | Word Limit | General Description | Syllabus and Criteria |
| Task 1 | 20 minutes | 150 words | Write a letter | Write a formal, semi-formal, or personal letter |
| Task 2 | 40 minutes | 250 words | Write an essay responding to an argument or point of view | Discuss a broad social issue or point of view |
Access IELTS writing sample answers and more in this blog: IELTS Writing | Academic and General Topics, Sample Questions 2024
4. IELTS Speaking Format
The IELTS Speaking section, conducted as a face-to-face interview, assesses candidates on grammar, accuracy, coherence, fluency, lexical resources, and pronunciation. This section lasts 11-14 minutes and covers general topics.
IELTS Speaking Questions
The speaking section follows the same pattern for both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Test takers complete 3 tasks:
Task 1: General Introduction
- Candidates introduce themselves, discussing topics such as education, home, family, and work.
- Duration: 4-5 minutes
Task 2: Individual Long Turn
- Candidates pick a task card with a topic and speak about it, including preparation time.
- Duration: 3-4 minutes.
Task 3: Two-Way Discussion
- The examiner engages the candidate in a discussion about the topic from Task 2.
- Duration: 4-5 minutes.
These tasks evaluate the candidate's ability to communicate effectively on everyday topics, discuss a given topic, and justify their viewpoints.
Access IELTS speaking samples here: IELTS Speaking - Everything about Speaking Part 1, Part 2, & Part 3
Master IELTS Exam with GetGIS
In conclusion, understanding the intricacies of the IELTS exam pattern is paramount for achieving success. With comprehensive knowledge of its four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—test-takers can effectively strategize their preparation. Remember, with the right guidance and resources, such as those provided by GetGIS for immigration and IELTS services, you can embark on your journey towards excellence in English proficiency and global opportunities.
Limited-time offer : Access a free 10-Day IELTS study plan curated for you
Frequently Asked Questions
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