In order to understand the IELTS Test Pattern deeply, candidates should also know the IELTS Syllabus.
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 60 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, tables, or diagrams 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 Section-wise Syllabus
Writing syllabus
Reading syllabus
Listening syllabus
Speaking syllabus
Writing: Candidates take an 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 no. of questions: 2
Total time: 60 minutes
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 that 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.
Reading: The reading module consists of three texts of general interest dealing with issues that 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.
Total no. of questions: About 40
Total time: 30 minutes
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.
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, labeling a diagram, etc.
Total no. of questions: 40+
Total time: 30 minutes
Sections 1 and 2 are about everyday, 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
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.
